Rev. Chris S. Hodges, founder and President of Abiding Above Ministries, demonstrates a keen awareness of the inner life, and needs of people. Through Chris’ Bible teaching ministry, he encourages spiritual growth, and emotional healing, as hearers apply biblical principles, and say yes to God’s call of absolute surrender to the guidance, and immediate control of the Holy Spirit.

Chris was born in Clarksdale, MS. His parents, Curtis and Nancy Hodges, provided a Christian home and environment. At the young age of 6, Chris put his trust where God put his sins, on Jesus.

“I was soon baptized and began to have my quiet time and regular times of family devotions in the evenings. I am truly grateful for a wonderful mother and father.”

Over the years, God has led Chris to refine his message to these two simple truths, “Christ Died for You” to the lost, and “You Died with Christ” to the believer. Rev. Hodges is motivated to see people saved, and to see genuine spiritual growth among our brothers and sisters in Christ. These simple truths from God’s Holy Word are the foundation, and the reason, for the forming of Abiding Above Ministries.

Chris often says, “I’m still to this day in awe and excited by this truth. I share it often, and God uses me to help defeated Christians with the message of Galatians 2:20 and Colossians 3:1-3."

In 1988, when Chris was 26 years old, and after a time of being out of fellowship with the Lord, Chris began to understand the message of God’s grace to a greater degree, and because of this, Chris rededicated his life to the Lord. Chris’ desire for prayer and Bible reading was renewed, and he began to grow spiritually once again.

Later, while working as an engineer for the railroad, Chris began to understand the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer (Christ in you). This had a profound impact on him and he began to be used by God in leading others to Christ, and in counseling people who were hurting. It was during this time that Chris began to sense God’s call into the ministry. After seeking counsel from Dr. Stephen Olford, and others, Chris felt encouraged to enroll in seminary.

During Chris’ time of studies at Mid-America Seminary, he began to understand the believer’s position in Christ, but not in the usual way you would think a seminary student would learn this wonderful and freeing truth. God used the pictures in a children’s Bible study course to reveal to Chris the unsearchable riches that are found, in Christ.

In 1998, Dr. Adrian Rogers asked Chris to serve on staff at the historic 29,000 member, Bellevue Baptist Church in the Memphis, TN area. For more than 6 years Rev. Hodges served as Minister, Pastoral Care. During these years with Dr. Rogers, Chris did the day-to-day work of the traditional pastor. Rev. Hodges ministered to people in the most trying times in their lives through preaching, teaching, counseling, baptizing, marrying, and putting to rest those who were a part of this local fellowship of believers.

“When I reflect on these days in my life, I’m grateful to have served with and learned from Adrian Rogers. These were special days that have shaped me and prepared me to minister to a lost and hurting world for many years to come.”

In 2005, Chris began serving God through Abiding Above Ministries. Since leaving Bellevue’s Pastoral Staff, Rev. Hodges has preached across America in many churches and conferences, and around the globe in locations such as Puerto Rico, Uruguay, El Salvador, Kenya, Nicaragua, Russia, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. It is estimated that more than 37,000 people have prayed to receive Christ since the founding of Abiding Above Ministries.

In 2009, the broadcasting ministry of “Abiding Above with Chris Hodges,” began its first radio broadcast on station WCRV 640 AM-Bott-Radio Network in Memphis, TN. This has expanded to include Internet broadcasting with Universal Christian Radio where we can be heard via satellite radio through Galaxy 19, Glory Star, and Spirit Cast, reaching over 4 million plus listeners throughout North America, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. We are also heard on local radio stations in Cape Town, South Africa. Read what others are saying...

Rev. Chris Hodges presently serves on the board of “The Adrian Rogers Pastor Training Institute.” Over the years, Chris has also served generously with, The Champions 4 Children’s Board, Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, Christian Life Convention Advisory Board, Olford Ministries International,   and the International Child Evangelism Fellowship.

Rev. Hodges, his wife Kellie, and daughter Maclaren continue to reside in the Memphis area as they faithfully fulfill God’s call upon their lives.