Chris Hodges

Unpacks unique insights from Jesus' parables that can help us understand and experience the full, transformative life in community we are divinely intended to live.Christ never actually told us how to "do church." Yes, he had a lot to say about the church, but what he did say was mostly unrelated to stylistic issues or contextual trends. He never spoke about its leadership hierarchies or the pros and cons of denominational fellowships or the types of music. And yet, much of our time and energy as leaders and shepherds is consumed by chasing after tips, tricks, and secrets to "grow" churches.While we've tended to focus on church growth through strategies, programs, and metric-based insights, Christ always focused on the heart and the values of the Father, the values that actually change lives and increase the spiritual health of his people.By digging deeply into three important parables:The Parable of the Two SonsThe Parable of the SowerThe Parable of the TalentsParable Church weaves together personal narratives, unique cultural observations, and compellingly fresh biblical insights to paint a picture of something unimaginably greater than what most people think of when they think of Jesus' Church.Although Jesus never gave us directions for church, he did, through his parables, reveal what we should experience in our communities together--he revealed the culture of his kingdom.

The world is chaotic. But that doesn't mean your life has to be. Join Chris Hodges, bestselling author and beloved founding pastor of Church of the Highlands, on a dynamic journey into practical wisdom that has the power to transform your life Tragic headlines, cultural currents, and overwhelming opinions make it a challenge to stay grounded in today's world. We long for greater peace in the chaos and greater passion for our purpose. As founding senior pastor of Church of the Highlands and chancellor of Highlands College, bestselling author Chris Hodges has shown us the joys of a life anchored by faith, motivated by love, and exercised with excellence. As he eloquently teaches in this new book, to reach the next level of impact in our lives, we need to get back to our foundation. In this rich invitation to apply the timeless wisdom of Scripture to modern life, Chris's trustworthy voice helps readers focus time and energy on what matters most. Chris cuts through the cultural clutter as, among other lessons, he empowers readers to let the end of their lives shape the days of their lives; keep relationships front and center no matter what; prioritize margin and rest in order to maximize their impact; turn their bucket list into a dream catcher; and see temporary problems through an eternal perspective. With punchy, memorable phrases and seasoned wisdom, this book cuts to the core of how to shape a life well-lived. Whether readers are struggling to find a rule of life that works or simply want to experience more clarity in a confusing world, this book crystallizes what truly counts and offers ancient insights and modern-day tools to live out that truth. It's time to clear through life's clutter and discover time-tested wisdom for our moment. It's time to change the rules that shape our lives.

The world is chaotic. But that doesn't mean your life has to be. Join Chris Hodges, bestselling author and beloved founding pastor of Church of the Highlands, on a dynamic journey into practical wisdom that has the power to transform your lifeTragic headlines, cultural currents, and overwhelming opinions make it a challenge to stay grounded in today's world. We long for greater peace in the chaos and greater passion for our purpose. As founding senior pastor of Church of the Highlands and chancellor of Highlands College, bestselling author Chris Hodges has shown us the joys of a life anchored by faith, motivated by love, and exercised with excellence. As he eloquently teaches in this new book, to reach the next level of impact in our lives, we need to get back to our foundation.In this rich invitation to apply the timeless wisdom of Scripture to modern life, Chris's trustworthy voice helps readers focus time and energy on what matters most. Chris cuts through the cultural clutter as, among other lessons, he empowers readers tolet the end of their lives shape the days of their lives;keep relationships front and center no matter what;prioritize margin and rest in order to maximize their impact;turn their bucket list into a dream catcher; andsee temporary problems through an eternal perspective. With punchy, memorable phrases and seasoned wisdom, this book cuts to the core of how to shape a life well-lived. Whether readers are struggling to find a rule of life that works or simply want to experience more clarity in a confusing world, this book crystallizes what truly counts and offers ancient insights and modern-day tools to live out that truth. It's time to clear through life's clutter and discover time-tested wisdom for our moment. It's time to change the rules that shape our lives.

Learn what it means to live a Spirit-filled life and how you can finally be fully alive. New York Times bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges invites you to rediscover the life God always intended and shows how the Holy Spirit is not only your comforter and guide but also the breath that fills your soul with strength, peace, and passion. Life can leave you feeling drained, distracted, or disconnected. But God designed you for so much more…He wants you to live with freedom, joy, and purpose—empowered by His Spirit. In Breathe Again, you will discover how freedom and purpose come from trading a life of spiritual obligation and rules-based religiosity for an experiential relationship with the God who pours out his grace on you freely and with abundance. Whether you're seeking spiritual revival, a deeper connection with God, or freedom from life's burdens, you will find a refreshing path to divine inspiration and purpose. Through Chris's practical insights and biblical wisdom, you will learn how the Holy Spirit empowers you to: Break free from spiritual burnout Experience God's power in practical, daily ways Live with new passion, joy, and confidence Don't settle for survival. Discover what it means to live a Spirit-filled life and be fully alive. Breath Again will help you take hold of a life of freedom and purpose.

