In this opening conversation, Chris and Tracy sit down with pastor, theologian, and author Isaac Serrano to explore his personal story and calling. Isaac reflects on the early influence of a youth pastor who believed in him, entrusted him with responsibility, and helped him grow in faith even when he felt out of place within his surrounding culture. He shares how those formative experiences shaped his desire to create spaces where the next generation can ask honest academic questions, wrestle with real-life issues, and arrive at faithful, biblical conclusions. Together, they discuss leadership, identity, and why so many faithful people experience seasons of spiritual emptiness—even while doing meaningful work.

https://www.isaacserrano.com/

In the final episode, Jon Oliver returns to talk candidly about the inner life of leaders. He joins Chris and Tracy to explore themes of soul care and self-care, especially for those navigating the demands of ministry and leadership.

Jon shares wisdom on sustaining spiritual health, listening to God’s voice, and living with intention. He offers a hopeful vision of leadership as a sacred partnership—reminding listeners that each of us has the opportunity to co-author our lives with God, walking faithfully into what He is writing next.

https://www.nciphc.com/discipleship-ministries

Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-oliver-ba91634a/

In this episode, Chris and Tracy sit down with Jon Oliver for a wide-ranging conversation about calling, leadership, and faithfulness in ministry. Jon shares his personal story and testimony, including the influence of growing up with a father who was a bi-vocational pastor.

They explore the importance of mentors, spiritual guidance, and healthy models of leadership for those serving in ministry today. Jon reflects on his years of ministry, leadership with youth gatherings and Accelerant Youth Convention, and what it means to invest intentionally in the next generation of leaders.

https://www.nciphc.com/discipleship-ministries

Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-oliver-ba91634a/

In their second episode, Jackie and Cheryl Johns continue the conversation by exploring how Scripture shapes leaders from the inside out. They discuss how leaders can approach Scripture with humility, expectation, and openness to the Spirit’s work.

With pastoral warmth and scholarly insight, Jackie and Cheryl remind listeners that the Bible is not only to be studied—but received, as the Holy Spirit forms us through God’s living Word. Chris and Tracy talk with them about Re-enchanting the Text and the need to recover wonder, attentiveness, and spiritual depth in Bible study. Leaders are invited to enter a relationship of learning.

Encountering the Living Word Book - https://www.amazon.com/Encountering-Living-Word-Relational-Inductive/dp/B0DZSSYHFC

Chery Johns - https://united.edu/cheryl-bridges-johns/

Jackie Johns - https://www.cbeinternational.org/person/jackie-david-johns/

In this rich and thoughtful episode, Chris and Tracy welcome Jackie David Johns and Cheryl Bridges Johns for a conversation shaped by years of ministry, scholarship, and spiritual formation. They share their story of serving in both church and academic settings, and why the church needs deeply formed Pentecostal scholars.

The conversation centers on their book Encountering the Living Word, exploring inductive Bible study not just as a method, but as a relational encounter with God. Jackie and Cheryl emphasize that Scripture is best studied as a time of communion—guided by the truth that the Holy Spirit is our teacher. Encountering the Living Word is an invitation for all leaders seeking to make the right steps in their spiritual journey.

Encountering the Living Word Book - https://www.amazon.com/Encountering-Living-Word-Relational-Inductive/dp/B0DZSSYHFC

Chery Johns - https://united.edu/cheryl-bridges-johns/

Jackie Johns - https://www.cbeinternational.org/person/jackie-david-johns/

Continuing their conversation on the new book Contentment: What You’re Searching for Is Already Yours, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell focus on the daily practice of contentment and its role in leadership, relationships, and spiritual growth. Chris offers practical insight into how individuals and groups can cultivate contentment through intentional rhythms, reflection, and community engagement. The episode explores how contentment reshapes leadership posture, reduces comparison, and encourages healthier, more grounded living. Listeners will also hear how Chris recommends using his book personally and in group settings for deeper formation and meaningful discussion. Do not miss this conversation and these invitations to find calm waters in a world of uncertainty.

https://chrismaxwell.me

FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/PauseWithChrisMaxwell

X (Twitter) - https://x.com/CMaxMan

Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-maxwell-5b24b93/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cmaxman/

TruePotential Publishers - https://www.truepotentialmedia.com/chris-maxwell/

In this episode of Next Step Leadership podcast, Tracy Reynolds guides a thoughtful conversation with Chris Maxwell as Chris steps into the guest seat to discuss his newest book, Contentment: What You’re Searching for Is Already Yours. Chris shares personal reflections on calling, restlessness, and the quiet search many leaders carry beneath their responsibilities. Together, they explore what contentment means in today’s fast-paced culture, why faithful leaders often feel unsettled, and how spiritual formation shapes a deeper sense of peace. This conversation invites listeners to move beyond striving and rediscover the presence of contentment already at work in their lives and leadership. Maxwell's 13th book provides a wonderful opportunity for a different type of rewiring the brain. Thinking with contentment adds peace in a world of people feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled.

https://chrismaxwell.me

FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/PauseWithChrisMaxwell

X (Twitter) - https://x.com/CMaxMan

Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-maxwell-5b24b93/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cmaxman/

TruePotential Publishers - https://www.truepotentialmedia.com/chris-maxwell/

In her second conversation, Trudy Simmons continues to speak with wisdom and compassion about the deep hurts she sees in today’s leaders and ministries. Chris and Tracy explore the pressures leaders face, the emotional weight many carry in silence, and the spiritual cost of ignoring pain.

Trudy offers thoughtful insights from her work in counseling and coaching, pointing listeners toward true hope that is rooted in healing, truth, and God’s presence. This episode is a timely reminder that encouragement, care, and honest conversation are not luxuries for leaders—they are necessities. Her words bring true hope in a hurting world.

https://trudysimmons.com/

The Christian View - https://trudysimmons.com/the-christian-view/

https://miltoncounseling.com/