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/

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/

Continuing the conversation, Jon and Erica Campbell return to share what life and ministry look like now in Los Angeles. Chris and Tracy ask about the realities of serving in a complex city, sustaining hope when progress feels slow, and caring for the soul while meeting constant needs.

Jon and Erica speak honestly about lessons learned, spiritual rhythms that sustain them, and their hopes for the future. This episode offers wisdom and encouragement for leaders serving faithfully in demanding places—and a reminder that God is at work even when the journey feels hard.

Jon & Erika Together - https://www.jonandericatogether.com/

Support Jon & Erika - https://give.iphc.org/project/jon-and-erica-campbell-1

Jon Instagram - @_jon_campbell

Erika Instagram - @_erica_campbell

Church Plant - www.goodnessandlove.org

What happens when God calls you to leave what’s familiar and step into the unknown? In this inspiring episode, Chris and Tracy talk with Jon and Erica Campbell about their journey of faith, obedience, and courage that led them to Los Angeles.

Jon and Erica share their story—the call, the cost, the transition, and the surprises along the way. Together, they reflect on what it means to say “yes” to God even when the path is unclear. This episode will challenge and encourage leaders who sense God inviting them into something new.

Bill Robinson - Incarnate Leadership book - HERE

Jon & Erika Together - https://www.jonandericatogether.com/

Support Jon & Erika - https://give.iphc.org/project/jon-and-erica-campbell-1

Jon Instagram - @_jon_campbell

Erika Instagram - @_erica_campbell

Church Plant - www.goodnessandlove.org