This fun guidebook on prayer will have children and tweens turning to God before going to anyone or anything else! In Pray First for Young Readers, bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges shows that praying is simple yet powerful when you know God as your Friend, Father, and Savior.The practice of prayer can be intimidating at any age, but Pray First for Young Readers shows how to pray and what to pray about, gives your children the tools they need to add prayer to their daily routine, and reveals how a close relationship with Jesus is what leads to a lifelong faith. Adapted from Chris’s popular book Pray First, this resource will give kids the confidence they need to go to God for every need, to intercede for others, to praise Him, and so much more.This prayer toolbox for ages 8 to 12 includes the following:Biblical models of prayerPrayer promptsTips for praying throughout the dayFun facts, infographics, challenges, and other activitiesMindful self-reflection questionsPrayers from throughout historyShow kids that prayer is not an item on a to-do list but a very real connection to our all-powerful God, who longs to hear from us!

You can find the deep peace you've been longing for--and that God has promised.Because of spiritual brokenness, we humans run. We seek to escape fear, disappointment, unresolved trauma, and unhealed wounds of the past, but no matter how hard we try, we can't seem to run far enough or fast enough to finally be free . . . yet we keep running anyway. But God wants so much more for us.Pastor, speaker, and author Terry Crist has spent much of his life running from the pain of past trauma and toward the empty promises of what he thought would satisfy his soul. In Now You Can Stop Running, he leads you on a journey toward sanctuary--where you will find not just respite but transformation, not just shelter but home--as you learn how to find authentic rest and spiritual wholeness in the boundless love of God.With rich wisdom and profound pastoral insights, Crist helps us:Understand our own stories--why we run, what we're running from, and who or what we're running towardDiscern between the false promises of the world that create chaos and true refuge in the God who offers peaceEncounter God through freshly told stories of faithful believers in the Bible who also "ran for their lives"Engage spiritual practices that will guide us through our past pain, give meaning to our present struggles, and illuminate our path forward with hope The same God who loved and guided Jacob, Moses, Hagar, and David walks alongside us today. His rest is genuine, and the refuge he promises is safe and secure.

Make Prayer Your First ResponseHow do you approach prayer? Do you worry you are not doing it “correctly”? Do you see it as an obligation to check off a to-do list? Do you think of it as a last resort—a kind of supernatural SOS when you need help?In this Pray First video Bible study, Pastor Chris Hodges shares proven ways to help you spend time in conversation with God—and enjoy every minute of it. You will gain tools to bring joy back into your time with God, explore prayers in the Bible, learn about fasting (an often overlooked discipline), and discover biblically grounded methods for making prayer a priority and not an afterthought.Pray First is a revolutionary study for anyone who wants to experience a dynamic, intimate prayer life with God.This study guide includes:Individual access to six streaming video sessionsA guide to best practices for leading a groupVideo notes and a comprehensive structure for group discussion timePersonal study section with questions and biblical passages for reflection between sessionsSessions and video run times:The Five P's of Prayer (21:00)The Lord's Prayer (20:00)The Prayer of Jabez (16:00)Praying the Names of God (18:30)My Prayer for You (17:00)Prayer and Fasting (21:00)This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including:The study guide itself—with discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide.An individual access code to stream all video sessions online. (You don’t need to buy a DVD!)Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2028. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

Prayer is the lifeblood of the Christian faith--but many followers of Jesus still struggle to make prayer part of their daily lives. In Pray First, bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges shows us how to make prayer a first response instead of a last resort. Why is it that so many Christians find it difficult to develop a vibrant and exciting prayer life? Even though prayer is foundational to the Christian life, many are intimidated or uncertain about how to talk to God. Prayer feels quaint and old-fashioned to some, sacred and uncomfortable to others. It's not a lack of inspiration--there's plenty of that. And it's not that we don't realize prayer is important--we know it is. So, what's the issue?Pastor Chris Hodges has spent years studying the prayers of the Bible and the models of prayer that the scriptures provide for Christians. Now, he shares the teachings and methods he's used to successfully help hundreds of thousands of people understand how to spend time in conversation with God--and enjoy every minute.Pray First will give you the tools you need to:Bring the joy back into your time with GodTake a journey through the prayers of the Bible, which reveal how to make prayer more personal and powerfulLearn about fasting, an often overlooked but powerful discipline that's a vital companion to prayerFollow proven, biblically grounded methods for making prayer a priority, not an afterthought Written in the personable, relatable, and always biblically based style that has become Hodges's hallmark, Pray First is a revolutionary how-to manual for anyone seeking a more dynamic, intimate prayer life with God.

