Pastor Chris Hodges, a prominent figure in the evangelical community as the founder of the Church of the Highlands in Alabama and co-founder of the Association of Related Churches (ARC), is embroiled in a high-profile lawsuit filed by Pastor Stovall Weems and his wife, Kerri. The Weemses, former leaders of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida, allege a conspiracy led by Hodges and ARC to oust them from their church, claiming this was part of a broader strategy to consolidate control over influential churches and advance ARC’s financial interests.
Background of the Pastor Chris Hodges Lawsuit
The conflict began when the Weemses, who previously aligned with ARC, began to diverge from ARC’s growth-centered approach. They expressed a desire to shift Celebration Church’s focus toward missionary work and pastoral mental health support. According to the lawsuit, this shift did not align with ARC’s expansion-oriented model, which emphasizes rapid church growth, and purportedly posed a threat to ARC’s interests. The lawsuit details accusations of a coordinated “takeover” that involved ARC leaders allegedly spreading false accusations to damage the Weemses’ reputations, ultimately leading to Stovall Weems’ removal from his pastoral position in 2022 (Christian Post; News4Jax).
Key Allegations and Legal Claims
The Weemses’ complaint accuses Hodges, alongside other ARC leaders like Dino Rizzo and John Seibeling, of engaging in a conspiracy to seize control of Celebration Church’s assets and oust the couple from leadership. Specific accusations include:
- Defamation and Reputation Damage: The lawsuit alleges that ARC and Church of the Highlands disseminated false claims about the Weemses, casting them as financially irresponsible and unsuitable for ministry.
- Financial Manipulation: The Weemses claim that ARC pressured Celebration Church into mandatory financial contributions and sought to replace Stovall Weems with leaders who would uphold ARC’s church-growth initiatives and financial commitments (Julieroys.com).
- Misappropriation of Church Resources: Allegedly, Hodges and ARC leveraged Celebration Church’s assets to benefit ARC-related projects, such as The Lodge at Grants Mill, a $4.5 million pastoral retreat center in Alabama, which the Weemses argue was established to compete with their similar project, Honey Lake Farms in Florida.
ARC’s Response and Denial of Allegations
ARC and Hodges have denied all allegations, with Hodges’ attorney dismissing the claims as meritless. Hodges maintains that his work with ARC and Church of the Highlands is aimed at supporting communities and pastors through church planting, disputing the narrative of financial self-interest presented by the Weemses. Additionally, ARC leaders argue that the Weemses’ claims lack substantiation and that their removal from Celebration Church was due to internal governance and financial issues rather than an orchestrated conspiracy (Christian Post).
Implications for ARC and Church Leadership Models
This lawsuit highlights potential tensions within evangelical megachurch networks that emphasize rapid growth and financial sustainability. Critics argue that growth-focused models can create high-stress environments for pastors, sometimes prioritizing expansion over pastoral care. The case against Hodges and ARC may prompt discussions around accountability, financial transparency, and the ethical obligations of church-planting organizations. If the lawsuit progresses, it could lead to greater scrutiny of ARC’s model and possibly influence how similar organizations operate.
Conclusion
The lawsuit between Stovall Weems and ARC, led by Pastor Chris Hodges, raises complex questions about power, financial control, and the direction of modern megachurch organizations. As the legal proceedings continue, the case could significantly impact ARC’s operations and the broader evangelical landscape, particularly in how churches balance growth with ethical and pastoral responsibilities. This ongoing case exemplifies the challenges faced by large church networks in navigating transparency and leadership accountability.
