Church of the Highlands - Sunday Messages - Audio
Episode: Guard It (February 2, 2025)
Overview
This special episode marks a significant moment in the life of Church of the Highlands. Senior Pastor Chris Hodges announces a major leadership transition: Pastor Mark Pettus will become Lead Pastor, while Pastor Chris steps into the role of Founding Pastor, focusing more on Highlands College and continuing to serve in preaching and leadership. The message centers on what it means to “guard” the founding values of the church as a new season begins, focusing on passing the torch with intention, unity, and faith for the next 25 years.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Announcing the Leadership Transition (00:00–09:41)
- Pastor Chris Hodges opens with the assurance that he isn’t leaving the church or retiring and explains the history leading up to this transition.
- He recounts his partnership with Pastor Mark Pettus, who led Highlands College to accreditation and success.
- The process included counsel from elders (staff, non-staff, and apostolic/overseers), as well as family consensus.
- Quote:
“I’m going nowhere. But today, I am just delighted to announce a transition of roles that is going to take place here in our church.” — Chris Hodges (00:34)
- Recounting blessing and unanimous agreement for the transition among all stakeholders, Pastor Chris introduces Pastor Mark Pettus and his wife Jill as the next Lead Pastors.
2. Emotions and Reflections from Pastor Mark Pettus (09:42–12:29)
- Pastor Mark Pettus expresses deep gratitude and admiration for Pastor Chris’s legacy:
- Shares personal impact of the church on his and Jill’s lives, testifying to life-changing leadership and community.
- Emphasizes continued commitment to the church’s mission and values.
- Quote:
“Jill and I came to this church and we’ve been forever changed. Our marriage has forever changed... Every part of our life, parenting has been marked by your leadership.” — Mark Pettus (10:15)
- Summarizes the mission for the next season:
“More people. Knowing God, finding freedom, discovering purpose and making a difference.” (11:46)
- Affirms love, honor for the congregation, and excitement for the future.
3. Oversight and Blessing — The Relay Race Metaphor (12:32–18:02)
- Pastor Tom Mullins (Overseer) highlights the transition as a “relay race,” emphasizing that both parties are running at “full speed” during the handoff. He commends both leaders and the church’s global impact.
- Shares his academic studies on Highlands College as a model for global church leadership.
- Quote:
“The key about an effective relay is, when you hit the exchange zone, you’re going full speed. Chris and Tammy are at full speed. Mark and Jill, they’ve been hoofing it.” — Tom Mullins (13:41)
- Leads a prayer of dedication and blessing for Mark & Jill and gratitude for Chris & Tammy’s continuing influence.
4. Video Testimonies — The Impact of the Church (18:47–21:13)
- Various members (adults, youth, and families) share stories of transformation, healing, and belonging at Highlands.
- Highlights the importance of small groups, family, and purpose discovery.
- Members share in both English and Spanish, showing the church’s diversity.
- Quotes:
“God has broken me free of shame and guilt and has built a confidence and boldness I never thought I would be able to have.” (19:09)
“This church has done more for our family... both of our kids accepted Jesus as their savior.” (20:39)
“I love my church because it’s home. I found my sense of purpose. I get to make an eternal impact." (20:50)
5. Organizational Updates and Culture of Community (21:16–29:50)
- Pastor Chris shares:
- Water baptism available after each service for the 3,665 saved in January.
- Growth Track membership classes (step 1) begin today.
- Launch of a 13-week small group semester with 5,200+ group options.
- Reminder for upcoming First Wednesday service (“almost a biblical masterclass").
- New series on Song of Solomon starting next Sunday.
- Encouragement for the marriage conference; scholarship opportunities for those in need.
6. The Message: “Guard the Good Deposit” (29:50–41:24)
- Reflects on Paul’s letters to young leaders, especially 2 Timothy 1:13–14:
- “What you have heard from me... keep as the pattern of sound teaching… guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you… guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit.”
- Uses the story of Rodney, Mississippi to illustrate the danger of drift when you don’t “guard” what matters.
- Quote:
“It’s one thing to find something. It’s another thing to keep that thing, right?” — Chris Hodges (29:58)
- Lists four key areas the church must “guard”:
- Passion/Dependence on God
- The church was founded on prayer and fasting, emphasizing dependence on God’s presence and power.
- Quote:
“We are completely incapable of doing anything unless your presence and your power is with us.” (32:33)
- Warns against losing “first love” (Revelation 2), calls for vibrant, expressive worship.
- Pursuit of the Lost
- Recounts personal story of losing a child to highlight how the church must prioritize reaching the “one who is lost.”
- Cites the Great Commission, calls for focus on inviting and serving those far from God (“Do anything short of sin to reach as many as we can”).
- Quote:
“We will never stop searching for lost people because… God never stops searching for us.” (37:30)
- Priority of Relationships
- Clarifies that genuine connection is about attitude, not church size.
- Urges participation in small groups, vulnerability, and pursuit of biblical freedom.
- Shares Elizabeth Smart’s story as a metaphor for how fear can prevent us from stepping into available freedom.
- Quote:
“Freedom is right there, but we have a fear of going toward it.” (39:06)
- Praise and Joyful Spirit
- Joy, laughter, and praise are intentional culture-shapers; the church is known in town as “that happy church.”
- Stresses that the Gospel is good news, not condemnation.
- Uses a lighthearted story about a dad named Albert to reinforce joy in the Christian walk.
- Quote:
“We’re going to choose some joy of the Lord in this place… the oil of joy for that spirit of heaviness" (40:36)
- Passion/Dependence on God
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- “If you loved me as the father, you’re going to love me as a grandfather around here. …Keep calling me PC but it’s going to be Papa Chris now.” — Chris Hodges (06:05)
- “These next 25 years are going to be about more people knowing God, finding freedom, discovering purpose and making a difference.” — Mark Pettus (11:46)
- “The key about an effective relay is, when you hit the exchange zone, you’re going full speed.” — Tom Mullins (13:41)
- “This is my church. Esta es mi iglesia.” — Various Members (20:50–21:01)
- “It’s not a size, it’s an attitude. Don’t ever forget that.” — Chris Hodges, about small groups and community (38:10)
- “We just decided we was going to make it the most life-giving environment here. Jesus said … the gospel is good news. It ain’t bad news.” — Chris Hodges (40:12)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00–09:41: Pastor Chris shares the leadership transition story
- 09:42–12:29: Pastor Mark Pettus responds with gratitude and vision
- 12:32–18:02: Pastor Tom Mullins’ “relay race” blessing and prayer
- 18:47–21:13: Testimonies video: the impact on individual lives
- 21:16–29:50: Community news and highlights
- 29:50–41:24: Main sermon: “Guard the Good Deposit”—four distinctives outlined
- 41:25–44:30+: Closing prayer and call to faith/repentance
Conclusion
This episode is both a turning point and a recommitment: the passing of leadership is intentional, celebrated, and covered in prayer, while the “good deposit” of the church’s core values is to be fiercely guarded—prayerful dependence, pursuit of the lost, authentic relationships, and a spirit of praise and joy. The heart and heritage of Church of the Highlands are not just being maintained—they are being multiplied and given as a legacy for a new generation.
The best is yet to come for Church of the Highlands.