by Garris Elkins | Apr 25, 2012 | Hope, Humility, Identity, Leadership, Restoration
One of the interesting things I have noticed in my years of public ministry are the different ways people can choose to see the life of a leader. On one hand, someone loves and respects you and says nice things, and on the other hand, someone else makes unkind...
by Garris Elkins | Oct 27, 2011 | Church, Honor, Humility, Kingdom of God, Leadership
We’ve all had experiences that change us forever. A life-changing experience for me was spending almost ten years behind a badge as a police officer. For the last 30 years I have worked in various ministry roles, both here and abroad, and these years have been...
by Garris Elkins | Jun 16, 2011 | Church, Hope, Humility, Restoration
On a recent trail hike I noticed a madrone tree branch above my head. I was so impressed by what I saw that I snapped a picture. The image of the twisted branch caught my attention because it had so obviously made a u-turn in its growth pattern. Like other tree...
by Garris Elkins | Dec 28, 2010 | Church, Holy Spirit, Humility, Prayer
If you know me you know that I was a cop prior to becoming a pastor. That part of my life was over 30 years ago. The police experience never really leaves you, it just gets toned down and will always remain in some form. My wife calls me a protector. I go into a...
by Garris Elkins | Nov 2, 2010 | Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Humility, Prayer, Restoration
I am in middle of God’s blessing. This is one of the most significant seasons of God’s presence and provision in my life – the most I have experienced in the last 30 years. All of this is taking place in the middle of a financial and emotional...
by Garris Elkins | Aug 4, 2010 | Church, Hope, Humility, Leadership, Prayer
It seems that in each season of breakthrough two things show up – critics and crisis. At our best we will never be able to please all the people all the time. It can be a rude awakening for some to realize that not all people agree with them. The critics, for...
