User:Chriselrod
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Encouraging, comical, educational, authentic and enlightening - these are just a few of the words that describe the ministry of pastor, communicator and writer Chris Elrod. Since 1989 his hope-filled and hilarious message has touched over 30 million people world-wide through speaking engagements, television appearances, magazine articles, audio recordings and radio broadcasts. With his warm personality and contagious joy, Chris interacts with the audience to provide a memorable speaking engagement that is both uplifting and inspiring.
Getting his start as a Christian comedian over 15 years ago, Chris toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Participating in over 200 speaking engagements each year, he shared the stage with such diverse Christian artists as Kathy Troccoli, The Newsboys, Steven Curtis Chapman and Larnelle Harris. In 1997, Chris felt the Lord leading him to cut back on his tour schedule to concentrate on family, writing and pastoring in local churches. It was during this time that he began to develop a passion for Christian singles and those hurt by divorce. Widely recognized as one of the country’s leading speakers to single adult events, Chris’ sensitivity towards singles is berthed out of his own personal experiences with a failed marriage many years ago. Now in high demand as an inspirational speaker, as well as a comedian and emcee, Chris speaks to thousands across the nation each year at churches, universities, conferences, retreats, banquets, corporations and non-profit organizations.
Delivering a high-energy presentation, Chris combines relevant illustrations, hilarious stories, thought-provoking observations, practical ideas and a powerful message so that the audience has a unique learning experience. Working with the host organization, Chris tailors his programs to meet the specific needs of the audience he is addressing. Whether giving a motivational message, emceeing a program, inspiring church leaders, helping a banquet audience laugh or sharing his testimony one-on-one, Chris’ great sense of humor and down-to-earth demeanor make him a natural fit for almost any event.
Alongside his speaking ministry, Chris also works several times a year with Operation Starting Line, an evangelistic prison outreach program sponsored by Prison Fellowship, The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, The Navigators, Campus Crusade for Christ, Promise Keepers, International Bible Society and many other ministries. He is also an accomplished author who has written articles for such national publications as Charisma Magazine, On Mission Magazine and Living Solo Magazine. Chris is currently researching and writing his first book, “Boneheads of the Bible”, which is scheduled for international release in the Fall of 2005.
A graduate of East Texas Baptist University, Chris is an ordained minister that has served in Southern Baptist churches throughout Florida. He and his wife Denise live in Lakeland, Florida where he is currently the senior pastor of Compass Point Church, a small church plant.
