In recent years, conversations surrounding large U.S. megachurches have intensified, and one name that frequently surfaces is the Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama. With rapid growth, sprawling campuses, a leadership transition in 2025, and ties to national church networks, the question has increasingly been asked: is the Church of the Highlands exposed? The phrase “church of the highlands exposed” has become a search term reflecting curiosity about lawsuits, leadership challenges, finances, and internal policies.
This article is not about sensationalism, but about creating an informative, structured timeline of events and claims, analyzing what is documented, and answering key questions. By walking through leadership changes, lawsuits, financial controversies, and the church’s future direction, readers can gain a clearer understanding of why this megachurch attracts both admiration and critique.
Background and Rapid Growth
The Church of the Highlands began with a vision to create a modern, engaging, and expansive community church. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest congregations in the United States, with tens of thousands of weekly attendees across multiple campuses. Known for contemporary worship, a strong emphasis on small groups, and outreach programs, the church positioned itself as a cornerstone of Alabama’s religious landscape.
Yet, with growth comes scrutiny. The larger a church becomes, the more its financial practices, leadership accountability, and affiliations are examined. The Church of the Highlands, like many megachurches, has been the subject of both praise for its community impact and criticism over transparency and governance.
Leadership and Governance
The founding pastor, Chris Hodges, played an instrumental role in shaping the identity of the church. Charismatic and connected to the wider evangelical network, Hodges positioned Highlands as a leader in church planting and ministry innovation. However, questions about governance began surfacing when controversies emerged both within the church and in its associated networks.
In 2025, a notable leadership transition took place. Pastor Mark Pettus, who previously held leadership at Highlands College, assumed a key role in guiding the church forward. This transition raised questions: Was this a natural succession plan, or was it influenced by mounting controversies? For critics, the change suggested that the church of the highlands exposed narrative was reaching a tipping point.
Controversy Timeline: 2020–2025
The church’s challenges can best be understood through a timeline of public issues:
- 2020 Backlash: Social media controversies linked to Pastor Chris Hodges drew community pushback, including severed partnerships with local organizations. This marked one of the first moments when the church faced widespread criticism.
- 2021–2023 Developments: Allegations surrounding associated networks, especially the Association of Related Churches (ARC), began circulating. Critics argued that Highlands’ close ties to ARC implicated it in broader controversies about leadership accountability.
- 2024 Scrutiny of Projects: The Lodge, a luxury-style pastoral retreat center built by the church, faced backlash. While described as a restoration space for leaders, critics saw it as symbolic of lavish spending and inadequate transparency.
- 2025 Leadership Change: The resignation of Chris Hodges and the appointment of Pettus added fresh fuel to the narrative of the church of the highlands exposed. Supporters called it a new chapter, while skeptics questioned timing and motives.
Association of Related Churches (ARC) Connections
Highlands’ relationship with ARC has drawn significant attention. ARC is a church-planting network with hundreds of affiliated congregations across the country. While ARC has helped launch many ministries, it has also faced allegations regarding leadership failures, pastor misconduct, and opaque financial structures.
Because of Highlands’ prominent role in ARC, any negative press about the network reflects back on the church. For some, this association explains why the phrase church of the highlands exposed has gained traction—it’s not just about one church, but about the broader ecosystem it represents.
Highlands College: Accreditation and Pathways
Highlands College, the church’s training and educational arm, has also been at the center of debate. Supporters highlight its role in equipping young leaders for ministry, while critics have questioned accreditation status, tuition costs, and long-term outcomes for graduates.
Although the college achieved accreditation milestones, detractors argue that prospective students and parents deserve full transparency about financial obligations and job placement rates. For searchers typing “church of the highlands exposed,” Highlands College often appears as one of the focal points of discussion.
The Lodge: Pastoral Retreat or PR Problem?
Perhaps the most symbolic project in recent years has been “The Lodge,” a retreat center aimed at providing restoration and sabbatical opportunities for pastors. While the church described it as a much-needed resource for leaders under strain, outsiders criticized it as an extravagant facility built during times of growing distrust in megachurch spending.
