The Church of the Highlands, one of the largest churches in the United States, has garnered significant attention, not only for its massive congregation but also for controversies surrounding its leadership and practices.
In particular, Pastor Chris Hodges, the church’s founder, has faced allegations regarding his role in restoring pastors accused of moral misconduct.
Questions have arisen around the church’s involvement in such cases and its retreat center, The Lodge, leading to concerns and widespread speculation.
This article aims to unpack these issues, clarify the role of The Lodge, and explore the church’s actions related to pastoral misconduct.
The Lodge: A Sanctuary for Burnout, Not Misconduct
In 2023, The Lodge, a $4.5 million retreat center located at the Church of the Highlands’ Grants Mill Road campus, opened its doors.
The center was designed to provide pastors with a place to rest, rejuvenate, and recover from the stresses of ministry.
Pastor Chris Hodges emphasized that The Lodge is not intended for clergy accused of sexual misconduct or moral failings, but rather for those suffering from burnout.
Hodges explained that The Lodge’s mission is to help pastors disconnect from their demanding roles and focus on spiritual renewal.
As pastoral burnout has become an increasing issue—especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic—the Lodge serves as a space where pastors can receive the emotional and spiritual support they need to continue their ministry.
Controversies Around The Lodge and Misconduct Allegations
The creation of The Lodge coincided with the case of Micahn Carter, a former pastor of Together Church in Washington who stepped down in 2019 due to undisclosed reasons.
Later, Carter joined the Church of the Highlands, where Hodges agreed to assist in his restoration process.
However, after Carter was accused of sexual assault by a former assistant, the church severed ties with him.
This case, which occurred around the same time as The Lodge’s opening, led to confusion and speculation about whether the center was intended to shelter pastors facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
Hodges was quick to clarify that The Lodge was not connected to Carter’s situation and reiterated that the retreat center’s purpose is entirely separate from cases of moral failure.
Key Facts About The Lodge
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Church of the Highlands, Grants Mill Road |
| Purpose | Retreat center for pastors experiencing burnout |
| Opened | April 2023 |
| Capacity | Four bedrooms, one conference room |
| Audience | Pastors and ministry leaders |
| Programs | No formal programs yet; used for guest speakers |
| Estimated Cost | $4.5 million |
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Chris Hodges’ Role in Pastoral Restoration
Over the years, Pastor Chris Hodges has been involved in numerous cases of pastoral restoration, working with church leaders who are recovering from personal or professional crises.
In a 2021 sermon, Hodges openly discussed his participation in about 20 cases of pastoral moral failures or restorations.
However, Hodges made it clear that none of these efforts involved The Lodge.
The Church of the Highlands has occasionally helped pastors experiencing moral failings, but the church does not operate a formal program dedicated to this cause.
Each case is handled uniquely, depending on the severity of the issue and the needs of the individual pastor.
Hodges has emphasized that the church follows a careful process for restoration, which typically involves the pastor stepping down from ministry for a period of reflection and guidance.
The Micahn Carter Case: A Turning Point
The case of Micahn Carter is one of the more notable controversies involving the Church of the Highlands.
In 2019, Carter stepped down from his position at Together Church, joining the staff at the Church of the Highlands later that year.
At the request of Carter’s former church leaders, Hodges agreed to assist in Carter’s restoration.
However, when allegations of sexual assault by a former assistant surfaced, the Church of the Highlands quickly severed ties with him.
Hodges admitted that he regretted allowing Carter to preach at the Church of the Highlands before the allegations were known.
Once the truth came to light, Hodges took immediate action by requesting Carter’s resignation, which Carter accepted.
This case fueled much of the speculation around the purpose of The Lodge, as the timing of the case and the retreat center’s opening led to misunderstandings about their connection.
Misconceptions About The Association of Related Churches (ARC)
Adding to the confusion surrounding the Church of the Highlands is the Association of Related Churches (ARC), a network co-founded by Chris Hodges to help launch new churches across the country.
Critics have suggested that ARC exercises control over the churches it supports, including how they handle pastoral misconduct.
However, Hodges has repeatedly clarified that ARC has no governing authority over its member churches.
Each church in the ARC network is independently governed by its own elder board, which holds the decision-making power.
ARC merely provides guidance and resources, allowing the churches to operate autonomously.
Hodges has emphasized that the misconception about ARC’s authority is one of the biggest misunderstandings about the network.
The Real Crisis: Pastoral Burnout
The establishment of The Lodge stems from a larger issue that many churches face: pastoral burnout.
According to Hodges, many pastors are leaving their ministries due to the overwhelming demands of their roles.
Statistics show that one in four pastors plans to quit or retire by 2030 due to burnout, making it a critical issue for church leadership across the country.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Hodges spoke with around 20 pastors who were on the brink of leaving their ministries.
These pastors, he noted, were not dealing with moral failures but rather the stress and emotional toll of their work.
The Lodge was created in response to this growing problem, offering pastors a space to rest and recharge.
What’s Next for The Lodge?
As of now, The Lodge does not have a formal program specifically dedicated to addressing pastoral burnout, but Hodges is optimistic about the future.
He envisions The Lodge as a place where pastors and their spouses can attend multi-day retreats designed to help them renew their strength and rekindle their passion for ministry.
While the retreat center currently hosts guest speakers and church events, Hodges hopes to develop programming that will provide even greater support to pastors in need.
The Lodge’s long-term goal is to create a space where pastors can receive spiritual and emotional care, allowing them to return to their ministries with renewed energy and focus.
Chris Hodges remains committed to addressing the issue of burnout head-on and providing solutions that will help pastors remain healthy and effective in their leadership roles.
Separating Fact from Fiction
The Church of the Highlands and Pastor Chris Hodges have faced considerable scrutiny over their involvement in pastoral restoration, particularly in cases involving moral failure.
However, Hodges has made it clear that while the church has assisted pastors experiencing personal crises, its primary focus remains on helping those dealing with burnout—not misconduct.
The Lodge, despite initial misconceptions, stands as a testament to this mission, offering a retreat for pastors who are emotionally and spiritually exhausted.
As the church continues to develop its vision for The Lodge, it hopes to clear up any remaining misunderstandings and focus on its goal of supporting pastors in their ministry.
The Lodge serves as a safe haven for those in need of rest and renewal, helping to combat the growing issue of pastoral burnout in the church.
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Conclusion: Understanding the Church of the Highlands
Despite public speculation and controversy, the Church of the Highlands has remained committed to supporting pastors who face the challenges of leadership burnout.
The Lodge, a retreat center designed to help pastors refresh and refocus, is part of the church’s broader mission to ensure that pastors can continue leading their congregations effectively.
While the church has been involved in restoring pastors in the past, the purpose of The Lodge is not connected to these efforts.
Through The Lodge, Chris Hodges and the Church of the Highlands hope to provide pastors with the necessary tools and resources to sustain a healthy ministry.
As misconceptions are clarified, the church’s focus remains on empowering church leaders to overcome burnout and continue their calling with renewed strength.