Be först är skriven i den personliga, lättillgängliga och alltid bibliskt grundade stil som har blivit Hodges signum. Här får du:redskap för att hämta tillbaka glädjen i ditt böneliv.göra en resa genom bönerna i Bibeln, för att se hur bönen kan bli mer personlig och full av kraft.lära dig mer om fastan, en ofta förbisedd men kraftfull disciplin som är en vital följeslagare till bönen.följa beprövade, bibliskt grundade metoder för att göra bönen till en prioritet, ilnte en eftertanke.Chris Hodges är grundare av och huvudpastor i Church of the Highlands. Under hans ledning har församligen startat campus över hela delstaten Alabama, och vuxit till mer än 60 000 besökare varje vecka. Han är även en av grundarna av Association of Related Chruches, har startat ett coachingnätverk som heter GROW, och tjänar även som kansler vid Highlands College, en tvåårig utbildning i församlingsarbete. Chris och hans fru Tammy har fem barn och åtta barnbarn och bor i Birmingham, Alabama.

Make Prayer Your First ResponseHow do you approach prayer? Do you worry you are not doing it “correctly”? Do you see it as an obligation to check off a to-do list? Do you think of it as a last resort—a kind of supernatural SOS when you need help?In this Pray First video Bible study, Pastor Chris Hodges shares proven ways to help you spend time in conversation with God—and enjoy every minute of it. You will gain tools to bring joy back into your time with God, explore prayers in the Bible, learn about fasting (an often overlooked discipline), and discover biblically grounded methods for making prayer a priority and not an afterthought.Pray First is a revolutionary study for anyone who wants to experience a dynamic, intimate prayer life with God.This study guide includes:Individual access to six streaming video sessionsA guide to best practices for leading a groupVideo notes and a comprehensive structure for group discussion timePersonal study section with questions and biblical passages for reflection between sessionsSessions and video run times:The Five P's of Prayer (21:00)The Lord's Prayer (20:00)The Prayer of Jabez (16:00)Praying the Names of God (18:30)My Prayer for You (17:00)Prayer and Fasting (21:00)This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including:The study guide itself—with discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide.An individual access code to stream all video sessions online.And the physical DVD.Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2028. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

How to embrace God's hope. . .even in the darkness of depression.Even when we're walking closely with God, we can still stumble and get lost in the wilderness of tangled emotions, loneliness, and depression. In this five-session video Bible study (streaming included), bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges explores the story of the prophet Elijah to reveal how everyone is susceptible to feelings of depression. But Elijah's story also reveals that we don't have to stay there! We serve a God who meets us in the darkness.Drawing on his trademark blend of Bible-based wisdom, practical application, and personal vulnerability, Pastor Hodges will help you examine the causes of depression, the factors that contribute to it, and offer you a biblical approach to wellness—mind, body, and soul.This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including:The study guide itself—with discussion and personal reflection questions, video notes, and Scripture readings.An individual access code to stream all five video sessions online (DVD also available separately). Session Titles and Run Times:Even Prophets Get Depressed (17:30)How Did I Get in the Cave? (18:30)Rebuilding Our Emotional House (16:30)Dream Again (16:00)We Need Each Other (17:30)Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2027. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

Med hjälp av profeten Elias liv i Gamla testamentet, påminner författaren och pastorn Chris Hodges oss om att vi kan komma vilse i de tilltrasslade känslornas öken, torts att vi vandrar nära Gud. Om mitt i depressionens mörker kan Gud fortfarande möta oss.Chris Hodes är grundare av och huvudpastor i Church of the Highlands, en församling med campus över hela Alabama, USA, som samlar mer än sextiotusen besökare varje vecka. Han är också en av grundarna till Association of Related Churches (ARC), han har startat coachning-nätverket GROW, och är utnämnd till kansler vid Highlands College, som utbildar och tränar människor till tjänst för Gud. Chris och hans fru Tammy har fem barn och sju barnbarn, och bor i Birmingham, Alabama.

Do you feel guilt and shame about negative thoughts and emotions and your inability to overcome them? Bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges helps those struggling with depression find liberating solutions by drawing from the life of the prophet Elijah.You might be asking, Should a Christian even be having these struggles?Depression is the number one health issue in the world today, yet those who suffer are still sometimes stigmatized—especially followers of Jesus. Many assume God's peace, power, and protection should prevent us from ever feeling anxious, depressed, and afraid. But the Bible teaches otherwise, particularly in its depiction of the life of the Old Testament prophet Elijah.In Out of the Cave, Chris Hodges uses Elijah's life to show us that everyone is susceptible to depression. Even when we're walking closely with God, we can still stumble and get lost in the wilderness of tangled emotions. But we don't have to stay there, because we serve a God who meets us in the darkness. Out of the Cave helps usremove the stigma of depression and realize we're not alone;understand the ways our temperament and view of God affect the way we handle depression; andlearn a comprehensive approach to wellness—mind, body, and soul—from Elijah's journey.With his trademark blend of Bible-based wisdom, practical application, and vulnerability in sharing his personal struggles, Hodges explores the causes of depression we can't change, the contributors we can conquer, and offers transformative hope and spiritual power to help us win the battle.

Har du någonsin känt att något verkar saknas i ditt liv? Längtar du efter en tydligare känsla av mål och mening? Upplever du att ditt andliga liv har fastnat i vissa hjulspår? I Nästa steg ger pastorn och författaren Chris Hodges praktis vägledning för alla som söker tydlighet och inriktning, och beskriver de fyra stegen till andlig mognad: * lär känna Gud, * finn frihet, * upptäck syftet med ditt liv, och * gör skillnad. Han visar att varje steg följer på det föregående, men samtidigt ingår i ett kretslopp som leder till allt djupare nivåer av tro. Nästa steg är enkel och lättillgänglig, tydlig och djup, och är därför - oavsett var du befinner dig på din resa - den guide du behöver för att hitta fram till och upptäcka glädjen som börjar flöda när man vandrar i en ständigt växande tro. Chris Hodges är grundare av och huvudpastor i Church of the Highlands. Under hans ledarskap har församlingen startat campus på flera platser i delstaten Alabama, USA, med över 45 000 besökare varje vecka. Han är också en av grundarna till Association of Related Churches, han har startat coachingnätverket GROW, som utbildar och tränar människor till tjänst för Gud. Chris och hans fru Tammy har fem barn och fem barnbarn, och bor i Birmingham, Alabama.

A Deeper Relationship with God is Closer Than You ThinkDo you find yourself asking, “What do I do next? How do I stay motivated to grow deeper in my relationship with God when I feel complacent, intimidated, or confused? What can I do to get back on track when I hit a spiritual rut?” In What’s Next?, bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges offers a practical guide to all those looking for clarity and direction, and reveals the four steps to spiritual maturity.Chris demonstrates how each step is part of both a linear path and a cycle leading to deeper levels of faith. No matter where you may be on the spiritual spectrum, What’s Next? is the guide you need to find your next step, and discover the joy that comes walking the road of richer faith.The What’s Next? Study Guide includes video discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions.Sessions include:Start the JourneyKnow GodFind FreedomDiscover PurposeMake a DifferenceDesigned for use with the What’s Next? Video Study (9780310104148), sold separately. Digital video also available.

A Deeper Relationship with God is Closer Than You ThinkHave you ever asked yourself how to stay motivated to grow deeper in your relationship with God? Even when you feel stagnant, weary, or confused? What can you do to get back on track when you hit a spiritual rut?In this five-session, video-based Bible study bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges offers a practical guide to all those looking for clarity and guidance in their spiritual journey.Chris reveals the four steps to spiritual maturity and demonstrates how each step is part of both a linear path and a cycle leading to deeper levels of faith. No matter where you may be on the spiritual spectrum, What’s Next? is the guide you need to find your footing and discover the joy that comes when walking the road of richer faith.Sessions include:Start the JourneyKnow GodFind FreedomDiscover PurposeMake a Difference This pack contains everything you need for a complete Bible study experience: The What’s Next? Study Guide itself, which includes video discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions. The 5-session DVD (video streaming also available)

Have you ever felt like something important is missing from your life? Do you feel stuck in a spiritual rut? A deeper and more intimate relationship with God is closer than you think.At various points along our life's journey, we've all found ourselves asking, "Which way do I go? Where will this road take me? Is that really where I want to go?"Pastor and bestselling author Chris Hodges teaches us that at these crossroads, it's essential to pause and remember our priorities. In What's Next, Hodges reveals the four practical steps anyone can use to gain lasting spiritual maturity, helping us:know God better than everfind freedom in our day-to-day livesdiscover our God-given purposesmake an impact on everyone we meet What's Next teaches us that it's time to look beyond what seems logical, convenient, or advantageous. Instead, we need to look to God as our ultimate GPS, our soul's true compass, if we want to live a purposeful, joyful, and significant life for eternity.Accessible and clear, concise but profound, What's Next? is the guide you need to find your way and discover the joy that comes walking the road of deeper faith--no matter where you are in your journey.