When I first heard Pastor Chris Hodges speak years ago, his message truly inspired me. That’s why watching his reputation unravel through these scandals feels both shocking and deeply disappointing.
Pastor Chris Hodges faced controversy over racially insensitive social media activity and later stepped down amid lawsuits tied to ARC leadership disputes.
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Introduction,A Trusted Voice Under Fire:
Pastor Chris Hodges, once hailed as a transformative leader in the American megachurch movement, is now facing a storm of controversy. As the founder of the Church of the Highlands (COTH)—Alabama’s largest congregation—Hodges built a religious empire praised for its outreach, multi-campus growth, and leadership pipeline. But in recent years, cracks in the polished image have become increasingly visible.
From racially sensitive social media controversies and family scandals, to his abrupt resignation amid legal disputes, the saga of Pastor Hodges reflects deeper challenges facing modern evangelical leadership. In this article, we examine the full timeline of the Pastor Chris Hodges scandal—including all the events, lawsuits, leadership changes, and public fallout.
Chris Hodges’ Sudden Resignation in 2025: A Strategic Retreat?
1. Announcement Without Warning:
On February 2, 2025, Chris Hodges shocked his congregation by announcing he would step down as lead pastor of Church of the Highlands, a position he held since founding the church in 2001. The move came suddenly—with no prior public discussion—and was presented as a personal spiritual transition rather than a forced resignation.“This is not a retirement or a farewell,” Hodges stated. “I’m stepping into my next calling—as Chancellor of Highlands College.”
Despite his confident tone, the abruptness of the decision left many uneasy. Hodges said he had only just discussed the idea with his family during the Christmas holidays and informed church staff the week before.
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2. Legal Pressure Looms Behind the Scenes:
Critics argue that the timing was not a coincidence. Stovall Weems, a former ARC (Association of Related Churches) co-founder and plaintiff in a lawsuit involving Chris Hodges, suggested that the sudden exit was tied to intensifying legal scrutiny.
“When a leader of this magnitude announces such a major transition within days of discussing it with staff and family, it raises red flags,” Weems told The Roys Report.
Just weeks earlier, a legal stay was lifted in an ongoing lawsuit, opening the door for depositions and document discovery involving Hodges and other ARC leaders. The proximity of these events paints a picture of a reactive exit rather than a long-term plan.
Racial Controversy in 2020,A Public Apology Amid Social Unrest:
1. Social Media Behavior Sparks Backlash:
In 2020, during the national unrest following the killing of George Floyd, Pastor Hodges faced public backlash for liking several social media posts from conservative figure Charlie Kirk. The posts included:
- A meme mocking white privilege
- A comment referring to COVID-19 as the “China Virus”
- A sarcastic image comparing Donald Trump to civil rights heroes
2. Community Response and School Backlash:
The controversy began when a local teacher, Jasmine Clisby, noticed Hodges’ social activity and shared screenshots online. The posts were interpreted by many as insensitive to racial issues, particularly in the context of nationwide protests for racial justice.
Though Hodges claimed he was unaware of the implications of the posts, several organizations in Birmingham began re-evaluating their relationships with the church, including local public schools where the church had previously held services.
3. Public Apology and Sermon on Racial Injustice:
In response, Hodges delivered an emotional online sermon:
“Any supremacy other than Christ is of the devil. I know people are hurting. I understand. And I am sorry.”
He followed up with a detailed written apology, owning his actions and vowing to learn more about unconscious bias, white privilege, and systemic injustice. The apology was well-received by some but seen as damage control by others.
The Michael Hodges Scandal,A Family Issue Kept Quiet:
Moral Failing and Ministry Removal:
In 2017, another scandal rocked the Church of the Highlands—this time involving Chris Hodges’ son, Michael Hodges. At the time, Michael was the pastor of the church’s Greystone campus, but he was quietly removed from his position due to a “moral failing.”
No public explanation was given, and Michael’s social media presence was erased, as were mentions of him from the church website. The silence led to speculation ranging from infidelity to internal power struggles.
Despite his removal, no disciplinary process was outlined, and no follow-up was ever issued regarding possible restoration to ministry.
The ARC Lawsuits,Allegations of Corruption, Theft, and Racketeering:
1. Who Is Stovall Weems?
Stovall Weems, former pastor of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, filed multiple lawsuits against ARC leaders, including Hodges. The allegations include:
- Theft of church assets
- Racketeering schemes
- Conspiracies to remove church founders
Weems claims that ARC leaders conspired to remove him from his church, steal control of assets, and misappropriate over $1.3 million from affiliated nonprofits.
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2. Legal Momentum Grows in 2025
Following the removal of the court’s stay on discovery, Weems’ legal team issued 10 depositions—some involving ARC figures closely tied to Hodges. As one legal expert noted:
“Even if Hodges is not the direct subject of every case, his name and leadership role make him legally vulnerable.”
Involvement with Robert Morris,Another Layer of Scandal:
Resignation of Overseer Amid Abuse Allegations:
In 2024, another blow hit the Church of the Highlands when Robert Morris, a church overseer and founder of Gateway Church, resigned after abuse allegations surfaced from 40 years prior. Though COTH claimed ignorance of his past, many questioned whether Hodges, a close ally of Morris, knew more than he admitted.
The pattern of oversight failures and questionable leadership decisions further fueled public skepticism about Hodges’ judgment and integrity.
Public Trust and Reputational Decline:
Tarnished Image of a Global Leader:
Before these controversies, Hodges had enjoyed a national reputation as a church-planter, speaker, and leadership mentor. Through Highlands College and ARC, he influenced churches worldwide.
But today, many of his followers feel disillusioned.
- Supporters still highlight his decades of ministry.
- Critics argue that scandals, secrecy, and silence reflect a leadership culture more focused on preservation than transparency.
Chris Hodges Steps Down:
In February 2025, Pastor Chris Hodges abruptly resigned as the head pastor of Church of the Highlands. Critics questioned the timing, particularly since it occurred just days after legal developments in cases concerning the Association of Related Churches (ARC), where Hodges held a crucial leadership role, despite his claims that the move was planned and spiritual in character.
What Happened to Pastor Chris Hodges’ Son David:
There is limited public information about David Hodges, one of Pastor Chris Hodges’ sons. However, the family faced earlier scrutiny in 2017 when another son, Michael Hodges, was removed from his pastoral role due to a moral failing. While David has not been linked to any scandals, questions about the Hodges family’s leadership and public image continue to circulate.
Chris Hodges Net Worth:
As of 2025, Pastor Chris Hodges’ estimated net worth is believed to be between $1 million and $5 million, primarily from his leadership at Church of the Highlands, speaking engagements, book royalties, and his role in Highlands College. While not officially disclosed, his financial influence aligns with that of many megachurch pastors in the U.S.
Pastor Chris Hodges Salary:
While exact figures for Pastor Chris Hodges’ salary have not been publicly released, sources estimate that megachurch pastors of similar stature often earn between $150,000 and $250,000 annually, excluding book deals and external income. With Highlands College and other ventures, his total earnings likely exceed base compensation.
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Frequently Asked Question:
Q1: What is the Pastor Chris Hodges scandal about?
The Pastor Chris Hodges scandal refers to multiple controversies, including his 2025 resignation from Church of the Highlands amid legal pressure, backlash for liking racially insensitive social media posts in 2020, and the quiet removal of his son Michael Hodges from ministry in 2017 due to a moral failing.
Q2: Why did Pastor Chris Hodges step down from Church of the Highlands?
Chris Hodges announced his resignation in February 2025, citing a transition to serve as Chancellor of Highlands College. However, the sudden nature of his decision, paired with ongoing lawsuits connected to the ARC church network, has led many to believe the move was influenced by external legal and reputational pressures.
Q3: What lawsuits are connected to Pastor Chris Hodges?
Stovall Weems, a former co-founder of ARC, has implicated or linked Chris Hodges to lawsuits. Several church leaders are accused of financial malfeasance, conspiracy, and defamation in several court suits. Attempts to seize Weems’ church and nonprofit assets are also alleged.
Q4: Was Pastor Chris Hodges involved in racial controversy?
Indeed. Pastor Hodges came under fire in 2020 for liking racially offensive social media remarks made by conservative Charlie Kirk. He eventually issued a public apology, admitted his ignorance, and pledged to educate himself on unconscious bias and racial injustice.
Q5: What happened to Michael Hodges, Chris Hodges’ son?
Michael Hodges, son of Pastor Chris Hodges, was removed from his role as campus pastor in 2017 due to a “moral failing.” No specific details were released, and his social media accounts were taken offline. The church has since removed most references to him from its platforms.
Q6: How is Pastor Chris Hodges connected to the ARC network?
The Association of Related Churches (ARC), a church planting network that has been embroiled in a number of scandals over the years, was co-founded by Chris Hodges. Hodges has been mentioned either directly or indirectly as a key player in numerous lawsuits involving ARC leaders that allege malfeasance.
Q7: Is Pastor Chris Hodges still involved in ministry?
Yes, though he stepped down as lead pastor of Church of the Highlands, Chris Hodges continues to serve as Chancellor of Highlands College, a ministry training institution connected to the church.
Q8: What is Pastor Chris Hodges’ current role after resignation?
After resigning as lead pastor, Hodges transitioned into the role of Chancellor of Highlands College, where he plans to mentor and train future church leaders.
Q9: How has the Church of the Highlands responded to the scandals?
The Church of the Highlands has largely stayed silent on the lawsuits and controversies involving Pastor Hodges. In the past, the church responded with public apologies during the 2020 social media backlash, but made no formal statements regarding the recent legal matters or abrupt resignation.
Q10: What is the impact of the Pastor Chris Hodges scandal on the Church of the Highlands?
The scandals have led to public scrutiny, loss of trust among some members, and questions about leadership transparency. However, the church remains operational with Mark Pettus stepping in as lead pastor and a shift in organizational structure underway.
Conclusion:
The Pastor Chris Hodges scandal reflects a broader reckoning within modern evangelical leadership—where influence, accountability, and public image collide. Once a revered figure in the American megachurch landscape, Hodges now faces a legacy clouded by social media missteps, legal entanglements, and leadership controversies tied to the ARC network and his own family.Critics contend that silence, secrecy, and abrupt departures generate more concerns than they do answers, while his defenders point to decades of ministry and community effect. Only time will tell if Pastor Hodges restores trust as he moves into a new position at Highlands College or if he continues to serve as a warning against unbridled spiritual authority in a culture that is changing quickly.
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