Next Step Leadership

Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds continue their conversation with Linda Gunter, of the ministry “Love Him Love Them.” As Chris and Tracy invite their audience to take the right steps of life—they hope we all hear the cries of the hurting, the forgotten, the neglected. Linda and her choir travel to sing and pray for their audiences. Her books offer stories of God doing what seems impossible. “Love Him Love Them” now have vocational schools, churches, orphanages, transition homes, and a hospital to train and help leaders change the world. Her book “Choir of Angels” tells stories of miracles God has done. Her obedience and faith can remind today’s leaders to believe what seems impossible will become realities. Miracles are on the way. Will we obey and do our part?
https://www.lovehimlovethem.org

Linda Gunter is an author, speaker, and a servant leader seeking to change the world. She’s inviting many others to join her in this journey. As leaders of “Love Him Love Them” ministry, Linda and her husband have adopted children from Haiti and continue finding ways to offer help and supplies to forgotten people. She tells her story to Tracy and Chris, including her initial reluctance, hoping the leaders listening will learn from her willingness to obey God and do what seems impossible. What can we do to make a difference? What is holding us back? Will we lead by loving Him and loving them?
https://www.lovehimlovethem.org

Chris and Tracy continue their conversation with Kevin Durham. Kevin’s story connects with so many people. His work and ministry reveal how creative minds and humble hearts are desperately needed in today’s culture. Listen to his story. Consider again the important question, “What is your story?” Think about your own story. How does your story help others know they belong and can believe in the Creator? What is receptive listening? What is the narrative of life? What is your brokenness? Where is your healing? Kevin helps the audience grasp how God can bring victory through fears and insecurities. Listen. Receive. And choose to believe your story is important.
https://thisismystory.org/podcast/
https://thisismystory.org

Kevin Durham is a fascinating communicator, leader, film maker, and story teller. His own life journey has inspired Kevin to help others find their own stories. Tracy and Chris enjoy their conversation with him and believe you will also. Kevin created the film Miracle Matt, and connected to many athletes helping them see the transformation of lives through the love of Jesus. Films and stories open eyes and hearts. Kevin continues asking people, “What is your story?” As you listen to this podcast, realize your story is important. Churches and leaders can lead people into the story of what it really means to follow Jesus. 
https://thisismystory.org/podcast/
https://thisismystory.org

In this episode of Next Step Leadership, Tracy and Chris talk about practical ways to help others find balance in the uneven surfaces of life—while also remembering to apply that themselves. Tracy has used the book Equilibrium to guide church leaders to learn and live the key elements of a better life. The book is available for today’s leaders. The stories and questions and guidelines offer peace during these difficult seasons of life. Rather than being victims of cultural conflict, leaders can choose to balance heathy responses to gain growth and development. Equilibrium brings peace and healing. Do not miss the opportunity to receive the biblical balance in these seasons of life.

In the second segment of their interview with Trés Ward, Tracy and Chris love continuing to hear his story. Leaders are bombarded with gifts and dreams and ideas, and they often unfortunately miss opportunities right beside them to serve others. Trés talks about finding his true life purpose means helping others find theirs. Trying to find what God is doing and how we can be a part of that. Trés asks others, “What is in your hands?” as he offers humble guidance. Leaders can serve well as they help that marriage of occupation and vocation. It is about much more than money and temporary pleasure. It is about serving others as we serve God. It is about not only knowing what we do but why we do that. 

Tracy and Chris interview Trés Ward in this week’s episode of Next Step Leadership. Trés is a wonderful singer, musician, and teacher who has a heart for guiding the younger generation through these uncertain times. He presently serves as Assistant to the President and Director of Ministry Teams at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia. His story is a reminder that what we learn helps prepare us to serve in rolls of leadership we are not always expecting. We should not waste any opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for where God is taking us. Trés leads with humility and compassion, and those traits are obvious as he tells his story. 

Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds usually interview guests. In this episode, they engage in a conversation with each other. They review recent podcasts and invite people to pursue help when situations aren’t easy. How can leaders become better at dealing with sadness, hurt, anger, grief, and uncertainty? How can leaders pause and seek support? What is stopping us from aggressively and appropriately finding the help we need? Who do we have in our lives that truly want to know how we are doing and what they can do to help? Take time to listen to this podcast and also have a friend join you in a conversation after they listen. Make a commitment to be there to help one another. Let us not lead alone. 

In their second interview with Pastor Kevin Bordeaux, Chris and Tracy appreciate the honesty as he tells his story. Many people in leadership are facing difficulties. Life is not always simple. Too many leaders lead in isolation. Kevin offers healthy insight through his experience and his wisdom. Stress, depression, burnout, anger, anxiety, and conflict are portions of today’s stories. How are you dealing with stress? Who are you talking to? Are you getting help? If not, why not? If so, where are you getting help? How is your family effected by your condition? How can you start a mental, emotional, and spiritual journey toward better health? For all leaders, the last few years have been difficult. For all leaders, pressure is real. Listen to Kevin’s thoughts, and learn steps you should take to make your next steps your best steps.

Pastor Kevin Bordeaux talks with Tracy and Chris about pastoral work, family, and leadership. Kevin tells about his life and ministry. His major spiritual transformation reveals a journey of growth and development, and his story reminds leaders how life includes wonderful experiences and also seasons of change. Through his heart and vision for church planting, Kevin planted a church with only a few people. Since that time, he has endured the thrill and uncertainty of pastoral work. Kevin is now serving in a church which is considered successful in today’s culture. But he knows the importance of mentoring, pastoral care, counseling, healthy grief, and teamwork. Learn from his story of gaining wisdom through questions, prayer, listening, guidance from others, and faith. “God is a better leader than I am a follower,” Kevin says. Listen to his story and learn what wise steps of faith you should take.