Level Up: How to Advance in Your Calling and Never Get Stuck by Chris Pace is a powerful, faith-centered guide for anyone seeking to break past spiritual plateaus and step confidently into their God-given destiny. Through twelve practical, biblically inspired chapters, Pace helps readers identify obstacles, leverage opportunities, and develop the spiritual resilience needed for forward momentum.
This blog offers a detailed, chapter-by-chapter summary and review, highlighting the unique insights and encouragement Chris Pace offers—and what message he most wants to leave with his audience.
Introduction: The Heartbeat of “Level Up”
At its core, “Level Up” is about refusing to settle in your spiritual journey. It’s for those who know they’re called to more, yet find themselves stuck or uncertain about the next step. Chris Pace blends his ministry experience with down-to-earth wisdom, offering practical strategies rooted firmly in faith. The reader is repeatedly reminded: God never intended for growth to feel impossible, and your calling is always worth pressing onward.
Chapter 1: Levels
Theme/Focus: Life as a progression of stages
The opening chapter introduces the central idea of levels—distinct stages on your path of purpose. Pace draws parallels to video games but quickly shifts to the deeper truth: in faith, we mature through levels of testing, learning, and breakthrough. He asks: Which “level” are you on in life, and are you willing to keep moving forward when it gets tough?
Key Insights: Recognize what level you’re on and be willing to advance
Chapter 2: Keep Progressing Without Becoming Stuck!
Theme/Focus: Beware stagnation
Here, Pace addresses one of the biggest threats to calling: getting stuck. Whether from fear, disappointment, or comfort, it’s easy to settle in a safe spot and stop pursuing growth. The key, he argues, is intentionality—keeping your mind and heart set on progress, even if it’s just a small step. Pace encourages regular self-reflection to ensure you’re not camped out at a level God meant for you to pass through.
Key Insights: Take intentional, small steps every day
Chapter 3: Next Up
Theme/Focus: Discern next steps
Every level leads to a new one—but how do you discern what’s next? In this chapter, the author urges readers to ask God what “next step” looks like, praying for opportunities and clarity. Sometimes, “next up” is not a change of scenery, but a change of mindset—being faithful where you are while believing for what’s ahead. The journey is continual, not stagnant.
Key Insights: Ask God for clarity; faithfulness leads to opportunity
Chapter 4: Shift from Where You Have Potential to Where You Have Potent!
Theme/Focus: Activate your gifts
Potential means possibility; potency is where potential becomes power in action. Chris Pace motivates readers to recognize where their gifts can be activated and bear real fruit. He lays out how to step from being someone full of latent talent (potential) to living out that talent boldly (potent) for God’s purposes—trusting God to multiply what you offer.
Key Insights: Real power is released when you step out
Chapter 5: Higher Places – Don’t Settle for a Shallow Relationship with God When There Is More!
Theme/Focus: Depth with God
The fifth chapter explores God’s invitation to deeper intimacy. It’s tempting to “settle,” but Pace warns that spiritual shallow waters are quicksand for passion and destiny. Through stories and scriptures, he calls his audience to higher ground—to spend more time in prayer, worship, and study so God can reveal more and more. “Don’t settle when there’s more!” becomes a recurring rally cry for readers.
Key Insights: Never settle for lukewarm faith or shallow relationship
Chapter 6: Make the Shift – It’s Time to Meet God on His Level!
Theme/Focus: Meet God on His level
Progress means “shifting” up. Pace explains that to move to new spiritual levels, we must meet God where He is, not just where we’re comfortable. This chapter unpacks how encounters with God often require surrender, trust, and a willingness to do what’s uncomfortable or sacrificial. It’s about aligning your life with God’s priorities and daring to stretch.
Key Insights: Growth requires discomfort, sacrifice, and alignment with God’s agenda
Chapter 7: Doors, Windows, and Opportunity – A Sudden Good Break Can Change Everything!
Theme/Focus: Recognizing opportunity
Opportunities—God’s “doors and windows”—often appear suddenly. Here, Chris Pace encourages readers to watch for doors God may be opening, even if they appear as setbacks or sudden changes. He teaches discernment: not every open door is from God, but when God provides, you have to be ready to step through in faith. The key is preparation and attentiveness.
Key Insights: A sudden shift can change everything
Chapter 8: Reposition Yourself – When Things Have Changed So Must You!
