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Legacy Letters: Timeless Principles I Learned, Lived, and Leave Behind
Most people think a great life is built on big moments. It isn't.
A great life is built on small decisions made consistently over time. A missed priority here. A neglected relationship there. Too much pressure. Too little margin. Over time, those small choices quietly shape the direction of a life. But there is another way to live.
After decades of leadership, raising a family, and helping people navigate life's biggest decisions, Chris Hodges discovered something that changes everything: The quality of your life is determined by the principles that guide it.
Principles simplify decisions.
Principles steady you in difficult seasons.
Principles help you build a life that lasts.
In Legacy Letters, a practical and deeply personal book, Hodges shares the timeless principles that have shaped his life, leadership, relationships, and legacy. These aren't theories or motivational slogans. They are lessons learned through real life—through mentors, mistakes, family, and decades of walking alongside people through the highs and lows of life.
This book is designed to be read one principle a day for 30 days, giving you a clear framework for building a better life. Then you'll spend the rest of the year putting those principles into practice—because principles are not meant to be memorized, they are meant to be lived.
A great life is built on small decisions made consistently over time. A missed priority here. A neglected relationship there. Too much pressure. Too little margin. Over time, those small choices quietly shape the direction of a life. But there is another way to live.
After decades of leadership, raising a family, and helping people navigate life's biggest decisions, Chris Hodges discovered something that changes everything: The quality of your life is determined by the principles that guide it.
Principles simplify decisions.
Principles steady you in difficult seasons.
Principles help you build a life that lasts.
In Legacy Letters, a practical and deeply personal book, Hodges shares the timeless principles that have shaped his life, leadership, relationships, and legacy. These aren't theories or motivational slogans. They are lessons learned through real life—through mentors, mistakes, family, and decades of walking alongside people through the highs and lows of life.
This book is designed to be read one principle a day for 30 days, giving you a clear framework for building a better life. Then you'll spend the rest of the year putting those principles into practice—because principles are not meant to be memorized, they are meant to be lived.
- GenresNonfictionChristianity
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2026
About the author
Chris Hodges
65 books256 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 11, 2026
This was a gift.
I tried.
Self- help/faith people not really my jam- trying to be open to different opinions.
The unforgivable- he often used other people’s ideas or strategies without giving them credit.
Unoriginal. Trite.
Back to my lane.
I tried.
Self- help/faith people not really my jam- trying to be open to different opinions.
The unforgivable- he often used other people’s ideas or strategies without giving them credit.
Unoriginal. Trite.
Back to my lane.
April 27, 2026
Really great practical principles to help you be a better leader and person.
May 31, 2026
I always enjoy PC’s writing, and this book is no exception. His writing is always very easy to read, he is great at putting the cookies on the bottom shelf. This book focuses on different principles he has learned to apply to his life. My personal favorite was “The Let It Go Principle” I’ll carry it with me for sure. It was impactful and timely for me and I’m sure many other readers. This book uplifts, motivates, & inspires. A read you’ll want to share with a friend!! Thank you NetGalley & Chris Hodges for giving me an advanced copy of this book. It’s always a pleasure to be mentored by PC!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The author offers a powerful guide to living with intention, faith, and purpose in a crazy world. Drawing on his leadership at Church of the Highlands and Highlands College, he reveals practical, relatable, timeless ideas that encourage readers to focus on relationships, rest, and having a lasting impact. I want to apply this profound wisdom to my life starting now!
November 2, 2026
A great collection of principles and advice that adds up to a life well-lived and helps focus on what's important. The book covers business, relationships, faith, and personal development. A great tool for the daily devotionals. The only issue that kept getting more and more frustrating throughout the book was a very AI-like writing style of "not this, but that."
October 29, 2026
I had the opportunity to hear Chris talk at a conference. This book was excellent! He gives sound advice for being a good human and practical examples on what to do. I recommend reading with a friend that you can share thoughts with - I did, and it was meaningful conversations.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A very important read! It imparts several life lessons and sage knowledge. It prioritizes people over any project, focusing on what lasts.
May 10, 2026
One of the most practical books I’ve read. This is a book to refer back to-to live by. Biblical principles broken down into daily applications.
May 12, 2026
I really loved this and found it very grounding.
Thank you for the eARC!
Thank you for the eARC!
May 27, 2026
A book full of wisdom that will truly change your life!
June 20, 2026
This is a book that will remain on my shelf for future reference, reminding, and reflection.
July 20, 2026
What an incredible book with so many habits, traits, and just good wisdom to add to your life. I will definitely reread this again.
July 31, 2026
Wow, this is exactly how I want to live my life. What a wonderful book. I want to share it with everyone.
September 1, 2026
Read for Yeti's CBS Bookclub July/August 2026. Absolutely fantastic book! Read most of it with Jacob before he went to CSUSM. Giving this to my husband to read now...krb 9/1/26
September 16, 2026
Really good. One chapter per day.
September 26, 2026
It was a good book and interesting
October 17, 2026
This book made me think about my life investments in this season. Good devotional aid for daily time with God at 32 short chapters. Repetitive but intentional. Will definitely share this book.
September 16, 2026
This book inspired me, challenged me and searched me in the best way. These principles are not only timeless and invaluable but also serve as a guide to the secret of living a wise and lasting life that takes you to higher heights and helps you make a difference.
One read through barely scratched the surface. It’s a book you need to read again and again and one you must highlight, pull out quotes from and find ways to put it into practice. Chris truly offers a countercultural, powerful, and revolutionary way of doing things that will lead to a life of legacy not just for individuals of faith but for everyone. I think anyone can find something in the pages of this book, but know you won’t leave the same way you came. ;)
One read through barely scratched the surface. It’s a book you need to read again and again and one you must highlight, pull out quotes from and find ways to put it into practice. Chris truly offers a countercultural, powerful, and revolutionary way of doing things that will lead to a life of legacy not just for individuals of faith but for everyone. I think anyone can find something in the pages of this book, but know you won’t leave the same way you came. ;)
July 5, 2026
I have read many of Pastor Chris’s books, as he has pastored my family for the last 11 years. I read it very slow so as to really “digest the material.”
This one is very special. Whether you stumble into this one accidentally or pursue it with intentionality, you and those around you WILL be blessed by reading this book. His life principles formed by his life lessons are a wealth of knowledge. I got the Kindle version so that I can quickly access my highlights.
This one is very special. Whether you stumble into this one accidentally or pursue it with intentionality, you and those around you WILL be blessed by reading this book. His life principles formed by his life lessons are a wealth of knowledge. I got the Kindle version so that I can quickly access my highlights.
July 4, 2026
The book I should have read 50 years ago
Amazing read that challenged me from the first page to the last. Get this book and put the advice to work in your life. I wish it had been available earlier in my life but it is never too late to build a legacy. Best book I have read in a long time.
Amazing read that challenged me from the first page to the last. Get this book and put the advice to work in your life. I wish it had been available earlier in my life but it is never too late to build a legacy. Best book I have read in a long time.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews