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:

• Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference

• 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

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:

• Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference

• 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

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:

• Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference

• 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

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:

• Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference

• 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

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:

• Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference

• 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

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:

• Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference

• 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

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:

• The King Is Still The King (Apple Music): https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-king-is-still-the-king/1822580562

• The King Is Still The King (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/album/2ieE6Mqwu3aMWflIdIbNkS?si=ZH_W0w2wRHCZCiy05FVruw

• Chris Tomlin's Website: https://christomlin.com/

All Things GrowLeader:

• Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference

• 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

In this powerful episode of the Grow Leader Podcast, Pastor Chris sits down with two remarkable leaders whose lives embody generosity, stewardship, and multi-generational impact: David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High, author, legacy expert, and longtime friend of the Green family.

Together, David and Bill discuss their brand-new book The Legacy Life, a guide to embracing God's design for generational influence. You'll hear David share his family's story of faithfulness, the biblical convictions that shaped Hobby Lobby, and why he believes we own nothing and steward everything. Bill unpacks the mindset shift from ownership to stewardship and explains why legacy is far more than what you leave behind, it's what you set in motion.

Whether you're leading a church, a business, or a family, this episode is filled with wisdom that will challenge and inspire you to build something that outlives your own lifetime.

Episode Resources:

• The Legacy Life: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Life-Leading-Difference-Eternity/dp/1540904806

All Things GrowLeader:

• Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference

• 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

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges and business leader Pastor Lee Domingue sit down for a powerful conversation about the relationship between pastors and business leaders and how that partnership can accelerate the mission of Jesus.

They unpack the biblical model of kings and priests working together, showing how vision and provision unite to advance the Kingdom. Pastor Chris and Lee share practical ways pastors can disciple and affirm business leaders, build trust through transparency and excellence, and create environments where both spiritual and financial gifts thrive.

Whether you're a pastor looking to build stronger relationships with your church's business community, or a marketplace leader wanting to align your work with God's purpose, this episode offers the tools, language, and inspiration to make it happen.

All Things GrowLeader:

• Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference

• 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

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges sits down with financial expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey for a powerful conversation on money, leadership, and building lasting momentum.

Dave unpacks his Momentum Theorem—focused intensity over time, multiplied by God's blessings—and shares how leaders can overcome fear, stay focused, and develop financial systems that create freedom for both individuals and churches. You'll hear practical insights on budgeting, debt, generosity, and how to help people move from being strapped to being free.

Whether you're a pastor, business leader, or simply want to grow in stewardship, this conversation will challenge and equip you with timeless principles to build unstoppable momentum in your life and ministry.

Episode Resources:

• Ramsey Solutions: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/

• EntreLeadership:https://www.ramseysolutions.com/business/entreleadership?srsltid=AfmBOooe1neJpptuijruZ6tSK0G-IkaYA13-OwHHQedMaKWMRVZeR213

• Building a Business You Love: https://store.ramseysolutions.com/business-and-career/books/build-a-business-you-love-by-dave-ramsey/

• Financial Peace University: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/financial-peace

• The Total Money Makeover: ​​https://store.ramseysolutions.com/money/books/the-total-money-makeover-by-dave-ramsey/

All Things GrowLeader:

• Learn More about GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference

• 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

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges and co-host Matt Minor explore what many are calling the first drops of revival spreading across the nation. From college campuses to local churches, there's a rising hunger for God and it's catching the attention of even secular media.

Pastor Chris shares a powerful Pastor's Action Plan to Be Revival Ready—a practical roadmap for leaders to cultivate prayer, strengthen discipleship systems, train leaders, and prepare their churches to hold the harvest God is bringing. Together, they unpack how to balance spiritual fire with healthy structure, keep the focus on Jesus, and ensure revival doesn't just stay in the church but spills into the streets.

Whether you're a pastor, leader, or simply hungry for more of God's presence, this episode will inspire you to pray, prepare, and lead with faith for what's ahead.

Episode Resources:

• 'I think Gen Z is looking for meaning': New data shows Gen Z men returning to church: https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/i-think-gen-z-is-looking-for-meaning-new-data-shows-gen-z-men-returning-to-church?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Not just at Easter: Gen Z is returning to Christianity. Data proves it: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/04/20/easter-church-christian-gen-z-men/83138618007/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Gen Z is finding religion. Why?: https://www.vox.com/religion/410359/gen-z-zoomer-religion-god-faith-politics-trump-pope?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Young women grow less religious than young men: https://www.axios.com/2024/09/28/religion-poll-gen-z-men-women-gap?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Young men are leading a religious resurgence: https://www.axios.com/2025/05/10/religious-young-people-christianity-rise?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• New Barna Data: Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church Attendance: https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/

All Things GrowLeader:

• Learn More about GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference

• 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