Interview with Chris Maxwell, Part 1 - Season 6, Episode 15
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In this episode of Next Step Leadership, host Tracy Mills welcomes Chris Maxwell as a guest to discuss his new book, *Contentment: What You're Searching for Is Already Yours*. The conversation centers on the universal struggle of restlessness and the pursuit of external success, even while engaged in meaningful work. Chris shares a pivotal moment during therapy in December 2024 when his counselor delivered the word 'contentment'—a revelation that became the catalyst for his personal transformation and the foundation of his book. He unpacks contentment not as passivity or complacency, but as a deep, intentional peace found in the present moment, rooted in one's relationship with God rather than outcomes, achievements, or cultural metrics of success. Drawing from his decades of pastoral experience, personal health challenges, and observations across generations, Chris emphasizes that contentment is essential for sustainable leadership, spiritual health, and joy. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to embrace contentment as a vital part of their journey, with the book now available for pre-order and purchase.
Contentment is not passive; it's an active choice to find peace in the present season, regardless of external outcomes.
Our culture's obsession with 'what's next' causes us to miss the beauty and value of 'what now'.
True contentment comes from identity in Christ, not from achievement, recognition, or external validation.
Leadership and service are most effective when rooted in God’s presence, not personal performance or applause.
The journey toward contentment begins with recognizing its absence and being open to divine revelation.
Introduction and Role Reversal
Tracy Mills introduces Chris Maxwell as the guest for this episode, reversing their usual roles. She highlights Chris’s 20+ years of service at Emanuel University, his pastoral work, family life, and prolific writing career, including his new book on contentment.
The Catalyst: A Therapist’s Word
“As soon as he said that word contentment, I knew that. I didn't know what all it meant or why it was for me, but what I did know was that that word was for me. It was for me.”
Defining Contentment: What It Is and Isn’t
“We cannot base our peace or our joy on outcomes of our effort. Contentment is choosing to be content with whatever season we find ourselves in as God is calling us to enter new land.”
The Cultural Crisis of 'What Next?'
“We are so obsessed with the what next. We miss the what now. Oh, that's good. And there's so many beautiful what nows like right beside us.”
Contentment in Leadership and Ministry
“Are we doing this for us or for them? Are we doing this for the kingdom or for the applause?”
“We cannot base our peace or our joy on outcomes of our effort. Contentment is choosing to be content with whatever season we find ourselves in as God is calling us to enter new land.”
“This is not our church. I'm not the Savior. These are not our people. This is His kingdom. This is His church. These are His children.”
“As soon as he said that word contentment, I knew that. I didn't know what all it meant or why it was for me, but what I did know was that that word was for me. It was for me.”
Host
Guest
Chris Maxwell
person
Tracy Mills
person
Contentment
book
Next Step Leadership Podcast
media
Emanuel University
organization
Orlando
place
Georgia mountains
place
Tracy Reynolds
person
Amazon
product
chrismaxwell.me
product
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