About Highlands

Why We Exist

We're here to help people Know God, Find Freedom, Discover their Purpose, and Make a Difference.

Whether you're new to church, have been a Christian for many years, or are looking for a fresh start, you're welcome here. Our hope is to give you a place where you experience a fresh, enjoyable connection to God and a community of people.

We keep our focus simple so we can have the biggest impact possible. Everything we do as a church is filtered through our focus on helping every person live the full life for which God created all of us.

Learn about the different areas of our church.

Prayer is the foundation of our church. Discover how you can be a part of our prayer ministry.

We believe all of us have a personal responsibility to share our faith with others. Learn how simple evangelism can be and how you can effectively reach others with the message of Jesus.

The Legacy Team advances the cause of Christ and accelerates the vision of Church of the Highlands through the gift of giving. Find out how you can be part of the Legacy Team.

A public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ, water baptism is an essential step in your spiritual journey. Learn about the significance of baptism and how you can be baptized at Highlands.

We believe God wants every person to experience abundant life here on earth, and He designed us to find freedom and healing in relationship with others. Discover how lives are changed in Small Groups and how you can get involved.

We believe every Christian is called to make a difference in the lives of others. Learn how we participate in local, national, and international missions and how you can get involved.

Help children develop a genuine love for Jesus, build their lives on the truth of God's Word, connect in meaningful friendships, and discover their purpose at a young age. Find out more about Highlands Kids and how you can get involved.

Empower young people to develop thriving, authentic relationships with Jesus and make a difference right where they are is the heart of our student ministry. Discover how you can play a role in our students lives.

We believe every person has leadership potential that can change the world in Jesus' Name. Find out how you can take next steps in your leadership development journey at Highlands College.

It's important for us here at Highlands to care well for you. Learn how we support people day-to-day and care for individuals and couples in crisis.

Know God

Weekend Services

God wants to know us personally. More than just practicing religion, He wants a relationship with us. Our weekend services are where we focus on that relationship. Whether you're new to faith, have questions, or have been a Christ follower for a long time, our services are a safe place to learn more about what it means to know God and grow closer to Him.

Find Freedom

Small Groups

One of the ways God designed for us to live in freedom is to have people in our life to help us in the journey. Connecting with others in Highlands Small Groups is a practical and enjoyable way to find that kind of life-changing community.

Discover Purpose

Growth Track

We're all an important part of God's plan, and our life will never make sense until we discover our purpose. The Highlands Growth Track is designed to help us take steps in the important process of discovering our purpose, and there are opportunities to attend weekly at every Highlands location.

Make a Difference

Dream Team

This is God's ultimate plan for our life--to make a difference in the lives of others. When we do, the Bible tells us we will experience joy. Through the Highlands Dream Team, we hope to connect every person to an opportunity to live out their calling by using their gifts and talents to serve others in the church and the community.

Leadership

Senior Pastor

Chris Hodges is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands. Since it began in 2001, Highlands has grown to have campuses across the state of Alabama, and we're known for our life-giving culture and focus on leading people to an intimate relationship with God.

Pastor Chris has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches. He co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) in 2001, which has launched hundreds of churches across the United States. He also founded Grow, specializing in training and resourcing pastors and churches to help them break barriers and reach their growth potential. Chris is also the founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, a ministry training school that trains and launches students into full-time ministry careers.

Chris and his wife Tammy have five children and live in Birmingham, Alabama, where Church of the Highlands began. He speaks at conferences worldwide and is the author of Fresh Air, Four Cups, The Daniel Dilemma,What’s Next?, Out of the Cave, and Pray First.