Advertise on podcast: GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges

In Episode 92 of the Grow Leader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges is joined by Pastor Mark Pettus for a timely and insightful conversation on leadership, transition, and long-term impact. Recorded during the 25th anniversary season of Church of the Highlands, this episode reflects on a year of role transition, the importance of celebrating wins, and what it takes to lead with clarity and grace over time. Together, they unpack powerful leadership principles around vision, execution, personal development, and innovation, offering practical wisdom for pastors and leaders navigating growth, change, and increasing responsibility. From building healthy culture to managing focus in a distracted world, this conversation is filled with real-life lessons forged through decades of faithful leadership. If you're leading a church, organization, or team and want to grow in clarity, consistency, and impact, this episode is packed with leadership gold.   All Things GrowLeader: Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges brings biblical clarity to prayer and fasting, explaining why fasting is not a burden but an invitation into deeper spiritual authority and alignment. He unpacks the purpose of fasting, different types of fasts, and five biblical fasts that lead to freedom, restoration, wisdom, spiritual victory, and revival. Pastor Chris explains why Jesus assumed fasting would be a normal part of the Christian life—and how fasting is not about punishment or earning God's favor, but about reordering our lives so the Spirit leads instead of the flesh. This episode will equip pastors and leaders to teach fasting biblically, practice it healthily, and guide others into deeper spiritual rhythms that bring lasting fruit.   Episode Resources: 21 Days of Prayer: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/   All Things GrowLeader: Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

A new year brings a fresh calendar, but for many leaders, it also brings pressure, fatigue, and the fear that this year might just look like the last one. In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges helps leaders reset their lives and leadership so 2026 doesn't become a rerun of 2025. This conversation goes far beyond goal setting. Pastor Chris walks through a powerful, practical framework built on reflection and planning, showing leaders how to work on their lives, not just in them. Drawing from decades of ministry leadership, personal rhythms, and spiritual disciplines, he explains why clarity comes from review and traction comes from intentional planning. If you're a pastor, church leader, or organizational leader who wants to grow personally, lead intentionally, and start the year with clarity and purpose, this episode will give you a roadmap to lead yourself well, and lead others better.   Episode Resources: Pastor Chris's Podcast Notes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R7zq4gKJgtBk3XY9wHpVumubXNexQO1g/view?usp=sharing 21 Days of Prayer: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/ 21 Days of Prayer Resources: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/resources https://youtu.be/RPTUuKGTy3s?si=gJdV1V8zYJbl36Hn https://youtu.be/x-kdUjOqThA?si=EXUeqPVQ0-rc0Hem https://youtu.be/8jqXLeB-T38?si=VaeGLszNJvCa54MW https://youtu.be/-utE_JsuMnY?si=OapCI4YDDjcjpNo9   All Things GrowLeader: Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode of the Grow Leader Podcast, Pastor Chris interviews bestselling author and leadership expert Patrick Lencioni about one of his most powerful tools: The Six Working Geniuses.  Pat explains the six types, how they reveal your God-given wiring, and how understanding them can transform teamwork, communication, and church culture. PC shares his own assessment results, and Pat unpacks how to lean into strengths, reduce frustration, and build a more effective team. A practical, energizing conversation for every leader.   Episode Resources: 6 Types Of Working Genius: Discover Your Gifts and Transform Your Work: https://www.workinggenius.com/   All Things GrowLeader: Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode, Pastor Chris Hodges is joined by worship leader and songwriter Chris Tomlin to talk about his new album The King Is Still the King, recorded in part live at Highlands College. Chris shares the heart behind the project, songwriting stories rooted in Scripture, and why worship matters so deeply in the middle of cultural chaos. You'll hear the inspiration behind songs like "Still the King," "How Good It Is," "He Has Done Great Things," and "Help My Unbelief," plus a special story about partnering with the Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir on "Jesus Saves." Whether you're a pastor, worship leader, or believer who loves worship music, this episode will encourage you and build your faith. The King is still the King and this conversation will remind you why.   Episode Resources: The King Is Still The King (Apple Music): https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-king-is-still-the-king/1822580562 The King Is Still The King (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/album/2ieE6Mqwu3aMWflIdIbNkS?si=ZH_W0w2wRHCZCiy05FVruw Chris Tomlin's Website: https://christomlin.com/   All Things GrowLeader: Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this powerful episode of the Grow Leader Podcast, Pastor Chris sits down with two remarkable leaders whose lives embody generosity, stewardship, and multi-generational impact: David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High, author, legacy expert, and longtime friend of the Green family. Together, David and Bill discuss their brand-new book The Legacy Life, a guide to embracing God's design for generational influence. You'll hear David share his family's story of faithfulness, the biblical convictions that shaped Hobby Lobby, and why he believes we own nothing and steward everything. Bill unpacks the mindset shift from ownership to stewardship and explains why legacy is far more than what you leave behind, it's what you set in motion. Whether you're leading a church, a business, or a family, this episode is filled with wisdom that will challenge and inspire you to build something that outlives your own lifetime.   Episode Resources: The Legacy Life: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Life-Leading-Difference-Eternity/dp/1540904806   All Things GrowLeader: Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges and business leader Pastor Lee Domingue sit down for a powerful conversation about the relationship between pastors and business leaders and how that partnership can accelerate the mission of Jesus. They unpack the biblical model of kings and priests working together, showing how vision and provision unite to advance the Kingdom. Pastor Chris and Lee share practical ways pastors can disciple and affirm business leaders, build trust through transparency and excellence, and create environments where both spiritual and financial gifts thrive. Whether you're a pastor looking to build stronger relationships with your church's business community, or a marketplace leader wanting to align your work with God's purpose, this episode offers the tools, language, and inspiration to make it happen.   All Things GrowLeader: Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges sits down with financial expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey for a powerful conversation on money, leadership, and building lasting momentum. Dave unpacks his Momentum Theorem—focused intensity over time, multiplied by God's blessings—and shares how leaders can overcome fear, stay focused, and develop financial systems that create freedom for both individuals and churches. You'll hear practical insights on budgeting, debt, generosity, and how to help people move from being strapped to being free. Whether you're a pastor, business leader, or simply want to grow in stewardship, this conversation will challenge and equip you with timeless principles to build unstoppable momentum in your life and ministry.   Episode Resources: Ramsey Solutions: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ EntreLeadership:https://www.ramseysolutions.com/business/entreleadership?srsltid=AfmBOooe1neJpptuijruZ6tSK0G-IkaYA13-OwHHQedMaKWMRVZeR213 Building a Business You Love: https://store.ramseysolutions.com/business-and-career/books/build-a-business-you-love-by-dave-ramsey/ Financial Peace University: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/financial-peace The Total Money Makeover: ​​https://store.ramseysolutions.com/money/books/the-total-money-makeover-by-dave-ramsey/   All Things GrowLeader: Learn More about GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges and co-host Matt Minor explore what many are calling the first drops of revival spreading across the nation. From college campuses to local churches, there's a rising hunger for God and it's catching the attention of even secular media. Pastor Chris shares a powerful Pastor's Action Plan to Be Revival Ready—a practical roadmap for leaders to cultivate prayer, strengthen discipleship systems, train leaders, and prepare their churches to hold the harvest God is bringing. Together, they unpack how to balance spiritual fire with healthy structure, keep the focus on Jesus, and ensure revival doesn't just stay in the church but spills into the streets. Whether you're a pastor, leader, or simply hungry for more of God's presence, this episode will inspire you to pray, prepare, and lead with faith for what's ahead. Episode Resources: 'I think Gen Z is looking for meaning': New data shows Gen Z men returning to church: https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/i-think-gen-z-is-looking-for-meaning-new-data-shows-gen-z-men-returning-to-church?utm_source=chatgpt.com