Church of the Highlands Founding Pastor Chris Hodges Stepping Down

Hodges will shift his attention to being chancellor of Highlands College

The founding pastor of Church of the Highlands, Chris Hodges, announced Sunday that he is stepping down as lead pastor.

Chris Hodges announces he is stepping down as lead pastor / Video screenshot

Hodges planted Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2001, and has seen explosive growth in its 24 years. According to Outreach 100, about 60,000 congregants attend the worship services on a given weekend, making it the second largest church in the nation in attendance.

Hodges made his announcement Sunday (Feb. 2), the same day the church celebrated its 24th anniversary. “I’m happy to announce that Pastor Mark Pettus will step into the role of lead pastor, and I will take on the role as founding pastor.” Hodges clarified that he is not leaving the church and will continue to preach during Sunday services through at least Easter.

“This new role as founding pastor is actually going to allow me to increase my efforts over at Highlands College as chancellor,” Hodges said. “Right now it has been about 80% church and 20% school—and, honestly, I have so many things that I want to do that require that to flip.”

Hodges said he’s not retiring, and he’s not burned out.

“This transition in roles is going to allow me to live out my ultimate calling…I have always felt led to empower other leaders. I see the church that way. That’s why we started Highlands College,” he said.

Hodges and Pettus said they have been praying and planning towards this role shift for the last two years.

Pettus has been on church staff at Church of the Highlands for 20 years.

“I’m so proud of y’all,” Hodges said of Pettus and his wife Jill on Sunday. “I have the greatest belief in you and I just know great things are ahead. This church does need to be led by a younger generation and I believe you’re the man with all my heart.”

TO OUR READERS: Do you have a story idea, or do you want to give us feedback about this or any other story? Please email us: [email protected]

Access to MinistryWatch content is free.  However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts.  To make a donation, click here.