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, leading family devotions 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 Wilson in December 1970. Following graduation from college in 1971, due to the Vietnam War, they spent seven years in the Navy where he trained as a pilot. In 1979, upon completion of his military obligation, Paul continued to fly commercial aircraft, based at O'Hare in Chicago. Paul and Mary Beth relocated to Winnebago, where they moved 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.

Paul and Mary Beth are blessed with five children and twenty-four grandchildren. In retirement, Paul and Mary Beth enjoy flying the airplane which they built together, water-skiing, and watching their grandchildren participate in various sports. At Park Hills Church, Paul appreciates the strong emphasis on personal discipleship and authentic community.