News Summary
Chris Hodges, founding pastor of the Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, has announced his transition to focus on Highlands College after over 20 years of leadership. Mark Pettus will step in as the new lead pastor, continuing Hodges’s legacy of empowering future leaders. This change comes amid the church’s significant growth, now reaching approximately 60,000 members across multiple campuses. As Hodges dedicates more of his time to the college, he assures the congregation he will remain involved in church activities, fostering a sense of community amid challenges.
Birmingham, Alabama – A New Chapter Begins at Church of the Highlands
Big news is sweeping through Birmingham as Chris Hodges, the founding pastor of the renowned Church of the Highlands, revealed on February 2, 2025, that he is stepping down from his role as the lead pastor. This is a significant moment for the church community, especially since Hodges started the church with just 400 attendees on February 4, 2001. Fast forward to now, and the congregation has exploded to around 60,000 members across 25 campuses in Alabama and Georgia!
A Long-Thought-Out Transition
The news may come as a surprise to some, but it has been in the works for over two years. This thoughtful transition will see Mark Pettus, who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the church, stepping into the role of new lead pastor. It’s clear that this transition has the full support of the church’s staff elders and leadership, highlighting the seamless nature of this shift.
What’s the reason behind this major life change? Well, Hodges is redirecting his focus toward Highlands College, a thriving institution he founded back in 2011. As Chancellor, he’ll be dedicating more of his time—a whopping 80% of it—to the college, leaving 20% for church-related matters. While some might think stepping back means retirement, nothing could be further from the truth. Hodges has emphasized that he feels more energetic and visionary than ever!
Chris Hodges: Not Going Anywhere
Empowering Future Leaders
Both Hodges and Pettus share a strong vision of empowering future church leaders, making this transition even more significant. Under Pettus’s guidance, Highlands College has grown and flourished, making him a fitting successor to carry on Hodges’s legacy. This marks a new phase not just for the church, but for how leaders are nurtured in the community.
Church Growth and Community Impact
Over the years, Church of the Highlands has become a pillar of the Birmingham community, offering not just spiritual guidance but practical services. Their commitment to reaching beyond just Sundays is evident with live-streamed church services to state prisons, ensuring that their message is accessible to everyone.
Facing Challenges Together
The Future Looks Bright
As the church community prepares for this new chapter, one thing is certain: Birmingham’s beloved church is not going anywhere; just evolving into something wonderfully new.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Why Church of the Highlands Pastor Chris Hodges Left the Top Job
- Christian Post: Church of the Highlands Pastor Chris Hodges Steps Down
- Julie Roys: Founding Pastor Chris Hodges Abruptly Steps Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Megachurch
- Google Search: Chris Hodges Church of the Highlands
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
