Michael Elgin

Associate Pastor & Recreation

children@florencechurch.net

Family:

My wife, Kathy and I were married in the city of my youth, Columbia, SC back in the summer of 1994.  Our story spans back to 1986 as rival- high school sweethearts beginning on a church youth trip.  The Lord has strengthened us and nurtured our love through time, adversities and blessings, some of the greatest of these found in the joy of our children.  Our three daughters, Alex, Emily and Hannah are unique in their gifts, talents and personalities as they stretch their wings and minds over three separate schools in the upcoming years.

Alma-Mater:

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina in May, 1991 with plans of becoming a Criminal Investigator.  Twelve years later, I received my Master of Divinity degree from Gardner-Webb University on the same weekend my third daughter was born.

Hobbies:

I can watch any sport, but absolutely love basketball for competition, exercise and fellowship.  Watching a good movie or reading from my comic book collection is the great escape.  When I was younger, I collected anything with dolphins, one of God’s most beautiful creatures.  While proud of my education ties, I grew up and remain a Clemson Tiger fan to the end.

Music:

I enjoy most kinds of music, although Bluegrass has bent my ear most recent.  My favorite hymn is “It is Well with My Soul,” and the song “Mighty to Save” has captured my heart on the contemporary side.  Songs for God lead me to worship Him any day of the week. 

More Favorites:

Rocky Road is the king of the mountain with ice cream.  Three scoops in a waffle cone makes for one happy young man.  Other things I absolutely love to eat are my wife’s Russian Chicken and my mom’s Pizza Casserole.  “Dances with Wolves” is at the top of my movie list, but “The Natural” with Robert Redford comes in a very close second.  My family camped at Myrtle Beach most years, so summer is not the same without a trip to the beach.  The mountains draw a close peaceful second.

My Faith:

God called me into full-time ministry in 1999, while preaching on Baptist Men’s Day.  Kathy and I followed the Lord and took a leap of faith from Nashville, TN to western North Carolina.  Faith requires action.  Every step I take I find God has already stepped before me even if I was unaware at the time.  His greatest act was sending His only Son to die on the cross for my sins and the world’s before raising Jesus from the dead.  The Holy Spirit guides me in all parts of life as a child of God.  I love to worship my Creator and Redeemer.  My passion in life is sharing the love of God through his perfect word and amazing works in ministry.

Life Passage:

Romans 8: 35-39

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (v. 35a)

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (v. 37)