GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges sits down with two dynamic church builders—Pastor Chad Veach of ZOE Church in Los Angeles and Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. of VOUS Church in Miami. Together, they pull back the curtain on the realities of ministry, sharing practical leadership principles, systems that drive growth, and the heart behind building churches in major cities. From vision and stewardship to prayer, empowerment, and developing the next generation of leaders, this conversation is full of wisdom, laughter, and behind-the-scenes insight. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or simply someone who wants to grow, you’ll leave encouraged and equipped with practical takeaways to strengthen your leadership and your church. Stay tuned for part two of this powerful conversation, and in the meantime, check out Pastor Chad’s Leadership Lean In podcast and Pastor Rich’s Mature Me podcast for more leadership inspiration. Episode Resources: Rich Wilkerson’s Mature Me Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@richwilkersonjr Chad Veach’s - Leadership Lean In Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershipleanin All Things GrowLeader: Learn More about - GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join 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 more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw Follow along on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges explores the spiritual side of leadership—the unseen battles that impact your life, ministry, and leadership.  Pastor Chris unpacks why some challenges aren't just practical—they’re spiritual—and how prayer is your greatest weapon. He shares personal insight like how to recognize spiritual warfare in everyday leadership, use the name of Jesus, the cross, and Scripture to fight back, and finally how to build a culture of prayer in your home, church, or business.   All Things GrowLeader: Bulk order Pray First for Young Readers: https://churchsource.com/products/pray-first-for-young-readers-simple-steps-for-talking-and-listening-to-god?variant=41953943748705 Pray First Book Resources: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/prayfirst/ Highlands Resources: https://resources.churchofthehighlands.com/ Prayer Guide PDF: https://assets.highlands.io/21days/2023/pray-first-guide.pdf Church of the Highlands 21 Days of Prayer: https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/ Learn More about GrowLeader OneDays: https://www.growleader.com/onedays Join 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 more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader   Verse References: 2 Corinthians 4:4 Daniel 10 1 Kings 5:3 Matthew 18:20 Ephesians 6 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 2 Corinthians 11:14  John 10:10  1 Peter 5:8-9 1 John 4:4 Philippians 2:9-10 Luke 10:18 Revelation 12:11 Luke 4 Matthew 4 Romans 8:37 Psalm 27 Philippians 4:19 Psalm 103:3 2 Corinthians 3:6 Psalm 121 James 4:7-8 1 John 1:9 Lamentations 3:22-23 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 Ephesians 4:26-27 Ephesians 5 John 8:44 John 8:31-32

In this engaging conversation, Pastor Dino Rizzo, known for his passionate outreach efforts, shares how a single act of generosity transformed his life and led him to dedicate his ministry to serving others. He delves into the significance of creating an outreach culture within churches, illustrating how small acts of kindness can yield profound spiritual impact. Rizzo discusses the global success of Serve Day, emphasizing sustainable community engagement and collaboration to address local needs and uplift vulnerable populations. His insights inspire a fresh approach to service and compassion.

Discover the heartwarming insights behind a new book filled with life principles framed as letters for future generations. Explore evolving strategies that prioritize authentic spiritual experiences over mere entertainment in churches. Learn the importance of corporate prayer and community-building in creating a life-giving culture. Uncover key practices that growing churches will adopt by 2025, focusing on leadership development and fostering meaningful connections among congregants. It's a heartfelt call for transformation in church dynamics!

Clint Phillips, a health innovator from South Africa and founder of platforms like SecondMD and Medici, discusses the crucial link between leadership and personal wellness. He shares how a personal tragedy inspired him to create solutions for better healthcare access. Clint highlights the urgent need for pastors to prioritize their health, introduces the AI-driven Dr. Gabi app, and emphasizes proactive measures like exercise and nutrition. He argues that leaders must care for their bodies to fulfill their calling and make lasting impacts.

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris addresses the challenges of leadership development and discipleship that can happen in churches. Pastor Chris reveals three key disconnects and shares practical advice for developing leaders through intentional conversations about spiritual life, relationships, and calling. He closes by encouraging pastors to begin by creating small group opportunities where authentic development can flourish. All Things GrowLeader: • Learn More and Join the Waitlist for GrowLeader Conference 2025: https://www.growleader.com/conference • Join 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 more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw Follow along on Socials: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris shares a powerful message from this year’s ARC Conference on the key to security in leadership. Drawing from 41 years of ministry experience, he unpacks five areas every leader must "die to" and offers practical solutions rooted in his personal journey. Pastor Chris closes with a challenge to "re-up" your commitment—not to just survive, but to surrender.  . . . . Episode Resources: - ARC Website: https://www.arcchurches.com . . . . All Things GrowLeader: - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: https://www.growleader.com/conference - Join 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 more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

What do you do when life feels like it’s spiraling—and how can that moment become the start of something more significant? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Levi Lusko joins Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor for an honest conversation about leadership, creativity, and the hidden opportunities inside seasons of struggle. They unpack what it looks like to lead through midlife, steward influence well, and embrace the shift from stage to sage. Levi shares the story behind his new book Blessed Are the Spiraling, including how a panic attack, personal loss, and burnout became a catalyst for deeper clarity and calling. He also talks about writing rhythms, sermon preparation, and the power of intentional systems for capturing and storing content. Whether you’re recalibrating your pace, mentoring the next generation, or looking for fresh ways to connect with your spouse and team, this episode will help you rediscover purpose in the middle of pressure—and find joy in the journey ahead. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More | Levi Lusko: https://levilusko.com/ - Levi’s HC Chapel Message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIba_dMVyRA - Blessed Are The Spiraling Book: https://www.blessedarethespiraling.com/ - The Marriage Devotional: https://levilusko.com/the-marriage-devotional . . . . All things GrowLeader: - GrowLeader One Days: https://www.growleader.com/onedays - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring - Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources - GrowLeader Roundtables: https://www.growleader.com/roundtables - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive - 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

Carey Nieuwhof, a leadership expert and influential voice in the church, shares insights on navigating today's challenges. He discusses the surprising engagement of Gen Z in faith and the potential of communal confession. Carey tackles the alarming decline in evangelism, calling for renewed focus and strategies. He emphasizes leveraging holidays for church growth and the importance of data analysis to inform leadership decisions. With personal anecdotes, he inspires leaders to embrace change with clarity and purpose.

What does it look like to lead with clarity, humility, and confidence through a leadership transition? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor sit down with Pastor Mark Pettus to talk about the heart behind the recent leadership transition at Church of the Highlands. Pastor Mark shares how calling, confirmation, and clarity guided his journey—alongside a deep honor for what came before. This conversation is packed with practical insights for leaders at every level—whether you’re in a season of transition, preparing for one, or helping others grow into new roles. They unpack how to steward vision, build momentum for what’s next, and navigate leadership change as a team. Whether you’re leading a church, a business, or a ministry, this episode will help you discern your next step, carry legacy with purpose, and lead with wisdom through seasons of change. . . . . Episode Resources: - Anniversary Sunday Message: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/02-02-2025 . . . . All things GrowLeader: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: https://www.growleader.com/onedays - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring - Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources - GrowLeader Roundtables: https://www.growleader.com/roundtables - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive - 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