Founding Pastor Chris Hodges announced today that he’s stepping down as pastor of the Church of the Highlands, which he started in 2001 and that has become the largest religious congregation in the state and one of the largest in the country.

He will continue in his duties as chancellor of Highlands College on U.S. 280, which he also founded.

Hodges announced that the Rev. Mark Pettus will be the new senior pastor of the Church of the Highlands, which has more than 20 branch locations throughout Alabama and also one in Columbus, Ga.

“This church does need to be led by a younger generation, and I believe you’re the man, with all my heart,” Hodges said as he turned the reins over to Pettus in the morning worship services. “I don’t even believe it; I know you’re the man.”

“Thank God for an amazing church, and thank God for an amazing pastor, and PC you are that to me, now and forever my pastor,” Pettus said, referring to Hodges by his nickname for “Pastor Chris.”