97 | Legacy Letters: Timeless Principles I Learned, Lived, and Leave Behind - Chris Hodges
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges goes behind the scenes of his new book, Legacy Letters, sharing the personal story behind why he wrote it and unpacking several of the book’s most powerful principles. From the Big Rocks Principle and Green Grass Principle to the Tribe Principle, Second Chance Principle, and Table Principle, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom for leading yourself well, building strong relationships, and leaving a lasting impact. You’ll also hear Pastor Chris share the heart behind the book’s bonus chapter, You Only Live Twice,...
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96 | Legacy Letters - Chapter 1 - Chris Hodges
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
In this special episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges gives listeners an exclusive first look at his brand-new book, Legacy Letters: Timeless Principles I Learned, Lived, and Leave Behind, releasing April 14. Originally written as a personal collection of life lessons for his grandchildren, this project evolved into a powerful resource for leaders, families, and anyone seeking to live with greater purpose and intention. In this episode, you’ll hear the full audio of the book’s introduction—“the first letter”—along with Chapter 1: The Big Rocks Principle. Pastor...
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95 | Marriage, Ministry, and Building a Lasting Legacy - Q&A with Tammy Hodges | Chris Hodges
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
In Episode 95 of the Grow Leader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges is joined by Tammy Hodges and the GrowLeader team for an honest and heartfelt conversation about marriage, family, ministry, and the principles that build a lasting legacy. Together, they reflect on nearly 40 years of marriage, raising children while planting Church of the Highlands, and the intentional choices that helped them protect unity at home while leading in ministry. The conversation explores practical wisdom for couples and leaders, including the power of second chances, staying connected through every season, giving...
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94 | Leadership, Life, and Lessons Learned - Q&A with the GrowLeader Team - Chris Hodges
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
In this special episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, the tables are turned as Pastor Chris Hodges sits down for an unscripted, rapid-fire interview with members of the GrowLeader team. Instead of teaching, Pastor Chris answers real, unfiltered questions about leadership, personal growth, decision-making, dreams, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From the importance of having a bucket list and staying motivated, to how he handles pressure, develops leaders, and maintains clarity in ministry, this candid conversation offers wisdom and practical insight for pastors, leaders, and anyone...
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93 | David Ashcraft - Lessons From 30+ Years of Ministry - Chris Hodges
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges interviews David Ashcraft, former senior pastor of LCBC Church and President of the Global Leadership Network, about leadership, longevity, and the personal cost of leading well. David shares lessons from decades of ministry, scaling a multi-site church, navigating conflict, and transitioning leadership successfully. A powerful episode for pastors and leaders who want to stay focused, build healthy culture, and lead with resilience over the long haul. Episode Resources: Global Leadership Network: LCBC Church: ...
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92 | Mark Pettus - Celebration, Reflection, & Innovation - Chris Hodges
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,...
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91 | Fasting for Breakthrough - Chris Hodges
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
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...
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90 | How to Lead Yourself Before You Lead Others - Chris Hodges
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
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,...
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89 | Patrick Lencioni - The 6 Types Of Working Genius - Chris Hodges
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
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:...
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88 | Chris Tomlin - The King Is Still The King - Chris Hodges
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
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.”...
info_outlineWhat 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.
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Episode Resources:
- Anniversary Sunday Message: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/02-02-2025
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All things GrowLeader:
- GrowLeader Regional | Miami, FL: https://www.growleader.com/regionals
- NEW GrowLeader One Days: 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
- GrowLeader Roundtables: https://www.growleader.com/roundtables
- Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive
- Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLeaderTeam
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