Not just at Easter: Gen Z is returning to Christianity. Data proves it: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/04/20/easter-church-christian-gen-z-men/83138618007/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Gen Z is finding religion. Why?: https://www.vox.com/religion/410359/gen-z-zoomer-religion-god-faith-politics-trump-pope?utm_source=chatgpt.com Young women grow less religious than young men: https://www.axios.com/2024/09/28/religion-poll-gen-z-men-women-gap?utm_source=chatgpt.com Young men are leading a religious resurgence: https://www.axios.com/2025/05/10/religious-young-people-christianity-rise?utm_source=chatgpt.com New Barna Data: Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church Attendance: https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/ All Things GrowLeader: Learn More about GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw  Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In part two of this powerful conversation, Pastor Chris Hodges is joined again by Pastors Rich Wilkerson Jr. (VOUS Church, Miami) and Chad Veach (ZOE Church, Los Angeles) to talk about leadership, ministry, and the challenges pastors face today. From practical insights like weekly prayer gatherings and creating micro-communities, to the role of AI in the church, they share how presence, authenticity, and discipleship are shaping the future. The conversation also gets vulnerable as they open up about spiritual warfare, personal struggles, parenting, and the importance of daily rhythms in God's Word. With laughter, honesty, and wisdom, this episode will encourage leaders to stay grounded, keep growing, and embrace the calling God has placed on their lives. Episode Resources: Rich Wilkerson's Mature Me Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@richwilkersonjr Chad Veach's Leadership Lean In Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershipleanin All Things GrowLeader: Learn More about GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw Follow along on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges sits down with two dynamic church builders—Pastor Chad Veach of ZOE Church in Los Angeles and Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. of VOUS Church in Miami. Together, they pull back the curtain on the realities of ministry, sharing practical leadership principles, systems that drive growth, and the heart behind building churches in major cities. From vision and stewardship to prayer, empowerment, and developing the next generation of leaders, this conversation is full of wisdom, laughter, and behind-the-scenes insight. Whether you're a pastor, leader, or simply someone who wants to grow, you'll leave encouraged and equipped with practical takeaways to strengthen your leadership and your church. Stay tuned for part two of this powerful conversation, and in the meantime, check out Pastor Chad's Leadership Lean In podcast and Pastor Rich's Mature Me podcast for more leadership inspiration. Episode Resources: Rich Wilkerson's Mature Me Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@richwilkersonjr Chad Veach's - Leadership Lean In Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershipleanin All Things GrowLeader: Learn More about - GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw Follow along on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges explores the spiritual side of leadership—the unseen battles that impact your life, ministry, and leadership.  Pastor Chris unpacks why some challenges aren't just practical—they're spiritual—and how prayer is your greatest weapon. He shares personal insight like how to recognize spiritual warfare in everyday leadership, use the name of Jesus, the cross, and Scripture to fight back, and finally how to build a culture of prayer in your home, church, or business.   All Things GrowLeader: Bulk order Pray First for Young Readers: https://churchsource.com/products/pray-first-for-young-readers-simple-steps-for-talking-and-listening-to-god?variant=41953943748705 Pray First Book Resources: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/prayfirst/ Highlands Resources: https://resources.churchofthehighlands.com/ Prayer Guide PDF: https://assets.highlands.io/21days/2023/pray-first-guide.pdf Church of the Highlands 21 Days of Prayer: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/ Learn More about GrowLeader OneDays: https://www.growleader.com/onedays Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader   Verse References: 2 Corinthians 4:4 Daniel 10 1 Kings 5:3 Matthew 18:20 Ephesians 6 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 2 Corinthians 11:14  John 10:10  1 Peter 5:8-9 1 John 4:4 Philippians 2:9-10 Luke 10:18 Revelation 12:11 Luke 4 Matthew 4 Romans 8:37 Psalm 27 Philippians 4:19 Psalm 103:3 2 Corinthians 3:6 Psalm 121 James 4:7-8 1 John 1:9 Lamentations 3:22-23 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 Ephesians 4:26-27 Ephesians 5 John 8:44 John 8:31-32