The Lodge became shorthand in online forums for what critics saw as misplaced priorities. To some members, however, it represented compassion and foresight. Regardless of interpretation, the Lodge debate cemented itself as a major chapter in the church of the highlands exposed narrative.
Finances and Expansion
Large churches require large budgets. The Highlands’ financial operations include land purchases, new campus launches, and staff compensation packages. While the church publishes some financial information, critics argue that more detailed disclosures are needed, particularly regarding pastor salaries and construction costs.
Supporters counter that the church’s giving base and outreach justify its expenditures. Yet when paired with controversies about governance and luxury projects, financial questions amplify skepticism. Transparency in this area remains a central demand from those scrutinizing Highlands.
Lawsuits and Legal Issues
No megachurch of Highlands’ scale is free from legal entanglements. Over the past several years, lawsuits connected to leadership decisions and affiliated networks have surfaced. Some were dismissed, while others highlighted gaps in oversight and accountability.
Although the church often distances itself from direct liability, critics argue that patterns across lawsuits suggest systemic issues. This adds weight to the church of the highlands exposed conversation, where legal filings become public documentation that critics can point to.
Media Coverage vs. Church Statements
One challenge in assessing the truth is the disparity between external media reports and official church statements. Media investigations often highlight controversies, while church communications emphasize growth, restoration, and positive impact.
For readers, it becomes a matter of source evaluation: distinguishing between verified court records, independent journalism, and opinion-driven commentary. This is why understanding methodology is crucial when engaging with any article that claims to have “exposed” Highlands.
Impact on Members and Volunteers
At the center of the story are thousands of everyday members and volunteers. While leadership controversies dominate headlines, the day-to-day church culture is shaped by volunteers, small group leaders, and families seeking community.
Some members report disillusionment, questioning the direction of leadership and financial priorities. Others maintain strong support, highlighting personal transformation and community outreach. The divergence in member experiences shows why the church of the highlands exposed debate remains complex rather than one-sided.
2025 and Beyond: Leadership Transition
The resignation of Chris Hodges in 2025 marked the most significant leadership change in the church’s history. The appointment of Mark Pettus ushered in a new season, with promises of continuity and renewal.
Whether this transition leads to deeper transparency, stronger governance, and restored trust remains to be seen. For critics, it is an opportunity to hold leadership accountable. For supporters, it represents a fresh start. In either case, 2025 will be remembered as a defining year in the church of the highlands exposed timeline.
FAQs
Is the Church of the Highlands really “exposed” for misconduct?
The term “exposed” often reflects a mix of verified reports, allegations, and opinions. While controversies exist, it is important to separate fact from speculation.
Why did Chris Hodges step down in 2025?
The official reason pointed to a leadership transition, though critics believe mounting pressures played a role.
Is Highlands College accredited?
Yes, but accreditation details and career outcomes remain subjects of debate.
What is ARC and how is COTH involved?
ARC is a church-planting network, and Highlands has been one of its most prominent partners. Controversies in ARC often affect perceptions of Highlands.
What is “The Lodge”?
A pastoral retreat center launched by the church, celebrated by some as restorative but criticized by others as lavish.
Conclusion
The phrase “church of the highlands exposed” captures a mix of curiosity, critique, and accountability surrounding one of America’s largest churches. From leadership transitions and lawsuits to financial scrutiny and affiliations with ARC, Highlands sits at the crossroads of megachurch influence and controversy.
For members, observers, and researchers, the question is less about whether the church is “exposed” and more about how it chooses to respond. Will Highlands embrace transparency and reform? Or will critics continue to find fertile ground for skepticism?
As of 2025, the story of the Church of the Highlands remains unfinished. What is certain is that it will continue to shape conversations about megachurch governance, leadership accountability, and the responsibilities of faith communities in the public eye.
Also read more interesting topics at mgtimes.co.uk.