The Church of the Highlands, led by Pastor Chris Hodges, has experienced remarkable growth since its inception in 2001, becoming Alabama’s largest church. However, behind the scenes, this megachurch has faced numerous controversies and criticisms, exposing potential issues within its leadership and practices. From allegations of sexual misconduct cover-ups to accusations of racial insensitivity, the Church of the Highlands has been thrust into the spotlight, prompting questions about its integrity and commitment to its professed values.
The Lodge: A Refuge or a Cover-Up?
One of the most significant controversies surrounding the Church of the Highlands revolves around the establishment of “The Lodge,” a $4.5 million retreat center on the church’s Grants Mill Road campus. Initially portrayed as a pastoral restoration center for ministers suffering from burnout, concerns arose about whether it could potentially be used to house clergy accused of sexual misconduct.
Pastor Chris Hodges’ Clarification
In response to these allegations, Pastor Chris Hodges vehemently denied that The Lodge would serve as a haven for clergy accused of sexual misconduct. He clarified that his previous comments about “pastoral restorations” referred to pastors experiencing burnout, not those facing misconduct accusations. Hodges stated, “We’re not taking on any more [cases of sexual misconduct]… I don’t even want to say it that way. It makes the assumption that we’ve done it a lot, and we haven’t.”
Past Involvement in Pastoral Restorations
However, it is worth noting that the Church of the Highlands has been involved in pastoral restorations in the past, including the case of Micahn Carter, a former megachurch pastor who joined the church’s staff in 2019 amid allegations of sexual assault. Carter’s involvement with the church coincided with the planning of The Lodge, fueling suspicions about its intended purpose.
Racial Insensitivity Allegations
Another significant controversy surrounding the Church of the Highlands revolves around allegations of racial insensitivity leveled against Pastor Chris Hodges. In 2020, amid heightened racial tensions following the killing of George Floyd, Hodges faced backlash for liking social media posts by Charlie Kirk, the president of Turning Point USA, whose agenda included dismissing the concept of white privilege.
Consequences of the Backlash
The backlash led to the Birmingham Housing Authority and the Birmingham Board of Education severing ties with the church, ending its agreement to provide social outreach and mentoring services in public housing communities. The church’s “Dream Team” of volunteers was forced to stop its work in these areas, and the Christ Health Center, founded by the church to provide healthcare services to underprivileged communities, faced disruptions.
Hodges’ Apology and Efforts at Reconciliation
While Hodges repeatedly apologized for liking Kirk’s posts, stating they did not reflect his true beliefs, the criticism intensified. Some members of the church openly questioned their allegiance, and Hodges vowed to make progress on race relations. However, his defenders, including Donald Trump Jr. and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, condemned the actions taken against the church as an attack on religious liberty and freedom of speech.
Theological Concerns and Doctrinal Debates
Beyond the controversies surrounding sexual misconduct and racial insensitivity, the Church of the Highlands has also faced scrutiny from a theological perspective. From the beginning, some established churches accused it of “stealing sheep” with its rock concert-style services and lifestyle-oriented sermons, tinged with Louisiana charisma and folksy humor.
Critiques of Hodges’ Preaching Style
Theologians have questioned the church’s doctrine, particularly Hodges’ preaching style, which some perceive as deviating from traditional biblical teachings. Critics argue that his sermons prioritize personal experiences and anecdotes over in-depth scriptural analysis, potentially diluting the depth of the church’s theological foundation.
Concerns About Doctrine and Governance
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the church’s governance structure and doctrine. While the Association of Related Churches (ARC), co-founded by Hodges, assists in launching new churches nationwide, Hodges has clarified that ARC does not have authority over individual churches, which are locally governed by their own elder boards.
FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
Q: Is the Church of the Highlands involved in covering up sexual misconduct cases?
A: According to Pastor Chris Hodges, the church does not operate a program for pastors accused of sexual misconduct or moral failures, and The Lodge was not intended for that purpose. However, the church has been involved in pastoral restorations in the past, leading to concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Q: What was the reasoning behind Pastor Chris Hodges liking controversial social media posts?
A: Hodges has apologized for liking posts by Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA, stating that they do not reflect his true beliefs. However, the backlash led to the church losing partnerships with the Birmingham Housing Authority and Birmingham Board of Education.
Q: How has the Church of the Highlands responded to theological criticisms?
A: While the church has faced critiques regarding its doctrine and Hodges’ preaching style, it maintains that its governance structure allows for local oversight and autonomy through elder boards at each individual church.
Q: What impact have these controversies had on the Church of the Highlands’ growth and reputation?
A: While the controversies have damaged the church’s reputation in some circles, historian Wayne Flynt suggests that its identification with conservative political leanings may not significantly impact its growth in heavily Republican Alabama.
Conclusion
The Church of the Highlands’ meteoric rise to become Alabama’s largest church has been accompanied by various controversies and criticisms, exposing potential issues within its leadership and practices. From allegations of sexual misconduct cover-ups to accusations of racial insensitivity and theological concerns, the church has faced scrutiny from various quarters. While Pastor Chris Hodges and the church’s leadership have attempted to address these controversies, the long-term impact on the church’s reputation and commitment to its professed values remains to be seen. As the Church of the Highlands continues to grow and evolve, transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to addressing these issues will be crucial in maintaining the trust and support of its members and the broader community.