GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges

Episode 84: Revival & The Responsibility of the Church
Released: October 7, 2025
Host: Matt (GrowLeader)
Guest: Pastor Chris Hodges (Chancellor, Highlands College; Founding Pastor, Church of the Highlands)

Overview

In this engaging episode, Matt and Pastor Chris Hodges tackle the exciting, timely topic of revival in the American church—particularly among Gen Z. They reflect on recent trends showing a rekindled hunger for faith across secular and Christian communities alike, discuss the hallmarks of true revival, and provide a practical "Pastor's Playbook" for how churches and leaders can prepare for and sustain a move of God. Pastor Chris offers candid insights, balanced wisdom, and practical steps for pastors, reminding listeners that real revival brings societal transformation and must be stewarded well.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Signs of a Spiritual Shift (00:01–04:49)

• Cultural Evidence: Secular media (USA Today, Axios, Vox) and research (Barna) are noting increased openness to Christianity among Gen Z, especially young men.
  • “Even in moments of crisis across our nation … the world is hungry and the church can sense it.” – Matt (00:04)
• Observed Phenomena: Surges in prayer/worship nights, faith stories from unlikely places, college campuses as flashpoints for revival.
• Question Posed: Are these "the first drops of revival"? Are churches ready for what's coming?

2. Defining Revival: Renewal, Awakening, and Beyond (04:50–07:54)

• Pastor Chris’s Perspective: True revival cannot be measured merely by extended services or enthusiastic prayer. Real revival overflows into the streets and transforms society.
  • “I’m not sure we’re in full revival yet. I think we call it the first drops of revival because real revival’s not when church services go longer or we’re enjoying worship more … it has always resulted in it not only happening in the church but spilling out into the streets.” – Chris Hodges (06:36)
• Gen Z’s Surprising Hunger: Contrary to expectations that post-COVID generations would move away from faith, data shows increased spiritual interest—especially among young men.

3. Historical Precedents of Revival (07:55–11:19)

• Role of Young People: Historically, many awakenings began with college students and the young—Princeton, Yale, etc.
• Prayer as Precursor: Sustained, fervent prayer always precedes revival.
  • “You can rarely find revivals where it hadn’t been preceded by people on their face seeking God.” – Chris Hodges (08:41)
• Invitation: Pastors are encouraged to participate in Highlands’ 21 Days of Prayer for spiritual renewal.

4. Practical Steps for Revival Readiness: Pastor's Action Plan (11:20–29:38)

a. Cultivate a Revival Atmosphere (11:20–14:25)

• Prioritize, schedule, and model prayer (corporately and personally).
• Preach with expectancy for God’s power.
  • “Real revival starts in the pulpit before it ever reaches the pew.” – Chris Hodges (13:10)
• Champion holiness, not hype—focus on obedience over emotion.

b. Encourage Personal Renewal for Leaders (14:25–15:51)

• Stay Inspired: Visit other churches or revival “hotspots” to catch the spirit of what God is doing.
  • “A lot of things are caught before they’re actually taught.” – Chris Hodges (15:31)

c. Prepare Church Structures for Growth (15:52–19:57)

• Strengthen discipleship systems and small groups—vital for sustaining new growth.
  • “If your nets aren’t strong, the catch won’t last.” – Chris Hodges (19:42)
• Expand freedom ministries (e.g., recovery, addiction support, inner healing).
• Continually train leaders (staff, volunteers) in anticipation of new people arriving.
• Clarify next steps for newcomers—don’t just “catch fish,” but move them toward belonging, growth, and serving.

d. Set the Organization’s Tone & Vision (19:57–21:10)

• Lead Pastor’s Role: Regularly check in with all ministries and ensure alignment around vision.
  • “It’s not called micromanaging. It’s actually knowing well the condition of your flocks so you can give full attention to your herds.” – Chris Hodges (20:40)
• Pivot teams with clear, inspired direction as needed.

e. Guard the Mission Amidst Momentum (21:10–23:22)

• Stay Mission-focused: Revival must serve the Great Commission (reaching the lost, discipling believers), not become an insular “inward party.”
  • “We glorify the moment so much that now the mission takes a side seat … real revival needs to stay aligned with the Great Commission.” – Chris Hodges (22:15)
• Continuous reminders from the platform keep the focus on evangelism and transformation.

f. Balance Fire & Framework: Structure and Flexibility (23:36–26:47)

• Compare revival to a river needing “two banks:” Fire (Spirit-led moves, unplanned moments) and Framework (structure, order).
  • “We want God to move … but it's not more glorified just because we had to cancel the service … be sensitive to the Spirit without creating chaos.” – Chris Hodges (25:45)
• Allow services to breathe, but maintain orderly practices (1 Corinthians 14 principle).

g. Sustainability: Keep Glory on Jesus (26:47–29:38)

• Avoid letting revival be hijacked by personalities, locations, or branding.
  • “We shouldn’t glorify a particular location … We’ve got to keep all the glory on Jesus.” – Chris Hodges (28:30)
• Testimonies, healthy discipleship pipelines, trained leaders, and constant focus on Christ are the keys to sustained move of God.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the Reality of Revival:
  “Statistically, God’s moving at a rate we haven’t seen in 50 years.” – Chris Hodges (05:16)
• On Gen Z Men Returning to Faith:
  “The studies show that they're some of the hungriest people in our country. And what's so fun … is the prognosticators and the predictors all said the opposite would happen. But the truth is, they got it all wrong. Thank God they got it all wrong. And we have people that are turning to God.” – Chris Hodges (07:27)
• Bold Advice to Leaders:
  “If God isn’t bringing fresh revelation to my mind and heart in just about every three days, then I know something’s wrong.” – Chris Hodges (13:45)
• On Sustainability:
  “You can pray for a harvest, but if your nets aren’t strong, the catch won’t last.” – Chris Hodges (19:42)
• Balancing Spirit & Schedule:
  “Revival isn’t about how long we stay in the building. It’s how deeply God changes us when we leave.” – Chris Hodges (27:01)
• Ultimate Focus:
  “We’ve got to keep all the glory on Jesus.” – Chris Hodges (28:30)

Key Timestamps

• 00:01 – Opening remarks on spiritual hunger and the question of revival
• 04:05 – Secular and Christian sources point to religious resurgence in Gen Z
• 06:36 – Defining “real” revival vs. preliminary signs
• 08:41 – Consistently, revival starts with young people & prayer
• 11:20 – Pastor’s practical action plan for revival readiness
• 13:45 – Pastor Chris’ filter for personal renewal
• 15:31 – Visiting other churches to “catch” what God is doing
• 19:42 – Importance of strong discipleship “nets”
• 22:15 – Warning: Don’t let the mission take a back seat
• 25:45 – Balancing fire and structure in church gatherings
• 27:01 – Revival marked by life change, not service length
• 28:30 – Avoid personality- or place-centric revival; focus on Jesus
• 29:48 – Pastor Chris prays for leaders to steward this season well

Conclusion & Call to Action

Chris Hodges urges church leaders not only to recognize the signs of a spiritual hunger growing across society, especially among the young, but to proactively cultivate readiness—spiritually and organizationally—for whatever God wants to do next. He offers practical pastoral steps, with humility and candor, to help churches not just experience revival, but sustain it and channel its fruit beyond their walls. The episode closes with a passionate prayer for wisdom, protection, and integrity for all leaders navigating this pivotal season.

For more information or to connect further: growleader.com.
Resources mentioned: Barna Gen Z study (linked in show notes). Conference/training dates referenced for church leaders.