Podcast
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
Hosted by Chris Hodges · EN
The GrowLeader podcast brings you thought-provoking inspiration along with practical insights and tips that will help you grow as the leader you are called to be.
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
70 | Mark Pettus & Bubba Massey – Reaching & Discipling the Next Generation
Feb 3, 202500:29:56Summary readyHow can churches effectively reach and disciple the next generation of leaders? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, we sit down with Pastors Mark Pettus and Bubba Massey to dive deep into how churches can build thriving student and college ministries. They discuss the key strategies that help churches engage young people, foster discipleship, and create an irresistible environment for the next generation. From rethinking youth ministry models to leveraging mentorship and discipleship, they break down what’s working today to equip students for a lifetime of faith. The conversation also explores the power of calling young leaders into ministry, building strong church cultures for students, and the rising hunger among young people for deeper spiritual engagement. If you’re a pastor or church leader looking to strengthen your student and college ministries, this episode is packed with actionable insights and practical takeaways that will help you create a movement that transforms lives and builds lasting church growth. If you want to learn more, we would love to invite you to our upcoming GrowLeader One Day all about reaching and discipling students. You can learn more and register for this special one-day event here: https://www.growleader.com/onedays . . . . Episode Resources: - GrowLeader Regional | Miami, FL: https://www.growleader.com/regionals - NEW GrowLeader One Days: https://www.growleader.com/onedays - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: https://www.growleader.com/conference . . . . All things GrowLeader: - GrowLeader Roundtables: https://www.growleader.com/roundtables - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring - Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources - Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLeaderTeam . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: https://www.wifonline.com/growleader - OneHope: https://onehope.net/growleader - StudioC: https://www.thestudioc.org/growleader
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69 | Models & Mentors
Jan 6, 202500:32:29Summary readyWho will you learn from in 2025? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor kick off the year by exploring how leaders can grow through intentional models and mentors. Pastor Chris shares personal stories of how he has applied lessons from others to create systems and strategies that have fueled the success of Church of the Highlands. The discussion dives into the power of learning from other leaders, pursuing mentorship intentionally, and crafting a personal growth plan to stay ahead. Whether you’re leading a church, a business, or simply looking for ways to grow, this episode offers practical wisdom to start your year with focus and purpose. . . . . Episode Resources: - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/ - NEW GrowLeader One Days: https://www.growleader.com/onedays - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring . . . . All things GrowLeader: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: https://www.growleader.com/onedays - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: https://www.growleader.com/conference - GrowLeader Roundtables: https://www.growleader.com/roundtables - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring - Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources - Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLeaderTeam . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: https://www.wifonline.com/growleader - OneHope: https://onehope.net/growleader - StudioC: https://www.thestudioc.org/growleader
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68 | Ed Mylett – The Power of One More
Dec 16, 202400:51:35Summary readyHow can leaders use their influence to build a legacy that transforms lives and inspires the next generation? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, we’re highlighting a powerful session from the 2024 Impact Leadership Conference at Highlands College featuring Ed Mylett. A renowned speaker, author, and entrepreneur, Ed shares transformative insights on leadership, legacy, and the power of vision. He challenges leaders to embrace their pain as a platform for purpose, cast a God-sized vision that inspires others, and empower the next generation to carry the mission forward. With practical advice and inspirational stories, this episode will equip you to lead with conviction, create lasting impact, and build a life that leaves a meaningful legacy. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More | Ed Mylett: https://www.edmylett.com/ - Impact Leadership Conference 2025: https://www.research.net/r/ILC25CTA . . . . All things GrowLeader: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: https://www.growleader.com/onedays - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: https://www.growleader.com/conference - GrowLeader Roundtables: https://www.growleader.com/roundtables - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring - Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources - Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLeaderTeam . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: https://www.wifonline.com/growleader - OneHope: https://onehope.net/growleader - StudioC: https://www.thestudioc.org/growleader
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67 | Essential Year-End Questions
Dec 2, 202400:33:34Summary readyHow can leaders reflect, refocus, and reignite their vision to lead effectively into the new year? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges dives into the importance of reflecting on the past year to identify lessons, celebrate wins, and prepare for the future. He shares seven key questions every leader should ask to evaluate their leadership, align their vision and values, and uncover growth opportunities. This episode offers practical insights on focusing your efforts, empowering your team, and starting the new year with prayer and fasting to invite God’s presence into your plans. Whether you’re looking to grow personally or lead your organization more effectively, these strategies will help you build momentum and make a lasting impact. . . . . Episode Resources: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: https://www.growleader.com/onedays - Watch last year's December episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE4dNktIj30 - See Church of the Highlands Values: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/about - Pray First Resources: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/prayfirst/ . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: https://www.growleader.com/conference - GrowLeader Roundtables: https://www.growleader.com/roundtables - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring - Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources - Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLeaderTeam . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: https://www.wifonline.com/growleader - OneHope: https://onehope.net/growleader - StudioC: https://www.thestudioc.org/growleader . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:12 - Reflecting on the Past 07:17 - Evaluating Vision and Values 30:37 - Preparing for the New Year | Prayer and Fasting 32:20 - Thank You, Partners!
