The Church of the Highlands’ founding pastor, Chris Hodges, is retiring as head pastor after 24 years to focus on the Highlands College.
Hodges’ announcement came days before the church’s 24th anniversary. The church was founded on Feb. 4, 2001. What started with a core group of a handful of people has transformed into the largest multi-campus non-denominational church in the state and one of the biggest in the nation.
According to Outreach 100, an organization that tracks churches based on the size and rate of expansion, the Church of the Highlands was the second-largest participating church in the nation, with a weekly attendance of 60,000.
Hodges made his announcement during a Sunday morning anniversary service before delivering his message. He announced that Mark Pettus would be the church's new senior pastor, while Hodges remains the church’s founding pastor and focuses on his role as Chancellor of Highlands College.
Hodges said the leadership transition came after Pettus, who serves as Highlands College president, began to have more “vision for the church” while Hodges’ vision had become more focused on the college. Pettus will step down as the college’s president as he transitions to his new role.
“I am not retiring,” Hodges said. “I don’t plan on retiring any time. As long as God gives me breath in my lungs, I’m gonna serve Jesus. No rocking chairs and golf in my future.”
He continued, “If you’ve loved me as a father, you’re going to love me as a grandfather around here. You know they call ‘PC’ for Pastor Chris. Well, keep calling my PC, but it’s going to Poppa Chris now, everybody. Alright?”
After asking Pettus and his wife to the stage, Hodges painted a bright picture of the church’s future under the shifted leadership.
“I am so proud of y’all in every way,” Hodges said. “I have the greatest belief in you, and I just know great things are ahead. I already heard what God has in you here, and I’m excited about it. This church does need to be led by a younger generation. And I believe you’re the man with all my heart. In fact, I don’t even believe it; I know you’re the man.”
Pettus took the mic to reciprocate Hodges’s confidence and love, offering the
“Thank God for an amazing church and thank God for an amazing pastor,” Pettus said. “And, PC, you are that to me: now and forever, my pastor. And I love you. We could pass the mic around at every location, we would be here for weeks, all sharing the stories of what God has done in us through your leadership.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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