The Unfair Advantage

Art of Leadership Network
  • 4.9 (7)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
The Unfair Advantage

Church planting is an extreme sport combining the best of entrepreneurship and church leadership. It calls for courage, tenacity, passion, and wisdom. When done right it’s one of the most rewarding endeavors on the planet. When done wrong it causes tremendous heartache and unnecessary pain. Church planters, we want to help you win early and finish strong. This podcast will help you avoid church planting land mines, grow as a leader, and discover practical tools to help you win in your local ministry context!

  1. JUN 24

    EP 039 | Sean Morgan on Building a Healthy Board from Day One

    In Part 1 of this two-part series, host David Hibiske is joined by Sean Morgan to discuss one of the most critical—and often overlooked—foundations of church planting: board governance. With decades of experience in church leadership and transitions, Sean unpacks why getting your board structure right from the start matters deeply for your mission and longevity as a planter. They explore the legal, spiritual, and practical aspects of governance, how to identify the right board members, and what Scripture does—and doesn’t—say about board roles. Whether you're in pre-launch or year five, this episode offers key wisdom to help you build a healthy governance culture that supports your calling, avoids pitfalls, and cultivates unity. Welcome to Episode 039 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

    51 min

  2. MAY 27

    EP 038 | Chris Stephens on Life, Leadership, and Vision that Lasts

    In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, Chris Stephens shares his remarkable journey from a troubled past to leading one of the largest churches in Tennessee. Growing up in poverty, struggling with addiction, and facing abuse, Chris found hope and purpose in Christ at 22. His story is one of radical transformation, unwavering vision, and relentless faith. Chris discusses the early challenges of planting a church, the importance of vision in leadership, and the critical role of spiritual formation in sustaining ministry. He also shares insights on overcoming fear, building effective teams, and remaining focused on God's calling amid challenges. This conversation is packed with powerful lessons for church planters and leaders looking to make a lasting impact. Welcome to Episode 038 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

    41 min

  3. APR 29

    EP 037 | Brandon Bowers on Missional Conviction, Clarity & Culture

    In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, Brandon Bowers, Lead Pastor and planter of Awaken Church in Charleston, South Carolina, joins David Hibiske to share his 12-year journey of church planting—from parachuting in with a team of nine to launching two campuses and navigating growing pains. Brandon unpacks the highs, lows, and leadership lessons he's learned along the way, including the importance of missional clarity, team alignment, and staying rooted in conviction. Whether you're just starting out or years into your plant, Brandon’s insights will both challenge and encourage you to lead with purpose and perseverance. Welcome to Episode 037 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

    44 min

  4. APR 1

    EP 036 | Heiden Ratner on Leading Your Church to be a Place You Love

    In this episode of the Unfair Advantage, we’re hearing from Heiden Ratner—former Division I basketball player turned church planter in Las Vegas, Nevada. Heiden shares his powerful journey from chasing purpose on the basketball court to finding deeper fulfillment through faith in Jesus. With honesty and wisdom, he unpacks what it means to lead a church you actually like, the importance of team alignment over talent, and how clarity in leadership creates healthy culture. Whether you’re planting a church or leading a ministry team, this conversation is packed with encouragement, practical tools, and reminders that God is able to do more than we could ask or imagine. Welcome to Episode 036 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

    38 min

  5. MAR 4

    EP 035 | Ray Hudson on Pivots in Planting, Building Your Staff, and Engaging Your City

    In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, host David Hibiske sits down with church planter Raymond Hudson to discuss his journey of planting a church in Berkeley, California—one of the most challenging places to reach with the gospel. Raymond shares how his early experiences in church planting shaped his calling, the challenges of launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of loving and serving a city rather than trying to "fix" it. He also offers key insights on leadership development, team building, and financial sustainability for church planters. His story is a powerful testament to faith, adaptability, and the impact of a deeply embedded, service-oriented church. Welcome to Episode 035 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

    50 min

  6. FEB 4

    EP 034 | Sean Sears on Planter Pitfalls to Avoid for the Sake of Your Family and Church

    In this episode of The Unfair Advantage Podcast, host David Hibiske welcomes back Sean Sears, a seasoned church planter from New England. Sean shares his powerful journey of balancing ministry with family life, including the lessons he learned after nearly losing his marriage during the early years of church planting. He offers profound insights into finding identity in Christ rather than ministry success, setting boundaries to prioritize family, and building healthy leadership that reflects God’s love. This honest and vulnerable conversation is packed with wisdom for planters navigating the challenges of ministry, family, and personal growth. Welcome to Episode 034 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

    43 min

  7. JAN 7

    EP 033 | 3 Societal and Church Conversations to be Aware of in 2025

    In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, David Hibiske dives into three critical societal and church leadership conversations shaping the landscape in 2025. He unpacks the "Negative World Concept," the breakdown of the home and family, and the return to prayer and revival stirrings. This episode is a must-listen for church planters and leaders eager to navigate current challenges and seize opportunities for impactful ministry. Welcome to Episode 033 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with Mike Hickerson and David Hibiske.

    29 min

  8. 12/10/2024

    EP 032 | Multiplying Church 101: The Essentials with Tyler Scott, James Grogan, and Danny Strange

    In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, Sean welcomes Tyler Scott (CPC in Danville, CA), James Grogan (East Lake in Southern California), and Danny Strange (Three Crosses, Northern California) to explore the steps toward becoming a multiplying church. The discussion emphasizes the "crawl, walk, run" approach to church planting, sharing practical insights from each leader's experience. From embracing self-awareness and addressing organizational challenges to cultivating outward-focused leadership and partnerships, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for pastors and church leaders eager to impact their communities and beyond. Welcome to Episode 032 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with today’s guest host, Sean Morgan!

    45 min
See All (39)

4.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Church planting is an extreme sport combining the best of entrepreneurship and church leadership. It calls for courage, tenacity, passion, and wisdom. When done right it’s one of the most rewarding endeavors on the planet. When done wrong it causes tremendous heartache and unnecessary pain. Church planters, we want to help you win early and finish strong. This podcast will help you avoid church planting land mines, grow as a leader, and discover practical tools to help you win in your local ministry context!

Information

  • Creator
    Art of Leadership Network
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 The Unfair Advantage
  • Show Website
    The Unfair Advantage

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