Megachurch pastor Chris Hodges has announced he is stepping down from his lead ministerial role at the Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama.
“I have some very exciting news to share with you about the future of our church,” Hodges says. “Today I am just delighted to announce a transition of roles that is going to take place here in our church.”
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Hodges says Pastor Mark Pettus will assume the duties as lead pastor of the church. Hodges plans to spend his time and energy focusing on his role as chancellor of Highlands College. As the founding pastor of Church of the Highlands, Hodges says he will always love the church, but wakes up daily seeing the vision for the school. On the flip side, Pettus, who is a leader for the Highlands College, has had an increasing heart for the church.
“I said, ‘I think we need to go through a process here of just exchanging some roles,'” Hodges says. “For the past two years, Pastor Mark and I have talked with each other every week for more than two years now, and we pray together. We’ve actually received counsel from our elders, and then on the outside.”
Hodges says he and Pettus have received counsel from others outside of the church who have been through similar transition processes, as well as meeting with elders to ensure that this change is done correctly. Hodges has also consulted with his family who agree that this move is the right one for him.
“Pastor Mark Pettus will become lead pastor and I’m going to take on a new role in our church. Again, not going anywhere, but I’m going to take on the role as founding pastor. As founding pastor, I’m still going to be speaking.”
Hodges made it clear to the Highlands congregation that he is not retiring, is not burnt out, but simply desires to live out his calling as God created him to.
“This transition of roles is actually going to let me live out my ultimate calling,” he says. “I’ve always felt led to empower other leaders.”
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
