Pastor Corey J. Hodges is the Senior Pastor of New Pilgrim Baptist Church. A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, he was called to pastor NPBC in 1998. At the age of 28, he was the youngest pastor to lead the congregation. Under his leadership NPBC, which began as an African-American congregation, has grown to include members from over 30 nations that span every continent expect Antarctica.

In January 2007, Hodges began a Spanish language service at NPBC. In the first month following its installation, the service added 25 new members and performed 10 baptisms. Awana youth program, weekly Sunday School and Bible Study classes are also offered in Spanish. In the same month, Hodges opened the New Pilgrim School of Fine Arts which offers instruction in music, dance and theatre.

His vision for the church includes the construction of the Salt Dome, a multi-level dome-shaped worship and ministry facility set to begin construction in 2010. In June 2007, NPBC embarked on its first World Missions trip, with plans to minister in every nation represented at the church.

Hodges is a weekly columnist for the Salt Lake Tribune’s Faith section. The Salt Lake Tribune is Utah’s largest daily newspaper with circulation that exceeds 140,000. He is a nationally and internationally sought after preacher. His weekly sermons are available in Utah on Comcast On Demand English and Spanish outlets and world wide through online streaming.

In 2006, Hodges was appointed to serve on the Initiative on Utah Children in Foster Care (IOU) board by Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Christine Durham. He previously served on the Governor’s Olene Walker Board of Economic Development and was honored by Governor Michael Leavitt for his service. Pastor Hodges is a 2006 recipient of the Community of Peace Award given to outstanding citizens that model peace and make a personal commitment towards making Salt Lake County a community of peace; He was nominated by Taylorsville City's Mayor Russ Wall. Hodges also served two consecutive terms as president of the tri-state Intermountain General Baptist Convention (IGBC) Inc. and was on the Board of Directors of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

He holds an Associates Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelors Degree in Marketing both from American Intercontinental University in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. He is a student in the Masters of Divinity program at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Pastor Hodges is married to the former Ms. Benita Newkirk also of St. Petersburg, Florida. Together they have three sons, Quentin Lamar, Cameron Steven and Aubrey Jamir.