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Matt Minor sits down with Pastor Dino Rizzo to explore the heart behind outreach and how simple acts of kindness can lead to lasting spiritual impact. Pastor Dino shares his personal story of coming to faith through a single act of generosity and unpacks how that moment shaped his life and ministry. They dive into the global impact of Serve Day, the importance of creating a culture of serving—not just events—and how to start making a difference with the resources you already have. Whether you're a church leader, small group member, or someone passionate about community transformation, this conversation will equip and inspire you to see your city with fresh eyes and serve it with intentional love.   All Things GrowLeader: Serve Towel: https://c7x14.share.hsforms.com/22VOb_9YLQ1OhL96Uq9M--Q Serve Day Website: https://www.serveday.com/ Servolution Website: https://www.servolution.org/ Learn More About GrowLeader Partners like Convoy of Hope: https://www.growleader.com/partners Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges shares insights on his upcoming book Legacy Letters, a collection of life principles framed as heartfelt letters to future generations. The podcast delves into leadership development, the power of corporate prayer, and what growing churches are doing differently in 2025—from prioritizing spiritual transformation over attraction to building authentic community and cultivating culture through purpose-driven systems.   All Things GrowLeader: Bulk order Pray First for Young Readers: https://churchsource.com/products/pray-first-for-young-readers-simple-steps-for-talking-and-listening-to-god?variant=41953943748705 Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Pastor Chris's Do More of This and Less of This:   Assume people are hungry > Assume people are skeptical  Feed them – engage their spiritual questions > entertaining them Make space for worship, prayer, and spiritual response > Keep services safe and short Designed for discipleship and life change > Designed for casual attenders Give people what they need > Give people what they want Encounter with God > Entertain the crowd Have room for the unplanned > Package everything perfectly Rely on anointing > Rely on talent Focus on spiritual value > Focus on production value Cultivate authenticity > Cultivate stage performance Prioritize presence, truth and transformation > Prioritize fun and novelty Preach and teach the Bible with conviction > Teach principles only Being bold (without being weird) > avoiding intensity Call people to surrender and commitment > Send them on their way full Make it all about Jesus > Make it all about us   Pastor Chris's 12 Metrics of Discipleship:   Know God Committed your life to Christ and water baptized Know how to read the Bible and enjoy it Know how to pray and worship and enjoy it Find Freedom Healthy relationships and in a small group Honest about your struggles Allowing the work of the Holy Spirit in your life Discover Purpose Committed to a local church and connecting with the Body of Christ Discovered spiritual gifts A personal growth plan and growing daily. Make a Difference Regularly serving God by serving others on the Dream Team Sharing your faith Faithful in the tithe and generous beyond that   Follow along on Socials:    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode of the Grow Leader Podcast, Pastor Chris welcomes health innovator Clint Phillips to discuss the vital link between leadership and personal wellness. Clint shares his journey from a tough upbringing in South Africa to founding healthcare platforms like SecondMD and Medici. Inspired by his daughter's stroke, Clint built solutions that connect people to top medical experts virtually, emphasizing the importance of early prevention and access to quality care—especially for pastors who often overlook their own health. Clint offers actionable health advice, including exercise, better sleep, and nutrition, while introducing the Dr. Gabi app, which uses AI to assess health risks through facial scans. He stresses that leaders must care for their bodies as part of their calling, urging listeners to make small, consistent changes now for long-term vitality and impact.   Episode Resources:  Medici Website: https://medi.ci/ Medici Life Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mediciislife/?igsh=eGZwcDhjcjF2enI5 Dr. Gabi App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-gabi/id6483934652 Dr Gabi 25% off Promo Code: GrowLeader25 Clint Phillips Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clintongphillips/?igsh=MTBvenM4M2l5bTg4dQ%3D%3D   All Things GrowLeader: Learn More and Join the Waitlist for GrowLeader Conference 2025: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader