The Church of the Highlands has become one of the most talked-about churches in Alabama. For years, it was known as a place of hope, worship, and spiritual guidance. Many people saw it as a modern church that helped thousands find faith and community. It grew fast, added campuses, and attracted national attention.
But behind the polished sermons and upbeat worship music, some troubling stories have started to surface. Critics are now raising questions about how the church operates. Former members speak of control, silence, and exclusion. Others wonder where the money goes and who’s making the real decisions.
This blog post explores the rising controversies tied to the Church of the Highlands. It looks at both its growth and the serious concerns now surrounding it. For some, the church is still a symbol of faith. For others, it’s a warning. Let’s uncover what’s really going on.
The Rise: How Church of the Highlands Became a Mega Force
The Church of the Highlands began in 2001 with Pastor Chris Hodges and a small group of believers. It started out simple, just people meeting to pray and learn. But very quickly, the church grew into something much bigger. Today, it has dozens of campuses and reaches tens of thousands each week.
One big reason for this growth was its modern style. The church used video screens, upbeat music, and short sermons to attract young families and busy professionals. Social media, apps, and live streams made it easy for people to join in from anywhere. It felt fresh, like church was keeping up with the times.
The church also focused on serving the local community. From food drives to school support, it often showed up when help was needed. That earned it trust and support. People felt good being part of something that made a difference.
But with all that success came power. As the church expanded, its leadership grew stronger, too. Some now wonder if that power has gone unchecked. The growth of Church of the Highlands was fast—and that speed may have covered up deeper issues.
Behind the Curtain: Core Beliefs That Spark Debate
The Church of the Highlands presents itself as welcoming to all. On stage, pastors talk about love, kindness, and purpose. But some say what happens off stage tells a different story. Former attendees and critics claim that certain people don’t feel welcome at all.
One major concern is how the church views the LGBTQ+ community. While it may not say so clearly, its teachings and actions suggest a more traditional stance. This has led some to feel pushed out or judged, even if they never spoke about it openly. The gap between the church’s friendly public image and its private beliefs has created tension.
There are also worries about how volunteers are treated. The church relies heavily on unpaid help to run everything—from greeting people to running tech. Some volunteers say they feel burned out or used. They put in hours of work but feel unrecognized and replaceable.
Another issue is decision-making. A small group of leaders seems to hold most of the power. Regular members have little say in how things are run. This closed system leaves some feeling powerless and confused about where the church is really heading.
People joined the Church of the Highlands looking for faith and belonging. But what they found inside doesn’t always match what they expected. That disconnect is now at the center of growing concerns.
Leadership and Power Dynamics
Leadership at the Church of the Highlands has become a major focus for critics. The church is led by Pastor Chris Hodges and a tight group of senior leaders. While they are often seen as spiritual guides, many believe they hold too much control.
Inside the church, decisions are rarely questioned. Members say they are encouraged to trust leadership without knowing how choices are made. There is no clear process for feedback or change. When someone disagrees, they are often ignored or quietly pushed aside.
This top-down style has raised alarms. It feels less like a community and more like a company run by a board. Some past members describe feeling silenced, especially when they raised honest concerns. They felt loyalty was expected more than honesty.
The idea of accountability is also missing. With no outside review or public records, no one really knows how decisions are made or by whom. And when things go wrong, apologies are rare.
Leadership is supposed to guide with care and humility. But when power stays at the top and voices below are silenced, trust begins to crack. That’s what seems to be happening here.
Money Matters: Financial Transparency Questions
Churches often rely on donations, and the Church of the Highlands is no different. Members give money with faith that it’s going toward good causes. But how the money is actually used? That’s where the questions begin.
The church is tax-exempt, which means it doesn’t have to pay certain taxes. In return, people expect some level of openness. But the Church of the Highlands doesn’t publicly share financial reports. That lack of transparency has made people uneasy.
Some members have pointed to the comfortable lifestyles of top leaders. Expensive homes, private schools, and lavish perks seem at odds with the church’s teachings. While no laws may have been broken, the contrast between the wealthy few and regular members is hard to ignore.
There’s also confusion about where the donations go. Is the money helping those in need, or is it mostly funding new buildings and tech? Without real records, it’s all unclear.
Money and faith are sensitive topics. But when people give from their hearts, they want honesty in return. Without it, doubt begins to grow—and so does the criticism.
Where the Money Goes: Charity or Expansion?
The Church of the Highlands often promotes its charity work. It shares stories of helping families, schools, and communities. These efforts sound impressive. But some people wonder—how much is real help, and how much is just for show?
Donations from members help fund these projects. But they also pay for new campuses, renovations, and high-end equipment. The church continues to grow outward, opening more buildings and reaching more cities. While growth can be good, it can also hide where the real priorities lie.
Some say the balance is off. They believe more money goes into expanding the brand than feeding the hungry or housing the homeless. There’s also little proof of how much actually reaches those in need. Without numbers or reports, it’s hard to measure real impact.
Others argue that outreach events feel more like marketing than ministry. T-shirts, photos, and polished social posts often follow these events. Critics ask: is the goal to serve people, or to boost the church’s image?
Philanthropy should come from a place of love, not just strategy. When actions seem driven by public image, it raises real questions about motive. And that’s exactly what many are now asking.
Public Controversies and Member Backlash
Over time, the Church of the Highlands has been pulled into several public controversies. These moments didn’t just happen inside church walls—they reached social media and news outlets too. As a result, many people began looking more closely at the church’s actions.
One of the biggest concerns is how the church handles people who don’t follow its exact views. Past members have shared stories about being judged, pushed out, or treated unfairly. They say the church talks about love, but doesn’t always show it—especially to people who ask hard questions or live differently.
Some online posts and videos have even gone viral, showing what former members call unfair treatment or spiritual pressure. These moments have sparked heated debates. Supporters defend the church, but critics say it’s a place that hides behind its image.
People who left the church talk about feeling heartbroken. They joined in hopes of community, but left feeling isolated or unwelcome. These stories are growing, and they’re causing others to think twice before joining.
No church is perfect. But when complaints pile up and voices are ignored, it stops being a safe space. The Church of the Highlands now finds itself facing those consequences.
Handling of Social Issues
In today’s world, churches are often asked to speak up about big social topics—race, gender, politics, and equality. But the Church of the Highlands has struggled with how to respond. Many feel its approach is unclear, slow, or even dismissive.
One area that gets attention is race. The church has been criticized for how it handles diversity. Some say it supports community programs but avoids deeper talks about racial justice. A past controversy involving Pastor Chris Hodges liking certain social media posts added fuel to this fire. It made many question the church’s true views.
LGBTQ+ issues are another sticking point. While the church doesn’t speak harshly, it also doesn’t fully support inclusion. People in the LGBTQ+ community often feel left out or uncomfortable. This silence feels like rejection to some, even if it’s not openly stated.
Political neutrality is also unclear. The church says it stays out of politics, but some messages suggest otherwise. Critics believe the church leans conservative in values, which affects how it teaches and who it appeals to.
Handling social issues is never easy. But silence can be just as loud as words. And in this case, the silence has made some feel excluded, hurt, or misled.
Volunteer Culture: Help or Exploitation?
Volunteers are the heart of many churches. At the Church of the Highlands, they run events, clean buildings, welcome guests, and even manage tech and music. Without them, the church wouldn’t function. But some say this system has gone too far.
Former volunteers talk about long hours, strict rules, and little appreciation. Some served every week, sometimes multiple times, without rest. They say it started with joy but slowly turned into pressure. Saying no felt like disappointing God or letting others down.
There’s also a concern about how the church tracks and ranks volunteers. Some believe there’s a system that rewards those who do more with access or praise. Others who can’t give as much time often feel less seen or valued.
In churches, helping should be a choice—not a burden. But when expectations become too high, it starts to feel like a job. And when people aren’t paid, appreciated, or given breaks, it can lead to emotional burnout.
Helping others is part of faith. But it has to be balanced. Right now, critics say the balance is off at Church of the Highlands.
Community Projects: Genuine Help or Image Boost?
The Church of the Highlands is known for its community work. From school supply drives to neighborhood cleanups, the church often shows up where help is needed. These efforts have been praised by many. But not everyone is convinced the motives are pure.
Some former members believe the church’s outreach is more about public image than people. They say events are carefully planned to look good on camera, with plenty of photos and hashtags. Volunteers often feel like part of a marketing plan instead of a mission.
There’s also the question of long-term support. While the church is visible during big events, critics say it disappears when things get tough. One-time help looks nice, but it doesn’t always solve real problems. This has led some to ask whether the church truly serves the community—or just wants to be seen doing it.
Still, others argue that any help is better than none. Even if part of it is about reputation, the work still feeds people and meets needs. But the line between service and self-promotion seems thin.
