Chris and Tracy invite you to listen in—and to tell your friends to listen also—to their conversation with Pastor Michael Ainsworth. Michael’s story is one that brings a wonderful blend of information and inspiration. He is a true servant leader. Through his years of ministry, he has guided many people toward the love of God. You will be able to hear that love in Michael’s voice and through his story. You will be reminded of God’s love for each person—whatever their story, whatever their role, whatever their gifts, whatever their needs. Pastor Michael Ainsworth is not just a leader in his denomination. He is an example of how followers of Jesus can lead well in today’s culture.

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In this episode of Next Step Leadership, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell continue their conversation with Mary Rathbone and Christina Carter. In last week’s episode we heard of Christina looking for love in dangerous and damaging places. Hearing her story of mistakes made and family addiction, then a Savior’s love accepted, today’s leaders can learn more about the reality of modern culture. But Mary sets an example of the refusal to do nothing. She learned about the problems. She acted. Mary refused to miss opportunities to truly live the gospel story. Ask yourself how you can help. Ask yourself what you and those around you can do, should do, and must do. Don’t wait any longer. Let the love of Jesus motive us to follow His leadership—Moms Adopting Moms is one example for us. What will we do?

https://momsadoptingmoms.com

https://www.facebook.com/momsadoptingmoms/

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Chris and Tracy know you will enjoy their conversation with Mary Rathbone and Christina Carter. Mary and Christina work for Moms Adopting Moms. They hope to offer ministry and care for moms and their children. The ministry sets an example of what leaders can do in today’s culture. Rather than just knowing about problems and needs, leaders take action. Mary felt drawn to adopt—even though she and her husband were accused of being too old. They went from having one six-year-old to five children six and under. Christina tells her story of addiction. Their stories will challenge you. Welcome the challenge. Foster care is not easy. But the needs are huge. What can be done? What should be done? What can you do to make a difference? Mary’s willingness toward foster care and adoption sets an example for each of us. How will we respond?

https://momsadoptingmoms.com

https://www.facebook.com/momsadoptingmoms/

https://www.instagram.com/momsadoptingmoms/

This is the second episode of Tracy and Chris interviewing Pastor Jonathan Altman. Pastor Jonathan has learned many lessons through his years of ministry. He offers wisdom, ideas, and stories. His heart of kindness will be heard by all those who listen. He loves reading, listening, learning, studying, and caring for people. Churches formerly had pastoral studies; now they have offices. That is one example of how today’s ministers forget the value of studying. What we do should come from who we are. Study and prayer are parts of our development. Jonathan brings a mixture of quality education and pastoral compassion. And speaking of people, it is vital that we seek to become the people God wants us to be and to also have the right people in our lives. We can serve together and not alone, especially as we learn to grieve through life’s struggles.

https://www.spphc.com/staff

In this week’s episode of Next Step Leadership, Chris and Tracy loved their conversation with Pastor Jonathan Altman. You will love it also. Take time to listen in. Think of what parts of Jonathan’s story remind you about your story and the lives of people you know. What thoughts come to your mind as you hear about his parents’ divorce? About him drifting away from God? About dealing with sadness and grief? About surrendering his heart to God? About his calling into the ministry, his time of reluctance to obey that invitation to ministry and his eventual willingness to say yes? About his heart for missions and his obedience into local church leadership? About working through his deep wounds and feeling alone? As you process his story, think about where God has guided you in the past and where He is taking you in the present. Remember God’s love and refuse to attempt to endure life alone.

https://www.spphc.com/staff

Season five is now beginning. Four seasons finished? That is hard to believe. This collection of podcasts includes many episodes of Next Step Leadership. And a fifth season will bring more. Take time to think about what you have learned from Tracy and Chris through their conversations and their interviews with a wide variety of leaders. If you could go back and pick your favorite interviews and episodes, what would you select? Why? What are you doing differently now because of what you heard? Chris and Tracy appreciate you listening and learning, and also you telling others about the podcast. Listen to this episode. Go back and hear some of the old ones again. Or listen for the first time to those you forgot to hear. Learn a few lessons, hear a few stories, take a few notes, and read a few books. Thanks for being a part of the Next Step Leadership family.

https://chrismaxwell.me/

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This week’s Next Step Leadership Podcast includes the second conversation Chris and Tracy enjoy with Jared Anderson and Kelly Wilkerson. Think of the lessons they have learned through years of ministry. Write a list of how you can serve wherever God guides you. Also take time to understand the value and importance of worship for today’s culture. What thoughts from Jared and Kelly speak to you personally? How can you apply their wisdom? What can you help bring to today’s church as it relates to ministry, worship, discipleship, and global outreach? How can we live in the now and the not yet? How can we live in authenticity, not relying on the past or waiting for the future? How can we welcome heaven to earth? How can we be sure our motives are to glorify God? Remember you are invited to worship God and to bring your love for Him to the world. Enjoy your daily bread. Celebrate communion with your Creator.

https://www.1121worship.com/

Tracy and Chris were honored to have a conversation with Kelly Wilkerson and Jared Anderson. In this episode you will learn from the stories of Kelly and Jared. They both have made a positive difference in today’s culture. Listening to their history and how they have gone to where they are now, audiences can remember portions of their own stories. God guides each personal differently, but we can all learn from one another. Decades of experience in worship, in ministry, and now serving at 11:21 Worship give Kelly and Jared many years of knowledge. A worship ministry of World Challenge, 11:21 Worship offers a wonderful opportunity to see how God is changing the world. Do not let yourself get in the way. Trust God. Believe He knows what He is calling you to do. Realize what tends to block you. Move forward and say yes to God's invitation.

https://www.1121worship.com/