75 | Levi Lusko – Blessed are the Spiraling
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
What do you do when life feels like it’s spiraling—and how can that moment become the start of something more significant? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Levi Lusko joins Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor for an honest conversation about leadership, creativity, and the hidden opportunities inside seasons of struggle. They unpack what it looks like to lead through midlife, steward influence well, and embrace the shift from stage to sage. Levi shares the story behind his new book Blessed Are the Spiraling, including how a panic attack, personal loss, and burnout...
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74 | Carey Nieuwhof – Leading through Church Trends
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
What trends are shaping the future of the Church—and how should leaders respond with wisdom and courage? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, we sit down with Carey Nieuwhof, leadership expert and longtime voice in the church world, to explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing pastors today. From a fresh wave of Gen Z revival to the sharp decline in evangelism, Carey shares real-time insights backed by research and frontline conversations with church leaders around the world. They discuss what it means to lead in a post-Christian culture, how to build momentum...
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73 | Mark Pettus – Mission in the Middle
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
What does it look like to lead with clarity, humility, and confidence through a leadership transition? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor sit down with Pastor Mark Pettus to talk about the heart behind the recent leadership transition at Church of the Highlands. Pastor Mark shares how calling, confirmation, and clarity guided his journey—alongside a deep honor for what came before. This conversation is packed with practical insights for leaders at every level—whether you’re in a season of transition, preparing for one, or helping others grow...
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72 | Leading through Transition
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
What does a healthy church transition look like? In this episode, Pastor Chris shares the journey of transitioning from Lead Pastor to Founding Pastor at Church of the Highlands. For over two years, Pastors Chris and Mark Pettus, carefully prepared for this moment—ensuring healthy leadership succession, organizational stability, and a clear vision for the future. This conversation is packed with wisdom, practical takeaways, and behind-the-scenes insights for leaders preparing for their own transitions. . . . . Episode Resources: - Anniversary Sunday Message: . . . . All things GrowLeader: -...
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71 | Dudley Delffs – The Art & Process of Writing
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
How can you turn your ideas into a book? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor sit down with Dudley Delffs, a bestselling author, editor, and publishing expert, to discuss the process of writing, publishing, and using books as tools for leadership and ministry. Many leaders feel called to write but don’t know where to start—this conversation breaks down the step-by-step journey from idea to published book. From structuring your message and finding your writing rhythm to deciding between traditional publishing and self-publishing, we cover the key...
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70 | Mark Pettus & Bubba Massey – Reaching & Discipling the Next Generation
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
How can churches effectively reach and disciple the next generation of leaders? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, we sit down with Pastors Mark Pettus and Bubba Massey to dive deep into how churches can build thriving student and college ministries. They discuss the key strategies that help churches engage young people, foster discipleship, and create an irresistible environment for the next generation. From rethinking youth ministry models to leveraging mentorship and discipleship, they break down what’s working today to equip students for a lifetime of faith. The conversation also...
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69 | Models & Mentors
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
Who will you learn from in 2025? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor kick off the year by exploring how leaders can grow through intentional models and mentors. Pastor Chris shares personal stories of how he has applied lessons from others to create systems and strategies that have fueled the success of Church of the Highlands. The discussion dives into the power of learning from other leaders, pursuing mentorship intentionally, and crafting a personal growth plan to stay ahead. Whether you’re leading a church, a business, or simply looking for ways...
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68 | Ed Mylett – The Power of One More
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
How can leaders use their influence to build a legacy that transforms lives and inspires the next generation? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, we’re highlighting a powerful session from the 2024 Impact Leadership Conference at Highlands College featuring Ed Mylett. A renowned speaker, author, and entrepreneur, Ed shares transformative insights on leadership, legacy, and the power of vision. He challenges leaders to embrace their pain as a platform for purpose, cast a God-sized vision that inspires others, and empower the next generation to carry the mission forward. With practical...
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67 | Essential Year-End Questions
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
How can leaders reflect, refocus, and reignite their vision to lead effectively into the new year? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges dives into the importance of reflecting on the past year to identify lessons, celebrate wins, and prepare for the future. He shares seven key questions every leader should ask to evaluate their leadership, align their vision and values, and uncover growth opportunities. This episode offers practical insights on focusing your efforts, empowering your team, and starting the new year with prayer and fasting to invite God’s presence...
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66 | Sammy Rodriguez – Leading in a Complex Culture
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
How can church leaders boldly share God’s truth while inspiring hope and love in a complex world? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor sit down with Pastor Sammy Rodriguez to discuss how leaders can navigate today’s complex cultural landscape. They dive into the challenges of balancing truth and love while engaging with a rapidly changing world. Pastor Sammy shares powerful insights on the role of the Holy Spirit in leading with conviction and grace, and emphasizes the importance of investing in the next generation. The conversation explores how...
info_outlineWho will you learn from in 2025?
In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor kick off the year by exploring how leaders can grow through intentional models and mentors. Pastor Chris shares personal stories of how he has applied lessons from others to create systems and strategies that have fueled the success of Church of the Highlands.
The discussion dives into the power of learning from other leaders, pursuing mentorship intentionally, and crafting a personal growth plan to stay ahead. Whether you’re leading a church, a business, or simply looking for ways to grow, this episode offers practical wisdom to start your year with focus and purpose.
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Episode Resources:
- 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/
- NEW GrowLeader One Days: https://www.growleader.com/onedays
- Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring
. . . .
All things GrowLeader:
- NEW GrowLeader One Days: https://www.growleader.com/onedays
- Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: https://www.growleader.com/conference
- GrowLeader Roundtables: https://www.growleader.com/roundtables
- Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive
- Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring
- Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
- Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLeaderTeam
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