GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges

101 | A Conversation with Rob Hoskins - Chris Hodges | Part 2

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

100 | A Conversation with Rob Hoskins - Chris Hodges | Part 1

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

99 | Lee Domingue - 6 Pillars of Church Health - Chris Hodges

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

Rick Bezet - Rest and Relationships - Chris Hodges

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

98 | Dream Again - Chris Hodges

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