Episode 1 — Kathleen Norris

In this opening conversation with acclaimed writer Kathleen Norris, Chris and Tracy welcome one of Chris Maxwell’s all-time favorite authors into the Next Step Leadership studio. Kathleen shares the story behind her vocation—her upbringing, her journey of faith, and the experiences that shaped her distinctive voice as a poet, memoirist, and spiritual writer. The conversation explores the contemplative rhythms that have guided her life, the monastic influences woven through her work, and the deep connections she sees between faith and the ordinary moments of daily existence. Listeners are invited into a reflective, gentle, and profoundly human conversation with one of the most beloved Christian writers of our time. Welcome to the life and words of Kathleen Norris: a journey of faith, writing, and spiritual reflection.

https://www.ivpress.com/Search?q=Kathleen+norris

https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Sue-Sisters-Reflections-Disability/dp/1514011409

Episode 2 — Todd Korpi / AI Goes to Church: Wisdom for a Digital Age

In this insightful and highly practical episode, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell dive with Todd Korpi into the central ideas of his book, AI Goes to Church: Pastoral Wisdom for Artificial Intelligence. Todd unpacks the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations facing today’s church leaders as AI becomes part of everyday life and ministry. He offers grounded, pastoral guidance for how pastors can use AI responsibly, protect their communities, and remain deeply rooted in Christ while leading in an increasingly digital age. This episode is hopeful, actionable, and essential listening for leaders preparing for the future. The practical and pastoral applications for today’s leaders need to be heard.

https://www.toddkorpi.com/

Episode 1 — Todd Korpi / AI Goes to Church: Wisdom for a Digital Age

Learn in this episode about a leader’s journey and why the church must talk about artificial intelligence. Chris and Tracy begin their two-part series with Todd Korpi by exploring his story—his spiritual journey, his ministry path, and the moments that drew him into the world of technology, culture, and pastoral leadership. Todd shares why he believes the Church cannot afford to ignore the influence of artificial intelligence and how pastors can thoughtfully engage emerging technologies without fear. This episode helps set the stage for a broader, needed conversation about the intersection of faith, wisdom, and the digital world shaping the next generation.

https://www.toddkorpi.com/

Episode 2 — Wisdom for the Next Generation with David Richardson

In this second conversation with David Richardson, Tracy and Chris turn toward the lessons learned over a lifetime of faithful ministry. David speaks candidly about endurance, emotional health, humility, and the evolving landscape of pastoral leadership. He offers guidance for young pastors, encouragement for weary leaders, and insights into what truly matters over the long haul. The episode is filled with practical wisdom—simple, soulful reminders that leadership is not performance but discipleship, relationship, and steady obedience to Jesus. This is a hopeful, heart-shaping conversation for leaders at every stage. It offers guidance for lessons we should learn, who we can serve in leadership, and faith for what’s next.

https://www.rphc.net/

https://www.hopewords.org/conference

IPHC Extension Loan Fund - https://www.elfiphc.org/

Episode 1 — The Story Behind the Leader with David Richardson

In the first of two episodes with Pastor David Richardson, Chris and Tracy guide listeners through an intimate and heartfelt conversation about David’s life story. David reflects on the people, places, and experiences that shaped his calling; the joys and heartbreaks of ministry; and how God has used seasons of struggle to form depth, compassion, and resilience in his leadership. This episode is warm, personal, and rich with authenticity—an invitation for leaders to remember where they’ve come from, how far God has carried them, and how their stories continue to shape their influence today. Hear Pastor David's story about faith, formation, and the personal journey of leadership.

https://www.rphc.net/

https://www.hopewords.org/conference

IPHC Extension Loan Fund - https://www.elfiphc.org/

The dialogue continues in Part 2 as Chris and Tracy go deeper with Mary DeMuth into the heart of her work. Together they explore specific themes from her books, each one offering wisdom for today’s leaders—regardless of age, background, or personal story. Mary not only shares lessons from her life and writing, but also highlights the central role of prayer in everything she does. As a writer, literary agent, and gifted storyteller, she invites listeners to engage with her words, join her in prayer, and discover practical insight for living and leading with faith. This episode is a rich reminder that leadership flows out of both story and Spirit.

https://www.marydemuth.com/

https://www.marydemuth.com/bookstore/

In this inspiring first conversation, hosts Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds welcome Mary DeMuth—author, literary agent, podcaster, and storyteller. Chris shares how he first heard Mary speak at a conference, began reading her books, and eventually started communicating with her. Those conversations, along with the impact of her writing, led him to invite Mary to Next Step Leadership. In this episode, Mary tells her story—what shaped her life, how she began writing, and the ways God has guided her leadership through both spoken and written words. Her journey offers today’s leaders practical encouragement: to take their own next steps faithfully and courageously, and to consider how words can shape the lives of those they serve.

https://www.marydemuth.com/

https://www.marydemuth.com/bookstore/

The conversation with Stephen Jones continues as he and the hosts turn their attention more fully to ministry itself. Stephen reflects on his years of leading and mentoring young people, offering practical wisdom for anyone serving the next generation. His insights go beyond strategies, reminding leaders of the importance of caring for themselves spiritually and emotionally while they pour into others. With a balance of passion and humility, Stephen provides a clear picture of what effective leadership can look like in today’s church, and how servant leaders can remain healthy as they guide young people toward Christ.

https://www.ccrdc.org/meet-the-team

https://iphc.org/discipleship/our-team/