The Unfair Advantage

The Unfair Advantage


EP 041 | Chris Delfs on Making the Hard Calls in Church Planting

August 19, 2025

In this episode of the Unfair Advantage podcast, David Hibiske sits down with church planter and cohort coach Chris Delfs. Chris reflects on over 20 years of ministry, from launching LifePointe Church in Elk Grove, California, to navigating the highs, lows, and pivotal leadership decisions that shaped his journey. He shares hard-earned wisdom on building healthy teams, raising funds strategically, making courageous staffing decisions, and staying authentic as a leader. This episode is packed with practical encouragement and insight for planters and leaders ready to go further, faster.


Welcome to Episode 041 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.


EPISODE LINKS

Do ministry together! Three gatherings, nine planters, one cohesive journey. Check out the Ascent Leader Church Planter Cohorts. Get more information today at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 


WHO IS CHRIS DELFS?

Chris Delfs is the Founding Pastor of LifePointe Christian Church in Elk Grove, California, where he’s served since planting the church in 2003. With over 30 years of ministry experience—including the joys and stretch marks of starting a church from scratch—Chris brings a blend of strategic insight, biblical depth, and real-world leadership to everything he does. Under his guidance, LifePointe has grown into a thriving church known for authentic relationships, practical and Biblically grounded teaching, community impact and a passion for multiplication. Chris has a deep heart for equipping leaders and regularly invests in his staff, lay leaders, pastors and church planters through various leadership development environments. His approach is relational, down-to-earth, and built on the conviction that healthy leaders can build healthy churches. He and his wife Heather have been married since 1992 and have three amazing adult children (and two grandkids). Their two oldest boys serve on church staffs, and their daughter is actively involved in the church while pursuing her college degree. When he’s not leading or preaching, Chris enjoys waterskiing, working out, hiking and anything that involves time with his family.


SPONSORS

Thanks to our sponsor: Generis.

A generous church is a healthy, growing church. So, if you're ready to advance your mission, visit Generis.com/getstarted today!