Podcast appearances and mentions of Chris Maxwell

05-31-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

05-17-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

05-03-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

04-19-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

04-12-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

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.meFaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/PauseWithChrisMaxwellX (Twitter) - https://x.com/CMaxManLinked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-maxwell-5b24b93/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cmaxman/TruePotential Publishers - https://www.truepotentialmedia.com/chris-maxwell/

03-15-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

03-22-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

03-29-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

03-08-2026Rev. 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/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQioy1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyaHlwVWZnb0VDVFBYeDhzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvigkGrFTFu45ngb-zvx3zT2JQamEjNV_75-uH2-4ExjIIFTaaRdt8CZ7j2N_aem_8AFPe0Jn3XsRFoHEacv2XwFaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/chris.maxwell.359/https://chrismaxwell.me/books-2

In this episode, Chris and I explore multi-generational worship, what contentment truly is (and isn't), why we often resist healthy margin, and how to tell the difference between healthy ambition and unhealthy striving—plus much more.Quotes for Notes:“We assume peace is a prize waiting at a finish line that keeps moving.”“If we did not preach okay, can we be okay with that? Knowing that God is with us, He loves us anyway, and He might not be grading and ranking us like we are.”“God calls us to do those things that will only be accomplished by His power and His Presence.”Links:Amazon: http://bit.ly/cmaxmanWebsite:chrismaxwell.meFacebook: facebook.com/PauseWithChrisMaxwellTwitter:@CMaxManInstagram: CMaxMan  Podcast: https://nextstepleadership.buzzsprout.com/

In this episode of the Next Step Leadership Podcast, Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds welcome Trudy Simmons for an honest and hope-filled conversation about leadership, healing, and faith. Trudy shares her powerful personal story—working through past speech challenges and learning disabilities to become a counselor, coach, and communicator serving leaders and ministries around the world.Together, they discuss the importance of safe places and safe people, the dangers of identity confusion and comparison, and what happens when trauma is left unaddressed. This episode offers deep encouragement for leaders who are learning to lead from wholeness rather than hidden wounds. Listen and receive hope, healing, and the courage to lead.https://trudysimmons.com/The Christian View - https://trudysimmons.com/the-christian-view/https://miltoncounseling.com/

In a world that rarely slows down, this episode invites leaders to rediscover the spiritual power of pause. Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds welcome pastor and author April Yamasaki for a reflective conversation about writing, stillness, and spiritual formation.April shares her journey as a writer, how the practice of pausing has shaped her life and ministry, and why intentional stillness is essential for spiritual growth. This episode offers gentle wisdom and practical guidance for leaders longing to listen more deeply, live more attentively, and lead from a place of quiet faithfulness.https://aprilyamasaki.com/

What does faithful pastoring look like in a changing world? In this episode of the Next Step Leadership Podcast, Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds sit down with pastor and writer Travis Lowe for a thoughtful conversation about ministry, leadership, and hope.Travis shares his personal journey into pastoral life, the lessons he's learned through years of serving people, and how the landscape of ministry continues to shift. He also talks about the heart behind the HopeWords Writers Conference and why writing and storytelling matter for pastors and leaders today. This episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope for anyone committed to leading well.IPHC Extension Loan Fund - https://www.facebook.com/iphcelfHopeWords Writers Conference - https://www.hopewords.org/

02-01-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

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

01-18-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

01-11-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

12-21-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

12-28-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

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/

12-14-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

12-10-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

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/

11-23-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

11-16-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

11-30-25Rev. Chris Maxwell

11-09-25Rev. Chris Maxwell

In this heartfelt episode, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell sit down with their longtime friend Stephen Jones, a leader who has dedicated his life to showing God's love to the younger generation. Stephen shares his personal testimony, weaving in stories about his family and the faithfulness of God through their journey. The conversation highlights how his calling has unfolded over the years, leading him into ministry with youth at the local church level, in denominational conference settings, and on the leadership team for IPHC youth. This episode offers both encouragement and perspective on how God shapes leaders through story, family, and faithful service.https://www.ccrdc.org/meet-the-teamhttps://iphc.org/discipleship/our-team/

In the second part of the conversation, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell dive deeper with Dr. John Plake into the urgent cultural questions raised at the end of Part 1. As editor-in-chief of the annual State of the Bible research, John brings clarity to what people really believe in today's society and how those beliefs are shaping the church. More than statistics, his reflections highlight the importance of leaders listening closely to the people they serve. He challenges pastors and Christian leaders to interpret the cultural landscape with wisdom, compassion, and biblical truth—so they can guide others toward spiritual formation in Christ. This episode offers both practical insight and hope for navigating ministry in a complex world.https://www.americanbible.org/the-mission/leadership/https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnplake/https://x.com/johnfplakehttps://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Expatriate-Effectiveness-Competencies-Missionaries/dp/9004313818/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20J9341IW9URP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.f_KlDuBrPkFNli_9v3VeQg.Y9EkCgabou2X_lvJXm64CM1eljM3LExYbic6yOX-JgA&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+plake&qid=1759573391&s=books&sprefix=john+plake%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-1

In this first conversation, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell welcome Dr. John Farquhar Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at the American Bible Society. John begins by sharing his personal journey—more than three decades of ministry as a pastor, missionary, professor, and researcher—and how those experiences shaped his calling to connect research with ministry. Listeners hear about his heart for innovation, discipleship, and equipping leaders to understand how people grow in Christ. The episode closes with a crucial turn: John unpacks current cultural realities and what people today actually believe about life, faith, and Scripture. His insights as editor-in-chief of the annual State of the Bible research offers a wake-up call for leaders seeking to shepherd well in a rapidly changing world.https://www.americanbible.org/the-mission/leadership/https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnplake/https://x.com/johnfplakehttps://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Expatriate-Effectiveness-Competencies-Missionaries/dp/9004313818/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20J9341IW9URP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.f_KlDuBrPkFNli_9v3VeQg.Y9EkCgabou2X_lvJXm64CM1eljM3LExYbic6yOX-JgA&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+plake&qid=1759573391&s=books&sprefix=john+plake%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-1

11-02-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

10-26-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

Most weeks, Next Step Leadership features a guest. But this time, it's just Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell talking together. Their conversation is refreshingly honest—about vocational ministry, about writing books, and about the ongoing purpose behind serving God and people. They share lessons learned and lessons still being learned. Listening to them feels like sitting with two friends who care enough to speak the truth in love. If you've ever needed encouragement to keep serving faithfully, this episode will remind you that you're not alone.https://chrismaxwell.me/Second Chair Leadership - Tracy Reynolds' book

Ben Crisp's story is a reminder of God's presence through every season of life. From experiencing God's touch as a young boy, to his years as a student at Emmanuel University, to graduate school, marriage, parenting, and now pastoring a church in Oklahoma—Ben has seen God's faithfulness at every step. In this first part of the conversation, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell listen as Ben shares how God has shaped his calling and sustained him through both joys and disappointments. His words invite us to reflect on our own journeys and remember: God is with us, too.https://reflection.church/leadershipSermons - https://reflection.church/sermons

10-05-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

09-28-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

09-21-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

09-14-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

Brandon McDaniel brings a story worth hearing. From his younger years, through his time at Emmanuel University, to life with his wife and children, to serving on a church staff, and now leading as a pastor—everyone can learn from his journey. In this conversation, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell begin unpacking the experiences that have shaped Brandon—his faith, his calling, and his desire to invest in others. You'll hear not just information, but inspiration. This first part of the interview will make you lean in closer and reflect on your own story. How does Brandon's story connect with yours? What lessons can you carry forward?https://www.mytc.org/our-team

08-31-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

08-31-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

What if the Kingdom of Heaven wasn't just for eternity—but for today? In this episode, Pastor Chris Maxwell brings the Sermon on the Mount to life, showing us that the Beatitudes are not just ideals to admire but a pattern of Kingdom living now. This message will challenge you to: Live with humility and purity of heart Extend mercy and be a peacemaker Embrace the upside-down, radical call of Jesus

08-17-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

08-10-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

08-03-2025Rev. Chris Maxwell

In the second episode of their conversation with Hal Donaldson, Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds believe the message is just what so many in today's world need to hear. Hal knows about wounds and scars. He knows about death and poverty. He knows about health issues and overworking. He knows about busyness as a drug of choice in this modern culture. But Hal also knows God. He knows God's love deeply and he hopes to share that love to needy people. Through his personal life and now through Convoy of Hope, the world is being changed. Hal's personal story influenced his approach to leadership and humanitarian work, motivating him to dive right into the biggest challenges facing global poverty. Convoy addresses hunger not with ideas, but with action. Hear Hal's heart and you'll understand why. Read his book What Really Matters: How to Care for Yourself and Serve a Hurting World, and his many other books, and let his desire to serve a hurting world become your desire. Reach your community. Be Jesus for those nearby and far away. The world is waiting for Hal, for Convoy of Hope, and for someone like you. Don't leave the needy people alone. https://convoyofhope.org/https://haldonaldson.org/

Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds are glad you decided to join them in this week's episode of Next Step Leadership. As you listen to Pastor Brandon Goff's words, think about where you are in your personal journey and in your ministry. What lessons can you learn from Brandon's guidance? What beliefs do you often neglect? What statements of faith should be more a part of your everyday life? Through teaching, pastoring, and writing, Brandon offers key points so often forgotten in our hurried culture. His voice is needed during these days of questions and confusion. Receive his clarity. Reflect on his conclusions. Realize it isn't enough to memorize a few beliefs and then move on to a new trend or experience. God wants to continue teaching to you and through you, as He has done in Brandon's life and ministry. Believe God is bringing healing to your hurts and is transforming many lives through you. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pastorbgoff/Radiate Church - https://www.radiatechurch.net/Radiate Church Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/radiate-church-podcast/id1390951785

Author and business leader Joel de Jesus tells a story you don't want to miss. Listen to his testimony of difficulties, potential success, obedience to God, conflict, rejection, disaster, and hope. Yes, God places hope in the middle of life's storms. Leaders—and everyone in any role—often assume healing comes when all the external circumstances are resolved, when conflict concludes, when healing comes, when all the needs are met. But that is not biblical. And that is not how things happen. Joel de Jesus tells Chris Maxwell, Tracy Reynolds, and all those listening that becoming "revived" might occur during the journey through a wilderness. His book Revived and Kickin' (Survival to Revival: A Forty Day Journey Through the Wilderness) is the perfect material during today's seasons of uncertainty and disappointment and pain. Welcome his courage and endurance. Receive his hope. Your story isn't over yet. You are being revived during the journey.https://www.amazon.com/Revived-Kickin-Survival-Revival-Wilderness/dp/1960024361