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Fresh Air: Trading Stale Spiritual Obligation for a Life-Altering, Energizing, Experience-It-Everyday Relationship with God
We’ve all gone through times in our lives when we feel like we need a fresh breeze to breathe new life into us. But what is that energy-giving, life-breathing force that inspires and empowers us? How do we put the wind in our sails again, so we can get unstuck, reset our compass, and redirect our course?
In Fresh Air , New York Times bestselling author Chris Hodges reveals how breath―the breath of God―is the essence of life as it’s meant to be. Fueled by the breath of God, we are not only refreshed in spirit ourselves; we have the power to create a life-giving environment of freedom and joyful purpose around us.
Bold and encouraging, Fresh Air offers “breathing lessons” for those who long for a cool breeze to resuscitate their spirit, bring them closer to God, and make them enthusiastic, contagious life-breathers to those around them.
In Fresh Air , New York Times bestselling author Chris Hodges reveals how breath―the breath of God―is the essence of life as it’s meant to be. Fueled by the breath of God, we are not only refreshed in spirit ourselves; we have the power to create a life-giving environment of freedom and joyful purpose around us.
Bold and encouraging, Fresh Air offers “breathing lessons” for those who long for a cool breeze to resuscitate their spirit, bring them closer to God, and make them enthusiastic, contagious life-breathers to those around them.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2012
About the author
Chris Hodges
71 books254 followersChris Hodges is a pastor, mentor, and author who has dedicated his life to helping people grow in their faith, develop as leaders, and build life-giving communities. He is the Founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, Founding Pastor of Church of the Highlands, Founder of GrowLeader, and Co-Founder of the Association of Related Churches (ARC).
In 2025, after more than two decades of leadership, Chris transitioned the role of Lead Pastor to Mark Pettus, allowing him to focus more on mentoring leaders and investing in the next generation. He continues to serve Highlands as Founding Pastor.
Highlands College – America’s Ministry Leadership University
Chris has always had a heart for equipping young leaders for ministry. In 2011, he founded Highlands College, which has since grown into a fully accredited, academy-model ministry leadership college. Inspired by Luke 2:10, Highlands College is dedicated to developing leaders of competence and character to fulfill the Great Commission.
More than 1,300 graduates have been placed in more than 370 churches and ministries across 38 states and 21 countries.
GrowLeader – Coaching Leaders and Equipping Churches
Understanding the challenges that pastors and church leaders face, Chris created GrowLeader, a coaching network dedicated to training leaders and resourcing churches. Through conferences, roundtables, and leadership coaching, GrowLeader provides practical tools and biblical strategies to help churches grow in a healthy, sustainable way.
Association of Related Churches (ARC) – Church Planting
In 2001, Chris co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) with a group of pastors who shared a heart for starting life-giving churches in communities that need them. Through coaching, support, and relationships, ARC has helped plant over 1,150 churches across the U.S. and trains more than 1,000 church planters annually.
Writing and Teaching
Chris is a bestselling author who is passionate about making biblical truth practical and accessible, and he has written several books to encourage believers in their spiritual growth.
His works include:
• The Daniel Dilemma – standing firm while loving well in a culture of compromise
• Four Cups – understanding the promises of God for every believer
• Out of the Cave – finding hope in the midst of depression
• Pray First – living a life centered on prayer
• What’s Next? – following practical steps for growing in faith
• Fresh Air – experiencing spiritual renewal
• Jesus, The High Road Leader (co-authored with John C. Maxwell) – following leadership lessons from the life of Jesus
Global Leadership and Ministry
Chris has been honored to serve alongside mentors and leaders from around the world. He is involved with organizations such as:
• EQUIP – a leadership organization founded by John C. Maxwell, which has trained millions of leaders worldwide
• Global Teen Challenge – a ministry helping people find freedom from addiction
Personal Life
Chris holds a B.A. in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Masters of Ministry from Southwestern Christian University, and an Honorary Doctorate in Professional Leadership from High Point University.
Originally from Louisiana, Chris spent time pastoring in Colorado before moving to Birmingham, AL, in 2001. He and his wife, Tammy, have five kids and twelve grandchildren.
