Paul Elsen

Paul was raised in Evanston, IL, as the third child in a family of eleven. His parents had a significant impact on his faith, actively demonstrating their beliefs by welcoming missionary kids into their home, leading camp ministry, and praying with their children each night. At the age of five, after a heartfelt conversation with his mother at bedtime, Paul accepted Christ.

He pursued a degree in mathematics at Wheaton College and married Mary Beth in 1970. Following college, they spent seven years in the Navy due to the Vietnam War. In 1979, Paul and Mary Beth relocated to the Winnebago area, moving into his father's childhood home. At that time, they joined a group that had started as a Bible study in someone's home and eventually became the Winnebago Evangelical Fellowship Church, which later merged with Park Hills Church in 2019. Paul was baptized in 1992 and has served in the church in various capacities, including caretaking the property.

Paul and Mary Beth are blessed with five children and twenty-four grandchildren. Paul enjoys flying the airplane he built, while Mary Beth shares his passion for aviation. They also love waterskiing and playing sports. At Park Hills Church, Paul appreciates the strong emphasis on community and discipleship.