GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges

Latest Episodes:

97 | Legacy Letters: Timeless Principles I Learned, Lived, and Leave Behind - Chris Hodges Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

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, and why eternity shapes everything we do. Whether you're a pastor, leader, or simply wanting to live with greater purpose, this episode is full of practical principles you can apply today.

Episode Resources:

PC's New Book Legacy Letters: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Letters-Timeless-Principles-Learned/dp/1400251427
PC's Big Rocks Sermon: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/big-rocks1

All Things GrowLeader:

Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring
Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive
Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw

Follow along on Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

96 | Legacy Letters - Chapter 1 - Chris Hodges Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

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 Chris unpacks how prioritizing what matters most—faith, family, health, and purpose—can bring clarity, peace, and direction in a chaotic world. Through personal stories, leadership insight, and practical application, this episode will challenge you to rethink your priorities and build your life on what truly lasts.

Whether you're a leader, parent, or simply looking to grow, this episode will help you refocus on what matters most and begin building a legacy that lasts.

Episode Resources:

PC's New Book Legacy Letters: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Letters-Timeless-Principles-Learned/dp/1400251427

All Things GrowLeader:

Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring
Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive
Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw

Follow along on Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

95 | Marriage, Ministry, and Building a Lasting Legacy - Q&A with Tammy Hodges | Chris Hodges Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

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 family quantity time, and allowing each person to live out their unique calling without pressure or comparison. Pastor Chris also shares the heart behind his new book, Legacy Letters, a collection of timeless principles written to leave behind for future generations.

This episode is full of encouragement for pastors, spouses, and leaders who want to build something meaningful without losing what matters most. It's a powerful reminder that great leadership starts with love for God, love for family, and a commitment to live with unity, grace, and intentionality.

Episode Resources:

PC's New Book Legacy Letters: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Letters-Timeless-Principles-Learned/dp/1400251427

All Things GrowLeader:

Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring
Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive
Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw

Follow along on Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

94 | Leadership, Life, and Lessons Learned - Q&A with the GrowLeader Team - Chris Hodges Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

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 striving to grow in their calling.

Whether you're leading a church, a team, or simply investing in your personal development, this episode will challenge and encourage you to lead with greater intentionality and vision.

All Things GrowLeader:

Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring
Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive
Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw

Follow along on Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

93 | David Ashcraft - Lessons From 30+ Years of Ministry - Chris Hodges Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

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: https://www.globalleadership.org/
LCBC Church: https://www.lcbcchurch.com/
The Advantage: https://www.theadvantage.org/

All Things GrowLeader:

Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring
Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive
Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw

Follow along on Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

92 | Mark Pettus - Celebration, Reflection, & Innovation - Chris Hodges Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

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, and increasing responsibility. From building healthy culture to managing focus in a distracted world, this conversation is filled with real-life lessons forged through decades of faithful leadership.

If you're leading a church, organization, or team and want to grow in clarity, consistency, and impact, this episode is packed with leadership gold.

All Things GrowLeader:

Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring
Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive
Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw

Follow along on Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

91 | Fasting for Breakthrough - Chris Hodges Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

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 flesh.

This episode will equip pastors and leaders to teach fasting biblically, practice it healthily, and guide others into deeper spiritual rhythms that bring lasting fruit.

Episode Resources:

21 Days of Prayer: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/

All Things GrowLeader:

Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring
Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive
Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw

Follow along on Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

90 | How to Lead Yourself Before You Lead Others - Chris Hodges Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

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, he explains why clarity comes from review and traction comes from intentional planning.

If you're a pastor, church leader, or organizational leader who wants to grow personally, lead intentionally, and start the year with clarity and purpose, this episode will give you a roadmap to lead yourself well, and lead others better.

Episode Resources:

Pastor Chris's Podcast Notes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R7zq4gKJgtBk3XY9wHpVumubXNexQO1g/view?usp=sharing
21 Days of Prayer: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/
21 Days of Prayer Resources: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
https://youtu.be/RPTUuKGTy3s?si=gJdV1V8zYJbl36Hn
https://youtu.be/x-kdUjOqThA?si=EXUeqPVQ0-rc0Hem
https://youtu.be/8jqXLeB-T38?si=VaeGLszNJvCa54MW
https://youtu.be/-utE_JsuMnY?si=OapCI4YDDjcjpNo9

All Things GrowLeader:

Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring
Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive
Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw

Follow along on Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

89 | Patrick Lencioni - The 6 Types Of Working Genius - Chris Hodges Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

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: Discover Your Gifts and Transform Your Work: https://www.workinggenius.com/

All Things GrowLeader:

Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring
Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive
Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw

Follow along on Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

88 | Chris Tomlin - The King Is Still The King - Chris Hodges Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

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."

Whether you're a pastor, worship leader, or believer who loves worship music, this episode will encourage you and build your faith. The King is still the King and this conversation will remind you why.

Episode Resources: