Understanding the Church of the Highlands
Founded in 2001 by Pastor Chris Hodges, the Church of the Highlands (often called COTH) began as a small congregation meeting in a high school auditorium. Over the next two decades, it grew into one of the largest churches in the United States, with more than 20 campuses and tens of thousands attending each weekend.
The church is known for its upbeat worship, practical preaching, and strong emphasis on small groups and community service. It also plays a leading role in the Association of Related Churches (ARC)—a national network that supports church planting and leadership development.
Supporters praise COTH for its modern approach, outreach to struggling communities, and focus on helping people find purpose. However, as the church’s influence expanded, so did scrutiny. The phrase “Church of the Highlands exposed” became shorthand for uncovering alleged problems or hidden issues behind the success story.
The 2020 Social Media Backlash
One of the biggest turning points came in 2020, when Pastor Chris Hodges was criticized for liking several posts by conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on social media. Some Birmingham residents considered the posts racially insensitive during a time of national unrest over racial justice.
When screenshots circulated online, public backlash followed. The Birmingham Board of Education and Housing Authority ended partnerships that had allowed the church to use school facilities and provide community programs. This move affected outreach initiatives such as tutoring and neighborhood support events.
In response, Hodges addressed the controversy directly from the pulpit, stating that his intent had never been to endorse racism or division. He publicly apologized and expressed a desire for reconciliation. Many church members accepted the apology, while critics felt it highlighted a larger pattern of political alignment and lack of awareness in church leadership.
Leadership Scrutiny and Misconduct Allegations
Beyond social media, Church of the Highlands and the ARC network have faced criticism for their handling of alleged misconduct among pastors. In several cases, pastors connected to the ARC were accused of sexual or moral failings.
Critics argue that the organization—and by extension, Highlands—was not always transparent in addressing these issues. Supporters, on the other hand, point out that the church has consistently severed ties with leaders accused of wrongdoing once allegations were confirmed.
The challenge, many observers note, lies in how megachurch networks handle internal accountability. As independent, non-denominational ministries, they lack the same external oversight that traditional denominations maintain. This has fueled online discussions under the banner “Church of the Highlands exposed”, with some questioning whether rapid growth came at the cost of rigorous accountability.
Chris Hodges’ 2025 Resignation
In 2025, another major development reignited the conversation. Chris Hodges announced he would step down as lead pastor of Church of the Highlands. Media outlets, including faith-based news sites, reported that the decision followed scrutiny over his involvement in investigating another high-profile pastor accused of misconduct.
Reports alleged that Hodges had accepted a $10,000 payment from the same pastor he was supposed to investigate—raising concerns of a conflict of interest. Though Hodges denied intentional wrongdoing, the incident damaged confidence in his leadership.
Following his resignation, leadership transitioned to Pastor Mark Pettus, who had served in executive roles within the church. Pettus emphasized healing, transparency, and rebuilding trust as key priorities for the church’s next chapter.
The ARC Network and Church Governance Questions
Church of the Highlands plays a foundational role in the Association of Related Churches, a nationwide network responsible for planting hundreds of churches across the U.S. While ARC has been praised for revitalizing church growth, it has also faced lawsuits and internal disputes.
One notable case involved Stovall and Kerri Weems, founders of Celebration Church in Florida, who filed a lawsuit alleging that ARC-connected pastors conspired to seize control of their church. They accused network leaders of defamation and abuse of power.
Although this case does not directly implicate Church of the Highlands, it intensified public debate about whether ARC’s governance style concentrates too much authority among a small circle of influential pastors—including those at Highlands.
Financial Transparency and Power Structure
As one of America’s largest churches, Highlands manages substantial financial resources. It operates numerous campuses, employs a large staff, and funds international missions. Yet, critics often question the transparency of its finances.
Unlike denominational churches, non-denominational ministries are not required to publicly disclose detailed financial statements. Detractors say this makes it hard to track how donations are used or to verify salaries and operational costs. Supporters respond that COTH undergoes regular audits and stewards its funds responsibly, pointing to outreach initiatives such as addiction recovery programs, disaster relief, and community partnerships.
This debate mirrors a broader conversation about megachurch finances in general. The scale of operations, combined with celebrity-style leadership, often invites skepticism—even when financial management is sound.
Is Church of the Highlands a Cult?
A recurring theme in online discussions tagged “Church of the Highlands exposed” is whether the church operates like a “cult.” Critics cite its strong emphasis on loyalty, structured small-group system, and unified messaging. Some former attendees claim that questioning leadership is discouraged or socially frowned upon.
However, the vast majority of observers, including theologians familiar with evangelical megachurches, do not classify Highlands as a cult. They describe it as a mainstream evangelical church that uses modern organizational methods. Thousands of current members report positive spiritual experiences and community support, not manipulation or coercion.
This divide highlights the emotional intensity surrounding large churches: what feels like spiritual unity to some may appear like conformity to others.
Positive Contributions and Community Impact
While controversy often dominates headlines, Church of the Highlands has also been widely recognized for community service. The church runs Dream Centers, outreach hubs that provide healthcare, counseling, and support for people in need. It partners with correctional facilities to offer faith-based rehabilitation programs and sponsors numerous charitable projects across Alabama.
During natural disasters, Highlands has mobilized thousands of volunteers for cleanup and relief efforts. Members describe the church as a place of hope and transformation, helping people overcome addiction, rebuild families, and strengthen faith.
Even critics acknowledge that the church’s charitable impact is real and significant. The challenge lies in balancing transparency with the efficiency and enthusiasm that have driven its growth.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
Media coverage of Church of the Highlands reflects a broader cultural divide. Mainstream outlets often focus on controversies, while Christian media emphasize the church’s spiritual fruit and community outreach.
Social media has amplified both extremes—spawning hashtags like #ChurchOfTheHighlandsExposed alongside testimonials of lives changed by faith. In this polarized environment, misinformation spreads easily, making it harder for the public to separate verified facts from speculation.
A fair assessment requires recognizing both realities: the church’s undeniable impact and the valid concerns raised about leadership, accountability, and governance.
Lessons from the Highlands Controversies
The story of Church of the Highlands illustrates the opportunities and challenges of modern megachurch leadership. On one hand, its success demonstrates how faith-based communities can innovate and expand their reach. On the other, it underscores the need for greater transparency, oversight, and humility in handling power and public trust.
The controversies surrounding COTH reveal how easily credibility can erode in the digital age. A single social media post or poorly handled situation can spark nationwide debate. For churches that wield immense influence, proactive accountability isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
The phrase “Church of the Highlands exposed” captures public curiosity about what lies beneath the surface of a hugely successful ministry. What emerges is not a simple story of corruption or virtue, but a complex portrait of growth, controversy, repentance, and resilience.
As the church moves forward under new leadership, its greatest test may not be attendance numbers or online criticism—but whether it can model the transparency and humility that many now expect from institutions of faith.
In the end, Church of the Highlands remains both a symbol of modern evangelical energy and a reminder that no church, however large, is beyond the need for accountability and grace.
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