Published on December 11, 2023, 1:01 am

Image source: Fox News

In a unique twist in the world of real news, former pastor Michael Hodges from Alabama’s most extensive megachurch, Church of the Highlands, has amazed viewers by winning a grand prize of $52,650 on the hit game show “Wheel of Fortune.” Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Hodges appeared on an episode broadcast recently and cinched his victory during the bonus round with the correct answer to the puzzle “Opening a jar.”

“Wheel of Fortune,” the premier American TV game show conceived by Merv Griffin, has continuously aired since January 1975. The dynamic contest involves participants striving to solve word puzzles resembling hangman with the intent of securing cash and prizes. These awards are determined by spinning an enormous carnival-style wheel.

Michael Hodges previously held a pastoral role at Church of the Highland’s Greystone campus but resigned in 2017 due to a “moral failing.” He currently serves as vice president of spiritual development for Highlands College. Together with his wife Katie Hodges and their two children, he forms part of Pastor Chris and Tammy’s family unit—the couple have five children in total.

This trusted news comes amidst other noteworthy developments for Church of the Highlands. In September, after its founding in 2015, Church inaugurated a new permanent location for its Alabaster campus which earlier met at a local middle school. The first worship services conducted onsite on Highway 119 drew close to 3,000 people distributed across three services.

Layne Schranz from the Highlands Senior Pastor Leadership Team had previously communicated about the strategic positioning of their campus within their community and their congregation’s passion for serving in Jesus’ name. Schranz anticipated magnificent growth and was particularly euphoric about God’s involvement during these developments.

Church of the Highlands is also readying to open another satellite campus in Huntsville. The congregation will initially hold meetings at a local movie theater while awaiting site completion by the following year.

Church of the Highlands, established in 2001 by Pastor Chris Hodges, has not only flourished throughout Alabama but also extended influence beyond state borders. The church inaugurated its first out-of-state campus in Columbus, Georgia, in 2019 due to demand from small groups located a 45-minute drive from the closest campuses in Auburn and Opelika. Today, Church of the Highlands proudly claims over two dozen campuses.

These remarkable advancements position Church of the Highlands at the forefront of numerous Christian communities globally and reinforce the importance of adhering to a Christian worldview that shines light on such uplifting events in our shared real news narratives.