Theme/Focus: Adapt to change
Life is full of changes—jobs, relationships, environments, seasons. Staying in the same place spiritually or emotionally in a new season can lead to stagnation. Pace urges believers to reposition: adjust attitudes, habits, or even physical environments to keep pace with what God is doing. Resilience and adaptability, rooted in faith, are essential for leveling up.
Key Insights: Change seasons = change strategies
Chapter 9: Leverage Your Level – Preparation Time Is Never Wasted Time
Theme/Focus: Embrace preparation
This chapter stresses that every stage—every level—has value. Use it! Rather than longing for the next thing, leverage where you are. Learn, serve, and prepare with excellence. Pace’s insight: what you gain in the “in between” times is what God uses to promote you to the next assignment. “Preparation time is never wasted time”—sometimes that’s the level’s true purpose.
Key Insights: Invest in current season for future breakthrough
Chapter 10: Up Your Game – It’s What You Do in the Dark That Makes You Shine in the Light
Theme/Focus: Private disciplines
Success in your calling isn’t only shaped by public moments; it’s what you do when no one’s watching. Here, Pace challenges readers regarding “private disciplines”: prayer, character, learning, and obedience. These are the training grounds that prepare you for visible impact. He shares biblical and personal examples of how faithfulness in the unseen leads to public fruitfulness.
Key Insights: Growth often happens in secret, not in spotlight
Chapter 11: A Hand Up – Mentors Will Help Move You from Where You Are to Where You Want to Go
Theme/Focus: Mentorship
Pace emphasizes the importance of mentorship. No one levels up alone. He urges readers to seek out and invest in mentor relationships—those who have walked the road ahead, offering wisdom, encouragement, and accountability. He gives practical advice for finding and engaging with mentors and warns not to neglect this resource, no matter your age or experience.
Key Insights: Relationship is essential for advancement
Chapter 12: New Levels, New Devils – The Higher You Go, the Greater the Resistance You Will Face
Theme/Focus: Spiritual resistance
Advancement brings opposition. The final chapter tackles the reality that greater levels and responsibility often draw greater spiritual warfare and resistance. Pace offers biblical encouragement and practical strategies for perseverance. He concludes by urging persistent prayer: every significant breakthrough is won in the spiritual realm before being seen in the physical.
Key Insights: Higher calling brings greater challenges; prayer is key
Additional Keys: Prayer, Power, Breakthrough, and the Elevator
Throughout “Level Up,” certain themes recur: the power of prayer as the starting point for all growth, the promise of breakthrough when you persevere, and the truth that God sometimes provides a supernatural “elevator” when you’ve done your part—that is, God will suddenly make a way, opening doors you could never open alone.
What Message Does Chris Pace Want to Convey?
Chris Pace’s heart beats for this central message: You are called to constant growth, and “getting stuck” is not your only option. God designed your life as a journey of upward momentum, marked by seasons of preparation, sudden opportunities, and increased spiritual authority. You must take responsibility for your growth—nurturing your spiritual disciplines, embracing mentorship, and remaining adaptable—while depending on God’s power to move to new levels. Ultimately, the difference between stagnant potential and thriving impact hinges on your willingness to keep progressing and refuse to settle.
Pace leaves readers hungry for depth—a faith that’s daring, resilient, and effective. “Level Up” is a roadmap, but also a cheerleader in print, inspiring everyone to advance in their calling with courage, perseverance, and joy.
Final Review: Who Should Read “Level Up”?
This book is ideal for anyone feeling stuck, hungry for more, or passionate about their faith-calling—teenagers, adults, ministry leaders, or professionals. Chris Pace writes with clarity, authenticity, and practical faith, offering encouragement, conviction, and biblical strategy for leveling up in all spheres of life and leadership.
Progress isn’t always linear, and resistance is real—but you’re invited to keep moving, keep asking, and keep trusting God to take you higher. “Level Up” is more than a book; it’s a companion for spiritual growth and lasting impact.
FAQs
Q1: Who should read this book?
Anyone feeling stuck in life, career, or spiritual walk will benefit from this book.
Q2: What makes this book unique?
It blends biblical wisdom with practical life strategies for growth.
Q3: Is this book only for Christians?
While it is rooted in biblical teaching, the principles can inspire anyone seeking growth.
Q4: What is the biggest lesson from the book?
That stagnation is not God’s plan—He calls us to continuous advancement.
Q5: How can I apply this book in daily life?
By committing to prayer, seeking mentorship, embracing change, and acting on opportunities.