In 2025, after more than two decades of leadership, Chris transitioned the role of Lead Pastor to Mark Pettus, allowing him to focus more on mentoring leaders and investing in the next generation. He continues to serve Highlands as Founding Pastor.
Highlands College – America’s Ministry Leadership University
Chris has always had a heart for equipping young leaders for ministry. In 2011, he founded Highlands College, which has since grown into a fully accredited, academy-model ministry leadership college. Inspired by Luke 2:10, Highlands College is dedicated to developing leaders of competence and character to fulfill the Great Commission.
More than 1,300 graduates have been placed in more than 370 churches and ministries across 38 states and 21 countries.
GrowLeader – Coaching Leaders and Equipping Churches
Understanding the challenges that pastors and church leaders face, Chris created GrowLeader, a coaching network dedicated to training leaders and resourcing churches. Through conferences, roundtables, and leadership coaching, GrowLeader provides practical tools and biblical strategies to help churches grow in a healthy, sustainable way.
Association of Related Churches (ARC) – Church Planting
In 2001, Chris co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) with a group of pastors who shared a heart for starting life-giving churches in communities that need them. Through coaching, support, and relationships, ARC has helped plant over 1,150 churches across the U.S. and trains more than 1,000 church planters annually.
Writing and Teaching
Chris is a bestselling author who is passionate about making biblical truth practical and accessible, and he has written several books to encourage believers in their spiritual growth.
His works include:
• The Daniel Dilemma – standing firm while loving well in a culture of compromise
• Four Cups – understanding the promises of God for every believer
• Out of the Cave – finding hope in the midst of depression
• Pray First – living a life centered on prayer
• What’s Next? – following practical steps for growing in faith
• Fresh Air – experiencing spiritual renewal
• Jesus, The High Road Leader (co-authored with John C. Maxwell) – following leadership lessons from the life of Jesus
Global Leadership and Ministry
Chris has been honored to serve alongside mentors and leaders from around the world. He is involved with organizations such as:
• EQUIP – a leadership organization founded by John C. Maxwell, which has trained millions of leaders worldwide
• Global Teen Challenge – a ministry helping people find freedom from addiction
Personal Life
Chris holds a B.A. in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Masters of Ministry from Southwestern Christian University, and an Honorary Doctorate in Professional Leadership from High Point University.
Originally from Louisiana, Chris spent time pastoring in Colorado before moving to Birmingham, AL, in 2001. He and his wife, Tammy, have five kids and twelve grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 28, 2018
A good read! I read Chris Hodges most recent work, The Daniel Dilemma, first. So it was interesting to go back to his first book and see the writing growth that’s occurred! A little disorganized but full of so much knowledge!
August 3, 2017
I love this book! It places value in our journey and I connected with the pastors experiences! "We tend to judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intentions." That statement carries great weight. With great intent I plan on applying what I've learned so others will judge me appropriately. If my intent and my actions are aligned, I will live the life God intended for me. God Bless.
January 17, 2020
This book was good, it didn’t blow me away. The author is encouraging and helpful as he tries to guide people out of the stale, lifeless seasons that we encounter in faith. I appreciated his chapter on rest and Sabbath the most!
May 22, 2025
Solid scriptural reminders and practical application ideas to get your spiritual life and this your life reenergized.
An easy read and a great small group study.
An easy read and a great small group study.
January 20, 2023
Truly enjoyed PC’s (Pastor Chris) take on a person’s spiritual journey. All of us experience Highs & Lows, feeling like we’re on top of the world then under the mud. His presentation perfectly lays out a way for everyone to overcome their stalemates and regain their breath. A great book for new Christians, but also a good “breath of fresh air” read for those who have been in the faith for a long time.
January 17, 2014
This book by Chris Hodges the head pastor of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabma, takes one from a stale spiritual life and a life of obligations to the real Christian life of joy and love. Chapter by Chapter you can feel youself becoming more alive. It is well worth reading by any Christian and is not difficult reading at all.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
May 18, 2016
Solid book that helps bring rejuvenation to one's spiritual life.
January 14, 2018
This was a great book. I recommend it for anyone who is starting to feel stale and stuck in their spiritual life. Chris Hodges boils everything down to its simplest forms and then adds humor!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews