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

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:

• 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 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:

• 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 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:

• 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 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