74 | Carey Nieuwhof – Leading through Church Trends
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
Release Date: 04/07/2025
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,...
info_outlineGrowLeader 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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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...
info_outlineGrowLeader 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...
info_outlineGrowLeader 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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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,...
info_outlineGrowLeader 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...
info_outlineGrowLeader 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,...
info_outlineGrowLeader 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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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 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 with new believers, and why confession might be the unexpected key to engaging the next generation. Carey also reflects on lessons from his own leadership transition and offers practical advice for leaders navigating change.
Whether you’re preparing for Easter, building your team, or rethinking how to reach people in 2025, this episode will help you lead with clarity, humility, and a renewed sense of purpose.
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Episode Resources:
- 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PKOHKEqhf4
- Learn more from Carey Nieuwhof: https://careynieuwhof.com/
- Carey's Leadership Podcast: https://careynieuwhof.com/mypodcast/
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All things GrowLeader:
- 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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