GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges and Matt Minor explore one of the most powerful leadership principles behind long-term success: trusting the process. Drawing inspiration from legendary college football coach Nick Saban, Pastor Chris unpacks the daily disciplines, habits, and leadership decisions that have shaped his own journey of building Church of the Highlands. Through personal stories of his interactions with Coach Saban and lessons from decades of ministry, he reveals why great leadership isn't built on occasional big moments, but on consistently doing the right things, day after day. Pastor Chris also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of Church of the Highlands, including the personal invitations, small groups, leadership gatherings, and everyday decisions that helped lay the foundation for the church's growth. This conversation is a reminder that systems don't reach people, people reach people. The most effective leaders don't simply focus on the results they want to see. They build the daily habits and disciplines that move the mission forward. Whether you're a senior pastor, church planter, ministry leader, or business leader, this episode will challenge you to stop measuring success only by outcomes and start focusing on the daily actions that create lasting impact.   All Things GrowLeader: Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2027: 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 Pastors Levi and Jennie Lusko, founders of Fresh Life Church, for a deeply personal conversation about grief, mental health, marriage, ministry pressure, and finding God's goodness in life's hardest seasons. Drawing from their latest books, Blessed Are the Spiraling and Fresh Mercies Every Day, Levi and Jennie share how walking through unimaginable loss, hidden emotional struggles, and seasons of personal crisis reshaped their understanding of faith, leadership, and what it truly means to be blessed. From the heartbreaking loss of their five-year-old daughter, Lenya, to navigating anxiety, marriage challenges, and the pressure of leading a growing church, the Luskos open up about the struggles that often remain hidden behind successful ministries. Levi and Jennie also share practical lessons about protecting their marriage, changing unsustainable ministry rhythms, and finding the courage to ask for help when they needed it most. This conversation is a powerful reminder that being a healthy leader doesn't mean never struggling, it means learning how to walk through struggle without losing what matters most. Whether you're a pastor navigating ministry pressure, a leader experiencing burnout, or someone walking through grief or uncertainty, this episode will encourage you to find hope in God's faithfulness and remember that your identity is found in who you are in Christ, not what you accomplish for Him.   Episode Resources: Levi Lusko's Website: https://levilusko.com/ Jennie Lusko's Website: https://jennielusko.com/   All Things GrowLeader: Learn More and Join the Waitlist for GrowLeader Conference 2027: 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

How can churches build a healthy culture of generosity without pressuring people to give? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges sits down with Pastor Lee Domingue and Johnny Hodges for an incredibly practical conversation about church finances, biblical stewardship, generosity, and preparing for year-end giving. Fresh off GrowLeader's Church Finances One Day, the team shares some of the foundational principles that have shaped Church of the Highlands' approach to finances, from building healthy financial systems to creating a place for people with the spiritual gift of giving to use that gift for Kingdom impact.  Pastor Chris also shares one of the foundational principles that has shaped Highlands' approach to giving for more than 25 years: don't ask people for money, ask God, and trust Him to speak to people. Instead of creating pressure, leaders can clearly communicate the opportunity, cast vision, and encourage people to simply ask God what He wants them to do.  Whether you're preparing for a year-end offering, developing a generosity ministry, or simply trying to steward your church's resources with greater wisdom, this episode provides practical principles you can begin implementing immediately.   All Things GrowLeader: Learn More and Join the Waitlist for GrowLeader Conference 2027: 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

What if becoming a better leader starts with becoming a healthier, more positive person? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges sits down with bestselling author and leadership expert Jon Gordon, author of The Energy Bus and The Power of Positive Habits, for a practical conversation about positive leadership, healthy culture, personal transformation, and the habits that shape great leaders.  Jon shares his own journey from negativity and personal crisis to discovering the practices that transformed his mindset, marriage, faith, and ultimately his calling. He also pulls from years of working with some of the most successful coaches, professional sports teams, businesses, and organizations in the world to reveal what separates healthy leaders and winning cultures from the rest. Jon reminds leaders that culture isn't simply something you build, it's something you become. If you want a healthier team, stronger culture, and greater impact, the transformation has to begin with you. Whether you're leading a church, business, team, or family, this conversation will challenge you to examine your habits, strengthen your relationships, deepen your faith, and become the kind of leader others want to follow.   Episode Resources: Jon Gordon Website: https://jongordon.com/ The Energy Bus: https://jongordon.com/book/the-energy-bus/ The Power of Positive Habits: https://jongordon.com/book/the-power-of-positive-habits/   All Things GrowLeader: Learn More and Join the Waitlist for GrowLeader Conference 2027: 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

