Chris Elrod: http://chriselrod.com
Senior Pastor: Compass Point Church in Lakeland, FL

Personal Notes: Chris Elrod is one of the "most fun to be around" people I have ever met... Just a joy talking with him, and he has been a HUGE inspiration for me on this journey.

MAKE SURE YOUR WIFE IS ON BOARD!

In a marriage God doesn't speak to the one…but speaks to both concerning life-altering things.  If God has not led your spouse to church planting…then he hasn't led you to church planting.  Without your wife's approval and support you are not a church planter…you are a church forcer.  Forcing your "calling" on her will not only make her dislike the church…cause major strife in the marriage…and can also create problems in her relationship with God.  Your first and foremost calling and ministry…on this Earth…is to be a godly husband and father…ministry and calling falls WAY under that.  In essence, you can plant another church…or be involved in another ministry…but you can't have another wife…and stay valid in your role as pastor or shepherd.  If your wife isn't on board with planting a church…then you weren't being called by God to plant…you were being called by your own selfish desires and ego!!!