Chris Delfs
Senior Pastor
c.delfs@lifepointe.org
Family:
Married to beautiful wife Heather for 20 years. We
have three children. Cobie (15), Cameron (13) and Cali Ann (7).
Ministry Experience:
10 years serving as Youth Pastor in 3 churches.
-First Christian Church in Napa, CA;
-Sylvan Oaks Christian Church in Citrus Heights,
CA;
-Christ Church of the Valley (CCV) in San Dimas,
CA.
Planted LifePointe Christian Church February 23,
2003 and have served as Senior Pastor since that time.
Book/Author Recommendations:
All time favorite book: Devotional Classics edited
by Richard Foster and JB Smith.
I recommend and love to read any book by Richard
Foster, Andy Stanley, Bill Hybels and Patrick Lencioni. My favorite two authors
are Gene Edwards and Randy Alcorn. I highly recommend reading EVERY book these
two authors have written. My favorite series is The First Century Diaries by
Gene Edwards. One of the most impactful books I’ve read is "Experiencing
the Depths of Jesus Christ" by Jeanne Guyon.
Fun Facts:
I’m a somewhat bizarre “ambidextrous” person with
regard to sports. When I play tennis, I serve right but play left. If I play
right, I hit the ball over the fence. I have a left-handed backhand slice, but
if I use my right hand as a backhand, I can’t slice so I would use two hands
and hit it pretty hard. I can’t use a two-handed backhand when I play left.
In golf, I prefer to play left-handed but putt
right handed. If I only have access to right handed clubs, I can use those and
actually hit the ball a lot farther. However, when I get closer to the green, I
don’t have good control of my swing and tend to always sail the green (if I’m
playing right handed). So – if I could create my own set, I would use
right-handed woods, left-handed irons and a right-handed putter.
Highlights:
I love spending time with my wife and kids. We
enjoy board games (current fad is playing backgammon), water sports,
backpacking, camping, bike rides and just about anything else outdoors. I coach
my kids in various sports. I love to read and also watch movies or mini-series
based on true stories. My favorite personal activity is waterskiing.
Favorite Scripture:
John 10:10 and Philippians 1:6
Favorite Type of Music:
If I had to choose, I suppose I would pick “alternative” as my favorite
type. I prefer good quality music that demonstrates the skill of the musicians.
The less “singing” the better!
Darla Blanton
Children’s Director
d.blanton@lifepointe.org
Family:
Married to Mike Blanton. I have six kids and eight
grandsons and one granddaughter
Ministry Experience:
Director of Christian school for 19 years
Book/Author Recommendations:
I don’t have a favorite author. I love reading and
so many different things.
Fun Facts:
It took me 8 years to finish my degree because I
had 3 young children at home and worked full time. I took classes at night
while teaching Sunday school and Mission Friends. My beautiful Christian mother
was such an example. She served, read her Bible every day and lived for the
Lord. A Christian mother is such a gift from God.
Highlights:
Went to college in San Diego and I am a Child
Development major.
Favorite Scripture:
Matthew 19:14- But Jesus said, “Let the children
come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as
these.”
Favorite Type of Music:
I really love Christian Music, especially praise songs.
Derek Gute
Student Ministries Pastor
d.gute@lifepointe.org
Family:
Married to my beautiful wife Erin in June 2010.
Ministry Experience:
Having grown up in the church, I have numerous
short-term ministry experiences. I served as an intern youth pastor at
Fox River Christian Church during the summer of 2009 and, with the help of two
friends, I developed and facilitated a young adult ministry at New Community
Church in Dolton, IL.
Book/Author Recommendation:
I enjoy reading a great story, but I do not have a
favorite book or author.
Fun facts:
I am a huge Chicago sports fan, especially when it
comes to the Chicago Bears! I enjoy watching and playing sports, I play the
acoustic guitar and I am a dog-person.
Highlights:
Graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2010 with a
B.A. in Youth Ministry and Bible.
Favorite Scripture:
Acts 20:24- “However, I consider my worth nothing
to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has
given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
Favorite Type of Music:
I enjoy a wide range of music due to the area I grew up (south side of
Chicago) and artists my wife introduced me to. If you go for a drive with
me, it is very possible you will hear one of these artists/bands: Alter Bridge,
U2, Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, Jars of Clay, LeCrae, John Mayer, David
Crowder Band or Hillsong.
Mary Jane Morrison
Admin Assistant/Communications Lead
m.morrison@lifepointe.org
Family:
Married to Eric for 14 years. We have two
children, Kylie (11 1/2) and Ian (9)
Ministry Experience:
I came on board here at LifePointe in November of
2009. Taught Sunday School for 6 years. Past work experience included
being a Human Resource Manager. I graduated with a B.A. from the University of
Oregon and an M.S. in Human Resources from Golden Gate University.
Book/Author Recommendations:
"The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel
Ruiz, "The Shack" by William P. Young.
Fun Facts:
I love the University of Oregon Ducks and PAC-12
football in general. I enjoy gardening, cooking and spending quality time
with friends and family. I am addicted to drinking water and I can wiggle my
ears.
Highlights:
Our family is very busy with our kid's activities
from soccer, baseball and swim team to boy and girl scouts. When we are not
running around from their sporting events, we enjoy spending time together in
the outdoors.
Favorite Scripture:
Philippians 4:8 "Fix your thoughts on what is
true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and
admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
Favorite Type of Music:
My absolute favorite band is U2 and I have seen them in concert 5
times. I love 80's music (alternative and rock), John Mayer, Toad the Wet
Sprocket, Sarah McLachlan, Neil Diamond and Tom Petty. My husband and I
really enjoy attending all types of concerts together. Our family also
enjoys listening to contemporary christian music, and have had pleasure
seeing together several concerts including Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, David
Crowder, Mercy Me, and Matt Maher.