The Church of The Highlands, led by Pastor Chris Hodges, started in Birmingham, Alabama in 2001. It’s gained attention for its big campuses and online presence. People love its services and community work. But like anything big, it has its critics. Some folks aren’t so keen on its fast growth and influence.

Growth and Outreach

The Church of the Highlands has grown super fast! Started small in a high school, and now it’s got over 20 spots all over Alabama. People love it because they’ve got cool music, down-to-earth sermons, and all the latest tech stuff. Plus, they’re big on helping out – they’ve got tons of programs like helping prisoners, supporting folks with addiction, and jumping in during disasters. They even run Highlands College, a school to train future church leaders. It’s all about community and lending a hand.

Controversies and Criticisms

The Church of The Highlands Exposed has had its fair share of ups and downs. One big issue was when Pastor Chris Hodges caused a stir by liking some iffy social media posts in 2020. It got folks talking, especially about where the church stands on racial and social justice stuff. The Birmingham Board of Education even decided to cut ties with two of its branches over it.

But it’s not just that. Some folks question the whole megachurch thing. They wonder if big churches like this are transparent and accountable. Money matters, too – people worry about how it’s all managed. Plus, there’s the whole celebrity pastor thing – some say it’s not about the message anymore, just the person delivering it.

And then there are the teachings. Some former members and outsiders aren’t sure if the church goes deep enough in its teachings or if it’s too strict with discipline. It’s got people thinking, for sure.

Community Impact and Responses

After facing criticism, the Church of The Highlands Exposed is trying to make things right. Pastor Hodges said sorry for what happened, and now they’re working hard to connect better with the African American community and make their church more diverse and inclusive.

They’re not just talking the talk – they’re walking it too. The church has been stepping up during the COVID-19 mess, helping out with testing and support for folks affected by the pandemic. It’s nice to see them making a positive impact in the community.

Conclusion – Church of The Highlands Exposed

The Church of The Highlands Exposed is like a microcosm of big church life today – it’s got its ups, downs, and everything in between. Growing fast, doing good, but also dealing with some controversy. Moving forward, they’ve got to figure out how to handle it all while staying true to their people and the community. It’s not just about this church, though – it’s part of a bigger conversation about what role religion plays nowadays, what religious leaders should do, and how faith-based groups impact society.