Welcome to the second episode of Chris and Tracy’s conversation with the amazing staff from Living Hope Church in Lenoir, NC. Pastor Keith Gilliam and his servant leaders invite you to listen in as they continue their dialogue is this installation that lasts a little longer than the normal weekly Next Step Leadership Podcasts. They discuss key topics related to leading a congregation together rather than apart, applying biblical principals in a church setting, what has worked well for them through the years, how God has helped them when situations were not simple, and how they continue living out the biblical calling in this hurried and busy world. No, church isn’t just the way it was years ago. No, people aren’t all just alike. But the biblical calling to make disciples is still the same. Churches like Living Hope and ministers like those who serve in this team offer hope during uncertain times. Listen to their love for God and for one another, and you’ll notice that their hope is real, it is living, and it is just what we all need as we lead.

https://www.livinghopelenoir.com/

Each one of the Next Step Leadership Podcasts for the last few years lasts only a little over twenty minutes. Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell know listeners are in a hurry, so they try to provide important information in a brief segment of time. But today’s episode is the first in a two-part conversation with a church staff—and both chats will be about twice the length of time the podcasts normally last. Why? Not just doing something different. But to allow audiences to “listen in” as a church staff talks about how they’ve created a healthy church environment, how they work together and work together well, how they stay true to their biblical purpose, and what lessons they learn from each team player. Remember, this podcast is titled Next Step Leadership for a reason. Discussions like this help all of us find ways to be sure our next steps—whatever the size of our churches and businesses, however many paid or volunteer staff we work with, wherever we are in our expeditions—are our best steps. And we believe that is most likely to happen when we work together rather than alone. The Living Hope Staff and their lead pastor Keith Gilliam welcome you to hear the story of their honor of working together for God.

https://www.livinghopelenoir.com/

In this episode of Next Step Leadership, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell continue their conversation with Pastor Michael Ainsworth. Michael has served in ministry for many years—pastoring local churches and leading in a variety of areas with the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. As you listen to this second conversation for the podcast, you will be able to hear his motives. Those goals and desires are just what is needed in a culture refusing to trust leaders. Pastor Ainsworth has shown that it is not the platform or the performance that make the difference. It is being like Jesus. It is serving like Jesus. It is pastoring like Jesus. It is leading like Jesus. Pastor Michael Ainsworth is making a difference. And he believes we can also.

https://www.nciphc.com

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https://www.youtube.com/@ncciphc

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.

https://www.nciphc.com

https://www.facebook.com/nc.conference.iphc

https://www.instagram.com/nciphc/

https://www.youtube.com/@ncciphc

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