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66 | Sammy Rodriguez – Leading in a Complex Culture
Nov 18, 202400:29:16Summary readyHow can church leaders boldly share God’s truth while inspiring hope and love in a complex world? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor sit down with Pastor Sammy Rodriguez to discuss how leaders can navigate today’s complex cultural landscape. They dive into the challenges of balancing truth and love while engaging with a rapidly changing world. Pastor Sammy shares powerful insights on the role of the Holy Spirit in leading with conviction and grace, and emphasizes the importance of investing in the next generation. The conversation explores how staying Spirit-led and empowering young leaders can position the Church to make a lasting impact in a complex culture. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More about Pastor Sammy Rodriguez: https://www.pastorsam.com - Book | Fresh Oil Holy Fire New Wine: https://www.pastorsam.com/books . . . . All things GrowLeader: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: https://www.growleader.com/onedays - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: https://www.growleader.com/conference - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring - Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLeaderTeam . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: https://www.wifonline.com/growleader - OneHope: https://onehope.net/ - StudioC: https://www.thestudioc.org/growleader . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:19 - Meet Pastor Sammy Rodriguez 08:26 - Balancing Truth and Love 21:13 - The Role of the Holy Spirit 28:02 - Thank You, Partners!
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65 | Dr. Dharius Daniels – Consistent Leadership
Nov 4, 202400:33:23Summary readyIn this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast Dr. Dharius Daniels, a visionary leader and pastor, sits down with pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor to discuss practical strategies for ministry success. Together, they explore the power of consistency, effective discipleship of men, and the importance of establishing a rhythm for ministry through principles like the “Ideal Week.” Dr. Daniels shares his journey of finding his voice, the lessons he’s learned in growing churches, and the transformative discipleship program he’s developed to shape men as godly leaders in their homes and communities. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More about Dr. Dharius Daniels: https://dhariusdaniels.com/ - Highlands College Chapel: https://youtu.be/o4rbmtMv-eg?si=WEEP2ig2Z9pmtkUn . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: https://www.growleader.com/conference - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring - Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLeaderTeam . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: https://www.wifonline.com/growleader - OneHope: https://onehope.net/ - StudioC: https://www.thestudioc.org/growleader . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:23 - About Highlands College 03:40 - Meet Dr. Dharius Daniels 08:08 - Message Prep and Delivery 13:55 - The Power of Consistency in Leadership 26:17 - Discipleship and "Made Men" 32:09 - Thank You, Partners!
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64 | Norwood Davis – Building Strong Financial Foundations - WIF
Oct 21, 202400:28:29Summary readyHow do you ensure financial decisions prioritize Kingdom impact over infrastructure growth? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor sit down with Norwood Davis, President of the Wesleyan Investment Foundation (WIF), to discuss the financial principles every church leader should know. They dive into the importance of having a clear financial strategy to support church growth. Norwood shares key financial metrics for churches and explains how WIF has helped fund over $630 million in church projects. The conversation also explores how creating margin in your budget can lead to unexpected opportunities and why preparing your team for financial growth is essential to success. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More about Overflow: https://www.wifonline.com/growleader . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring - Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLeaderTeam . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: https://www.wifonline.com/growleader - StudioC: https://www.thestudioc.org/growleader . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:25 - Intro Norwood Davis 05:23 - Financial Strategy & Church Growth 07:13 - About WIF 14:59 - Creating Margin In Your Budget 22:41 - Leading Your Team Through Financial Growth 27:30 - Thank You, Partners!
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63 | Year-End Momentum
Oct 7, 202400:29:52Summary readyReady to build momentum into the new year? Join pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor as they discuss how to "stack the dominoes" into the new year as well as how to navigate the often polarizing election season with grace and wisdom. They unpack leadership strategies for maintaining focus on what matters most during the holidays and year-end, including how to define vision, develop givers, and make the most of key Sundays leading up to Christmas. Packed with practical insights for pastors and leaders, this episode is all about stacking momentum, so that each event, service, and outreach builds toward greater impact. Don’t miss the essential advice on leveraging “At the Movies”, Thanksgiving outreaches, and preparing for Christmas to close out the year strong! . . . . Episode Resources: - Jesus the High Road Leader: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-High-Road-Leader-Maxwell/dp/B0D51Q59V3 - Giving Hope Resources: https://resources.churchofthehighlands.com/resources/3362 - Kingdom Builders Virtual Intensive: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive - Yearly Preaching Calendar: https://resources.churchofthehighlands.com/resources/2359 - GrowLeader Roundtables: https://www.growleader.com/roundtables . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Learn more about 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 the GrowLeader Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLeaderTeam . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: https://www.wifonline.com/growleader - StudioC: https://www.thestudioc.org/growleader . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:24 - Intro + Election Season & Leadership 07:51 - Thank You, Partners! 10:48 - Fall & the Holidays 17:38 - Define Vision & Develop Givers 26:07 - Preparing for Christmas & 21 Days of Prayer
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62 | Vance Roush – A System of Generosity - Overflow
Sep 16, 202400:25:52Summary readyIn this episode Vance Roush, founder of Overflow, joins Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor to talk about his journey of starting a church in the Silicon Valley and how it led to the creation of Overflow, a system of generosity for churches. Overflow allows churches to receive stock and cryptocurrency donations, as well as traditional forms of giving. Vance emphasizes the importance of removing friction from the giving process and the power of generosity in expanding the kingdom of God. He also encourages pastors to hire the right people to navigate the world of technology and leverage it for the growth of their churches. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More about Overflow: https://www.overflow.co/growleader - Book a Demo with Overflow: https://events.overflow.co/growleader#form . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: https://www.growleader.com/regionals - Learn more about 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 the GrowLeader Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLeaderTeam . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: https://www.wifonline.com/growleader - StudioC: https://www.thestudioc.org/growleader . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:18 - About Vance Roush 09:04 - Removing Friction from Generosity 24:54 - Thank You, Partners!
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