A bombshell lawsuit filed earlier this month by former pastors of a Florida megachurch has leveled explosive allegations of a conspiracy masterminded by Church of the Highlands founder Chris Hodges and others.
The lawsuit accuses Hodges and several associates of engineering a takeover of Celebration Church in Jacksonville to protect and expand their own financial interests.
Church of the Highlands is one of the fastest-growing churches in the United States, with over 70,000 members across multiple campuses.
Founded in 2001 by Chris Hodges, the church’s influence and reach have rapidly expanded in recent decades.
However, this new lawsuit threatens to cast a dark shadow over the Birmingham-based church and its leadership.
Former Florida Megachurch Pastors Sue Church of the Highlands for Conspiracy
In 1998, Stovall and Kerri Weems founded Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the next two decades, the congregation grew into a powerhouse with around 12,000 members.
However, in 2022, Stovall Weems announced his resignation from all roles at the church, just two months after filing a separate lawsuit against the church’s board of trustees over control of the congregation’s assets.
Now, in a new federal lawsuit filed on July 12, 2023, the Weemses have accused Chris Hodges, along with Dino Rizzo, John Seibeling, and the Association of Related Churches (ARC), of engaging in a “continuing unlawful conspiracy” against them.
The 42-page complaint alleges a coordinated scheme to frame the couple and damage their reputations.
Allegations of Greed, Extortion, and Reputation Sabotage
The Weemses’ lawsuit paints a picture of greed and a desire to advance personal financial and business interests as the motivation behind the alleged conspiracy.
Specifically, it accuses the defendants of spreading false claims of financial mismanagement and staff abuse by the Weemses to undermine their leadership.
The lawsuit alleges extortion, bribery, psychological abuse, wire fraud, and computer crimes by the defendants in their efforts to oust Stovall Weems and replace him with an “ARC agent” they could control.
“Defendants intentionally caused substantial financial and other irreparable harm to the Plaintiffs through a pattern of unlawful and often criminal acts that included extortion, bribery, psychological abuse, wire fraud, and computer crimes,” the complaint states.
Church Schism Rooted in “Corporate” Growth Model Critique?
According to the lawsuit, Pastor Weems had expressed concerns that his church “had become too ‘corporate,'” focusing more on generating attendance and revenue than on missionary work, helping the poor, and simplifying the church structure.
He also noted the negative psychological and health impacts this constant pressure to grow and generate revenue was having on pastors.
Could this critique of the modern “corporate” church growth model have precipitated tensions leading to the alleged conspiracy?
The lawsuit suggests Pastor Weems’ shift in priorities and emphasis away from pure growth metrics may have been seen as a threat by those focused on advancing their financial and business interests.
Church of the Highlands Founder Denies “False and Misleading” Claims
In response to the publication of the initial news report on this lawsuit, Church of the Highlands officials shared a statement from Chris Hodges:
“I am saddened by the false and misleading allegations made by Stovall Weems in his lawsuit against the Association of Related Churches and its leadership. ARC is a non-profit with the singular mission to help new churches as they get off the ground and develop. Hundreds of ARC churches are loving and serving people in their communities because of the support and resources they have received. Any claims mischaracterizing the actions or mission of ARC will be proven untrue.”
Hodges’ statement denies the allegations and characterizes ARC as a non-profit focused on supporting new churches, contrasting with the claims of protecting financial interests outlined in the lawsuit.
Other Recent Controversies Involving Church of the Highlands
This lawsuit is just the latest in a series of recent controversies hitting Church of the Highlands and its leadership:
- In 2023, a former police officer who worked security at the church was fired and found guilty of assault.
- A tragic accident in 2022 saw a bystander killed after a police chase ended in a wreck near one of the church’s campuses.
- In 2021, a woman faced murder charges for allegedly pushing another woman off a cliff. She requested body cam footage from the incident for use in her trial.
These mounting issues have drawn increased scrutiny onto the church’s leadership practices, finances, and public image.
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FAQ,s
What are the allegations against the Church of the Highlands?
The Church of the Highlands faces allegations of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, financial opacity, and mishandling of sexual misconduct claims.
What is the criticism of Church of the Highlands?
Church of the Highlands faces criticism for stances on LGBTQ+ rights, financial transparency, and leadership conduct.
Where is Pastor Chris Hodges now?
Pastor Chris Hodges resides in Birmingham, Alabama, where the Church of the Highlands originated.
What did Pastor Chris Hodges son do?
Michael Hodges, son of Pastor Chris Hodges, won big on “Wheel of Fortune” but was later removed as a church pastor due to a “moral failing.” He now works in spiritual development at Highlands College.
Who is Pastor Chris biological father?
Public information about Pastor Chris Hodges’ biological father is unavailable, as he has not publicly shared this detail.
Final Thoughts
The lawsuit filed by Stovall and Kerri Weems against Chris Hodges, Dino Rizzo, John Seibeling, and the Association of Related Churches makes damning accusations of a conspiracy to undermine the Weemses’ leadership at Celebration Church in Jacksonville.
The alleged motivation? Protecting and advancing the defendants’ financial interests and church growth business.
With high-profile parties on both sides, this lawsuit has the potential to significantly impact Church of the Highlands’ leadership, finances, and public reputation.
As one of the latest in a string of controversies surrounding the Birmingham-based megachurch, the outcome of this case could prove pivotal for the future of Church of the Highlands and its growing nationwide influence.
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