The Unfair Advantage

Hosted by Art of Leadership Network

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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!

Listen to episodes

51 recent

May 26, 2026Episode 5150 min

EP 051 | Jay Kranda on Building the Right Tech Stack for Your Church Plant

In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, David Hibiske sits down with Jay Kranda to unpack how church planters can think strategically about technology, digital ministry, and building an effective church tech stack. Drawing from over a decade leading online ministry and innovation at Saddleback Church, Jay shares practical insight on choosing the right church management systems, giving platforms, digital tools, and AI workflows without getting distracted by every new trend. The conversation explores how technology can amplify ministry, why church leaders should think long-term when selecting platforms, and how to avoid costly mistakes as churches grow. Whether you’re planting a church or leading an established congregation, this episode offers grounded, practical wisdom for using technology to support discipleship, growth, and organizational health. Welcome to Episode 051 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

April 28, 2026Episode 5052 min

EP 050 | Dave Ferguson on Staying Healthy to Lead a Multiplying Movement

In this episode, David Hibiske sits down with Dave Ferguson to explore the heart behind multiplication and movement leadership. Dave shares insights from his journey planting Community Christian Church, transitioning leadership to an apprentice, and helping catalyze church planting movements through Exponential. Drawing from themes in his book Multiply, the conversation challenges leaders to invest deeply in others, prioritize multiplication, and remain focused on reaching communities with the message of Jesus. This episode offers practical encouragement for church planters seeking to go further, faster in their calling. Welcome to Episode 50 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

March 31, 2026Episode 4949 min

EP 049 | Brad Lomenick on Trends Shaping Your Church, Staff, and Teams

In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, David Hibiske sits down with Brad Lomenick for a wide-ranging conversation on calling, assignment, generational leadership trends, and the competitive edge church planters already possess. Brad unpacks the critical difference between calling (the directional current of your life) and assignment (the season you’re stewarding right now), challenges leaders to build multi-generational teams, and offers practical insight on navigating today’s “short-term free agent” workforce mindset. Welcome to Episode 49 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

March 3, 2026Episode 4844 min

EP 048 | John Mark Redwine on Reminders and Rhythms to Persevere & Not Quit

In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, John Mark Redwine shares an honest, decade-long look at the realities of church planting—marked by calling, perseverance, heartbreak, and healing. From planting in the spiritually resistant city of Asheville to navigating postpartum depression, family illness, leadership conflict, COVID, and even a devastating hurricane, John Mark reflects on what it takes to stay faithful when quitting feels easier. Through personal stories, spiritual practices, and hard-earned wisdom, he offers hope-filled encouragement for leaders who feel weary, reminding them that calling, healing, and sustainable rhythms are essential for longevity in ministry. Welcome to Episode 048 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

February 3, 2026Episode 4752 min

EP 047 | Chris Goulard on Navigating Personal Finances as a Pastor

In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, David Hibiske sits down with Chris Goulard to tackle a topic many pastors and church planters quietly struggle with: personal finances. Drawing from decades of experience in both Wall Street and church ministry, Chris shares why financial stewardship is not just a practical necessity but a pastoral responsibility. Together, they explore the unique financial realities pastors face, from housing allowance and Social Security decisions to retirement planning and budgeting, while emphasizing the importance of theological clarity, discipline, and long-term vision. This conversation offers pastors practical wisdom to care for their families well today while preparing responsibly for the future. Welcome to Episode 047 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

January 6, 2026Episode 4639 min

EP 046 | Aaron Brockett on Burnout, Growth, and Mission

In this episode, David Hibiske sits down with Aaron Brockett, Lead Pastor of Traders Point Christian Church. Aaron shares his leadership journey from parachute-drop church planting to long-term pastoral ministry through succession. Aaron reflects honestly on the challenges of early church planting, burnout, and the refining work God does through pain, humility, and endurance. He discusses discovering his leadership and preaching voice over time, the importance of self-awareness and team leadership, and how longevity in one place shapes both credibility and calling. The conversation also highlights Traders Point’s deep partnership with Missions of Hope International and offers encouragement to church planters navigating resistance, revival, and faithfulness in today’s ministry landscape. Welcome to Episode 046 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

December 9, 2025Episode 4539 min

EP 045 | Frank Bealer on Developing a Culture of Generosity in Your Church

In this episode, David Hibiske sits down with Frank Bealer, CEO of Generis and former Elevation Church leader, to talk about the discipleship-driven approach to generosity every church planter needs. Frank unpacks why pastors must stop “being weird about money,” how to build a healthy, biblical culture of giving from day one, and the practical rhythms that shape generosity year-round. From teaching frameworks to meeting with top givers, Frank offers clear, actionable guidance to help church planters lead confidently in one of the most essential (and often uncomfortable) areas of ministry. Welcome to Episode 045 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

November 11, 2025Episode 4451 min

EP 044 | Jeff Bennett on Finding & Developing Leaders

Today, David Hibiske sits down with Jeff Bennett, Executive Director of Multiply Project and Ascent Leader Church Planter Cohort coach, to unpack lessons learned from years of church planting and leader development. Jeff shares his personal journey from planting LifeBridge Church to transitioning into coaching and equipping planters nationwide. He offers wisdom on focusing less on “the what” and more on “the who,” developing leaders from within, and shifting from readiness to potential when identifying future church planters. This is a rich conversation on self-awareness, humility, and creating multiplying churches through intentional leader development. Welcome to Episode 044 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

October 14, 2025Episode 4342 min

EP 043 | Matt Brown on Staffing & Resiliency in Church Planting

In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, host David Hibiske sits down with Pastor Matt Brown, founder of Sandals Church, to reflect on nearly 30 years of church planting. Matt shares his journey from humble beginnings with no funding or network to leading a multi-campus church with over 14 locations. With candor and humility, he unpacks lessons in resiliency, staffing, leadership clarity, and trusting God through setbacks and breakthroughs. His story highlights both the painful missteps and the pivotal decisions that shaped Sandals Church into what it is today, offering wisdom and encouragement for pastors and church planters navigating their own challenges. Welcome to Episode 043 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

September 16, 2025Episode 4245 min

EP 042 | Brian Beauford on Finding & Leading Great #2 Leaders

In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, host David Hibiske sits down with Brian Beauford, Executive Pastor of Grace Church in Boston, to explore the unique dynamics of second-chair leadership in church planting. Brian shares his journey from stepping into church planting as a college student to helping launch and grow Grace Church into a thriving multi-campus ministry. He unpacks lessons on finding the right second-chair leader, building trust with your senior pastor, and why understanding personality wiring through tools like Predictive Index can be a game-changer for leadership teams. Whether you’re a planter or a second-chair leader, Brian’s story offers encouragement and practical insights for building healthy, mission-driven teams. Welcome to Episode 042 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

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