Chris Hodges is a pastor, mentor, and author who has dedicated his life to helping people grow in their faith, develop as leaders, and build life-giving communities. He is the Founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, Founding Pastor of Church of the Highlands, Founder of GrowLeader, and Co-Founder of the Association of Related Churches (ARC).

In 2025, after more than two decades of leadership, Chris transitioned the role of Lead Pastor to Mark Pettus, allowing him to focus more on mentoring leaders and investing in the next generation. He continues to serve Highlands as Founding Pastor.


Highlands College – America’s Ministry Leadership University

Chris has always had a heart for equipping young leaders for ministry. In 2011, he founded Highlands College, which has since grown into a fully accredited, academy-model ministry leadership college. Inspired by Luke 2:10, Highlands College is dedicated to developing leaders of competence and character to fulfill the Great Commission.

More than 1,300 graduates have been placed in more than 370 churches and ministries across 38 states and 21 countries.


GrowLeader – Coaching Leaders and Equipping Churches

Understanding the challenges that pastors and church leaders face, Chris created GrowLeader, a coaching network dedicated to training leaders and resourcing churches. Through conferences, roundtables, and leadership coaching, GrowLeader provides practical tools and biblical strategies to help churches grow in a healthy, sustainable way.


Association of Related Churches (ARC) – Church Planting

In 2001, Chris co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) with a group of pastors who shared a heart for starting life-giving churches in communities that need them. Through coaching, support, and relationships, ARC has helped plant over 1,150 churches across the U.S. and trains more than 1,000 church planters annually.


Writing and Teaching

Chris is a bestselling author who is passionate about making biblical truth practical and accessible, and he has written several books to encourage believers in their spiritual growth.

His works include:
• The Daniel Dilemma – standing firm while loving well in a culture of compromise
• Four Cups – understanding the promises of God for every believer
• Out of the Cave – finding hope in the midst of depression
• Pray First – living a life centered on prayer
• What’s Next? – following practical steps for growing in faith
• Fresh Air – experiencing spiritual renewal
• Jesus, The High Road Leader (co-authored with John C. Maxwell) – following leadership lessons from the life of Jesus


Global Leadership and Ministry

Chris has been honored to serve alongside mentors and leaders from around the world. He is involved with organizations such as:
• EQUIP – a leadership organization founded by John C. Maxwell, which has trained millions of leaders worldwide
• Global Teen Challenge – a ministry helping people find freedom from addiction


Personal Life

Chris holds a B.A. in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Masters of Ministry from Southwestern Christian University, and an Honorary Doctorate in Professional Leadership from High Point University.

Originally from Louisiana, Chris spent time pastoring in Colorado before moving to Birmingham, AL, in 2001. He and his wife, Tammy, have five kids and twelve grandchildren.