Tracy and Chris interviewed Jamie Cain for a previous podcast episode. This week and next week, they offer their fantastic conversations with Jamie’s wife, Kristi Cain. As you hear her story of life and spiritual formation, think about your narrative. Let her journey remind you of key parts of your own adventure. Kristi has been involved academically, pastorally, and in writing and editing. She, Tracy, and Chris have all served in spiritual life at Emmanuel University. Kristi offers positive stories from church upbringing, raising children, personal growth, and finding hope in a world of questions and wounds. She learned much from her parents and from others who have mentored her. Take time to gain truth from Kristi’s story.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bring-me-my-books/id1722072162

Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds continue their conversation with filmmaker, media consultant, speaker, and author Phil Cooke. In this episode, they continue focusing on Cooke’s new book, Church on Trial: How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis. Listen to Phil’s main points and his stories. This is not a simple, easy, humorous novel. He writes from experience about the word most people do not enjoy—crisis. That word “crisis” is not on a leader’s list of goals and dreams. But it can become a reality for all leaders. And, all leaders should learn from Phil to protect a congregation, a mission, and a reputation during difficult circumstances.

https://www.philcooke.com/

Tracy and Chris enjoyed having Phil Cooke in two previous episodes of Next Step Leadership, so they invited him back for more conversations. Phil continues helping churches, ministries, and businesses gain a better grasp of marketing and care in today’s culture. As a filmmaker, media consultant, speaker, and author, Phil brings a vast array of research to guide leaders in planning and application. Phil’s latest book—Church on Trial: How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis—is the perfect fit for this podcast. Listen and learn from Phil’s honesty. Read his book. Apply the guidelines, putting yourself and your team in safer places.

https://www.philcooke.com/

Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds continue their conversation with author and editor Drew Dyck. In this episode, Drew guides the audience through the key points in his book Just Show Up. We often forget the value of that, don't we? We are so success driven, so numbers focused, so outcome addicted. We grade and rank ourselves as leaders based on cultural stat sheets. But Drew offers us a better view. What if our task is to show up, to be, to live, to endure? What if our presence in ministries and in leadership roles matters more than anything our culture would consider as ways to improve our ranking? Hear Drew's stories and his laughter and his guidance. Take notes. Set healthy goals for your own life. And, as you are, remember to just show up.

https://www.drewdyck.com/

Drew Dyck is a wise, creative writer with a wonderful sense of humor. His books and stories reveal those gifts. Tracy and Chris want you to get to know Drew. If you haven't read his books, get your copies and read them. If you haven't heard his stories, please listen to the episodes this week and next week. Drew's story is one many people can relate to. His narratives about church and faith, doubt and disappointments, reading and writing, learning and growing. Drew serves as an acquisitions editor, author, and speaker. He has written a variety of books, including Your Future Self Will Thank You, Yawning at Tigers, Generation X Christian, and his latest, Just Show Up. The Next Step Leaders podcast audience will love this episode. Do not wait and listen later. Hear words of wisdom from Drew Dyck.

https://www.drewdyck.com/

In their second conversation with Steve Amerson, Tracy and Chris talk and listen and laugh again. While many people hear to the news reports and the negativity in today's politics, Steve has gotten to know personally the leaders at Capitol Hill. He listens to their stories. He prays for them and with them. He offers encouragement to them. Television and movie tracks aren't the only parts of his story. Steve has been leading worship twice each month for the last ten years to those in the United States government. His talent is amazing. His heart brings hope. Think about how he is connecting with key leaders and young influencers. What can we learn from Steve? How can we obey God when He takes us places we do not expect to go? How can we be servant leaders influencing today's culture? Isn't impacting people much better than complaining? Isn't it best to use our talents and interests to connect with people who are waiting for someone who will listen to them and pray for them? Let Steve lead us as Christ followers.

Chris and Tracy are glad you could join them in another episode of Next Step Leadership. In this conversation, they talk with Steve Amersonâ a world class vocalist. Steve has been involved in various ministries and music around the world. Twice monthly he travels to Washington DC to lead Word on the Hill, a spiritual encounter for leaders in the United States Government. Steve grew up on a pastor's home and his mother led the children's choirs. He learned many lessons spiritually, musically, and pastorally through his parents and their years of service. He continued his life of learning as he began leading others musically. From his years of education and ministry, and many seasons of letting God guide his decisions, Steve gladly tells his story of being a Christ follower. Listen to his story of singing in huge concerts and conventions. Hear how God continues placing Steve with worldwide decision makers. Think of ways God is working in and through your talent, just as He is singing songs of grace through Steve.

www.thewordonthehill.org

This is the second conversation Tracy and Chris have with Tez Brooks. Tez is an author, life coach, missionary, filmmaker, and servant leader. His story and his wisdom are a perfect fit for Next Step Leadership. Tez brings a new perspective of the word “missionary.” His story offers the podcast’s audience a fresh view of mission work and ministry. For those who feel unqualified, God does His work through various skill sets. The needs are large. The key is willingness to serve. Now as the National Communications Director for a ministry in Australia and through his writing, Tez offers his wisdom to people around the world. His latest book, Adult-o-Nomics: How To Nail It On Your Own, is a collection of 500 short quotes, scriptures, and suggestions for those leaving home for the first time. The book’s insight is ideal for today’s audiences.

https://tezbrooks.com/