What if the biggest productivity problem on your team isn't effort, but attention? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges and Matt Minor unpack the Productivity Principle and share a practical framework Church of the Highlands is using to help its team reclaim focus, eliminate distractions, and spend more time on the work that actually moves the mission forward. In a world of constant notifications, unnecessary meetings, emails, and digital distractions, leaders can stay busy all day without accomplishing what matters most. Pastor Chris explains why winning back your team's attention isn't simply a productivity issue, it's a leadership and stewardship issue. If your team is working hard but still feels distracted, overwhelmed, or unclear about what winning looks like, this episode provides a practical tool you can implement immediately. Because when leaders create clarity around what matters most, teams can stop simply being busy and start making meaningful progress toward the mission.   All Things GrowLeader: Learn More and Join the Waitlist for GrowLeader Conference 2027: 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 Part 2 of this special conversation, Pastor Chris Hodges and Dr. Rob Hoskins, CEO of OneHope, move from understanding today's culture to answering one critical question: What should the Church do next? Drawing from decades of global ministry, research, and leadership development, Dr. Hoskins shares practical strategies for reaching the next generation, strengthening families, and preparing churches to disciple children and students in an increasingly complex world. The conversation also takes a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most significant leadership transitions in recent church history as Pastor Chris reflects on passing the leadership of Church of the Highlands to Pastor Mark Pettus and the biblical principles that made it possible. Whether you're a senior pastor, youth pastor, children's leader, or ministry volunteer, this conversation offers practical wisdom for building healthy churches, raising strong leaders, and preparing the next generation to carry the gospel forward. Episode Resources: One Hope: https://onehope.net/ 21 Days of Prayer: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/   All Things GrowLeader: Learn More and Join the Waitlist for GrowLeader Conference 2027: 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 milestone 100th episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges welcomes Dr. Rob Hoskins, CEO of OneHope, global strategist, and one of the leading voices on the future of the Church. Drawing from decades of global ministry and research, Dr. Hoskins unpacks what is happening spiritually around the world, why today's cultural shifts shouldn't produce fear, and how pastors can faithfully lead in one of the greatest moments of gospel opportunity in history. This conversation will challenge you to see today's culture not as a crisis to fear, but as a mission field filled with opportunity. If you're a pastor, church leader, or anyone passionate about reaching the next generation, this episode will give you fresh perspective, renewed hope, and practical insight for the days ahead. Episode Resources: One Hope: https://onehope.net/ 21 Days of Prayer: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/   All Things GrowLeader: Learn More and Join the Waitlist for GrowLeader Conference 2027: 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 Pastor Lee Domingue kick off a new ministry season by unpacking the six essential pillars of church health that every pastor and leadership team should focus on. Fresh off a season of rest and preparation, Pastor Chris shares a practical roadmap that distills decades of ministry experience into six foundational areas that consistently produce healthy churches. Whether you're planting a church, leading a staff, or preparing for your next season of growth, this conversation provides actionable wisdom you can begin implementing immediately. No matter the size or season of your church, these six principles provide a practical framework for building a ministry that is healthy, sustainable, and positioned for lasting kingdom impact. Episode Resources: PC's Notes on a High Touch Environment: 1. Love and accept yourself. 2. Express your love openly. Stand at the door and shake hands. Say things like, "I  wish everyone could have the privilege of pastoring you." 3. Put energy into being likeable. 4. Be the first to apologize. 5. Let other people save face. Let them off the hook. 6. Smile a lot. 7. Make all the friends you can. 8. Be transparent and authentic. 9. Lead by example. 10. Be predictable and consistent. 11. Never show your anger in public. 12. Think people not events. 13. Practice the 30/30 principle (the most important part of a service is the 30  minutes before and after the service – spend time with people). 14. Walk slowly through the crowd. 15. Always be a friend to the little man. The popular come and go. Put the little man  on the front row. 16. Return all emails and phone calls within 24 hours. 17. Write notes. 18. Reward faithfulness openly. Take time to do it. 19. Laugh more. Make everything fun. 20. Don't miss significant events (births, weddings, funerals, anniversaries,  graduations, achievements, etc.) They only come around once. 21. Heal the hurt when someone is wounded. 22. Give others credit and accept none. 23. Connect people with other people. 24. Remember names. 25. Focus on their interests. Ask questions. 26. Let them know you need them. 27. Value people. If you don't value them, you will manipulate them. Manipulation  is moving them for your advantage. See them as a person to be loved. 28. Follow the 101% Principle. Find the 1% that you agree on and give it 100% of  your effort. Find common ground. Don't focus on differences. 29. Follow the Golden Rule. In every situation, treat people the way you want to be  treated. 30. Seek out resources to help you grow in your relationship skills   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 Pastor Rick Bezet have an honest conversation about burnout, friendship, counseling, soul care, and the importance of rest in leadership. Together they share personal stories, practical wisdom, and the rhythms that have helped them stay healthy through decades of ministry. Recorded during a season where the GrowLeader team is intentionally focusing on rest and relationships, this deeply personal conversation explores how decades of ministry, leadership pressure, conflict, and personal pain can slowly wear leaders down and what it looks like to recover well. If you're tired, discouraged, emotionally worn down, or simply running too hard for too long, this episode will encourage you to slow down, reconnect with God, and rediscover healthy rhythms for the journey ahead.    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 shares one of the most powerful leadership principles from his book Legacy Letters: the Bucket List Principle and why vision, dreaming, and faith are essential to a healthy, thriving life. Drawing from decades of ministry and leadership, Pastor Chris challenges leaders to move beyond routine, burnout, and survival mode, and step back into God-inspired dreaming. He explains how vision fuels faith, restores passion, and brings clarity to both life and leadership. He unpacks the Bucket List Principle, shares a biblical framework for vision from Habakkuk 2, and challenges leaders to stop drifting and start dreaming again. Whether you're a pastor, business leader, or anyone seeking clarity and direction, this episode will challenge you to dream again, believe again, and step into the future God has for you.   Episode Resources: PC's New Book Legacy Letters: ​​https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Letters-Timeless-Principles-Learned/dp/1400251427   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