Good deeds should come from the heart, not a camera lens. That’s the line critics feel the church is crossing.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
The media has played a big role in shaping how people view the Church of the Highlands. Local news outlets have covered both its success and its scandals. Social media has made those stories travel fast—sometimes faster than the church can respond.
Supporters often highlight the church’s size, energy, and outreach. To them, it’s a shining example of modern faith. They post glowing reviews and invite friends with pride. For them, the church is doing God’s work and changing lives.
But critics have found a voice online too. They share personal stories, raise tough questions, and point out what they see as hypocrisy. Platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube have made it easy for former members to connect and speak out.
This mix of praise and criticism has created a split in public opinion. Some still trust the church. Others say they’ll never go back. And many are simply watching, unsure what to believe.
Public image can make or break any group. Right now, the Church of the Highlands is walking a fine line—between being admired and being doubted.
The Pastor’s Role: Charisma and Criticism
Pastor Chris Hodges is the face of the Church of the Highlands. His voice, energy, and teaching style have attracted thousands. Many admire him as a strong leader with a clear vision. But others see him differently—more like a brand than a shepherd.
Supporters say Pastor Hodges has a gift. His sermons are relatable, his leadership feels confident, and his presence brings people together. For many, he’s the reason they joined in the first place.
Still, his growing influence hasn’t been without concern. Critics worry that he holds too much power. Decisions seem to reflect his personal values, not always the needs of the whole church. And when controversies arise, he rarely speaks out or takes public responsibility.
Some members say his silence during hard moments feels like avoidance. Others are uneasy with how closely the church’s identity is tied to one person. If a church depends on one voice, what happens when that voice makes a mistake?
Charisma can build a crowd—but it can also hide flaws. That’s the tension now surrounding Pastor Chris Hodges and the church he leads.
Impact on Church Culture in Alabama
The Church of the Highlands hasn’t just grown big—it’s changed how churches in Alabama operate. Its success set a new standard. Other churches started copying its style. Bright lights, short messages, and modern music became more common. It became a trend.
But with that influence came pressure. Some smaller churches felt they had to compete just to keep members. Instead of focusing on faith, they began focusing on numbers. Attendance. Social media. Image. It created tension in the local church community.
For some believers, this change has been hard to accept. They miss the personal, quieter church experience. Others like the energy and polish the Highlands model brings. There’s a divide.
The Church of the Highlands didn’t ask for this responsibility. But its size and reach have made it a trendsetter—whether it meant to be or not. Now, the question is whether this influence builds churches up or pulls them away from their roots.
Voices from Within: Former Members Speak Out
Many people once called the Church of the Highlands their home. But not everyone stayed. Over the years, former members have stepped forward to share their experiences. Their stories are not all the same, but they often carry the same tone—disappointment, hurt, and confusion.
Some talk about feeling judged for asking questions. Others say they gave everything as volunteers but were left feeling empty and ignored. A few describe spiritual pressure, like they had to act perfect just to belong.
One thing many of them share is silence. They say when they tried to speak up, no one listened. Some were even told they were the problem. Over time, this silence turned into distance—and for many, leaving was the only option.
These stories don’t erase the good the church has done. But they remind us that not everyone’s experience has been positive. Real people, real feelings, and real pain exist behind the praise.
Conclusion: A Church at a Crossroads
The Church of the Highlands is not just another church—it’s a powerful force in modern religion. It has brought hope, growth, and connection to many. But it has also raised serious concerns. From financial questions to leadership control, the issues can’t be ignored.
Some people still see the church as a place of healing. Others see it as a system that lost its way. Both views can be true. What matters now is what the church chooses to do next.
Will it listen? Will it be more open? Will it care for all its people, not just its image?
Time will tell. The Church of the Highlands stands at a turning point. What happens next may define its future for years to come.
FAQs
Who is the founder of Church of the Highlands?
The church was founded by Pastor Chris Hodges in 2001 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Why is Church of the Highlands controversial?
Critics have raised concerns about leadership control, financial transparency, exclusion of LGBTQ+ members, and how volunteers are treated.
Is Church of the Highlands a megachurch?
Yes. With multiple campuses and tens of thousands of weekly attendees, it’s one of the largest churches in the U.S.
What are the criticisms of the Church of the Highlands?
Common criticisms include lack of accountability, a focus on image over impact, conservative social stances, and volunteer burnout.
