About The Episode
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.
Insights From Chris
- Build a team from day one—even if it’s unconventional.
Chris launched his church in 2003 with a core team that included an associate pastor, a part-time worship leader, and his wife leading children’s ministry. Though not common at the time, this decision helped him avoid burnout and set the church up for stability. - Raise more money than you think you’ll need.
One of Chris’s core convictions was not constantly talking about money on Sundays. He raised significant funding in advance so he could focus on discipleship and community instead of weekly financial pressures. His advice? Raise boldly—and plan for longevity. - When the season shifts, the team may need to shift too.
One of the hardest leadership moments Chris faced was releasing his original associate pastor—a close friend—when it became clear the church needed a different leadership profile. Though painful, the change unlocked momentum for both the church and the departing staff member, who went on to lead his own church. - Make the hard calls sooner.
Chris admitted he waited too long to make that staffing change, hoping things would resolve. His encouragement to planters: When God nudges you toward a tough decision, don’t delay. Waiting only adds friction and can stall momentum. - Invite trusted voices into the discernment process.
One of Chris’s regrets was trying to carry the burden alone. He encourages leaders to invite their team, elders, or cohort into the conversation—especially when wrestling with emotional decisions. Trusted community brings clarity and courage. - Healthy staff culture is not optional.
Chris believes many churches implode not from outside attacks, but from toxic or unclear staff culture. Leaders must prioritize emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and clear communication. When staff members feel cared for, they lead better. - Be your staff’s biggest fan.
No matter how tough a season gets, Chris wants his team to know he’s in their corner. Encouragement, trust, and practical support go a long way in creating the kind of team culture that thrives under pressure. - Authenticity invites transformation.
In the 2008 recession, Chris led his church through a 90-day giving challenge—not by guilting people, but by being honest and modeling authenticity. That moment of vulnerability became a catalyst for generosity and deeper community. - Cohorts change the game.
Chris shares how joining Ascent Leader cohorts provided him with the support, accountability, and encouragement he didn’t know he needed. Leaders need peers who understand the weight of leadership and can speak truth without emotional baggage.
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!
Our goal with the Ascent Leader and our church planting cohorts is to help church planters win early and finish strong. We want to resource you so that you can avoid common pitfalls and simple mistakes. Being involved in a community of leaders like our church planting cohorts is one of the best ways to wrestle through these questions. We’re here to help you, if we can be of assistance to you please feel free to reach out.
Contact our team: ops@theascentleader.org
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The Ascent equips you to lean into your God-given leadership potential.
Cohorts offer you the chance to go deeper with a small circle of peers and professional mentors so you can elevate your expertise and grow your confidence as a leader.
Learn more about upcoming cohorts by clicking below.
Founding Pastor
LifePointe Christian Church
Pastor Chris Delfs is the Founding Pastor of LifePointe Christian Church in Elk Grove, California, where he has served since 2003.
Chris brings years of pastoral leadership, strategic vision, and hands-on experience in church health and multiplication. Under his leadership, LifePointe has grown into a thriving community that prioritizes biblical teaching, authentic relationships, intentional outreach and church planting. He has a heart for equipping leaders and empowering churches to fulfill their mission effectively.
Chris and his bride Heather have been married 31 years and have 3 adult children and 2 grandkids. Two of their adult children serve on church staffs and one actively serves in the church. He enjoys waterskiing, hiking, swimming, working out and spending time with family.
Chris is committed to walking alongside church planters —not just as a mentor, but as a friend and fellow traveler on the journey of faith and leadership. His coaching approach is practical, relational, and rooted in the belief that healthy leaders build healthy churches.
