Pastor and Mrs Elfner met at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, Thanna had finished Nurses Training and was working in the Hospital. Gary had finished his training as a Respiratory Therapist. As they say the rest is history . Thanna had been saved earlier while Gary was saved three month after they were married. Pastor received the call to the Ministry and ten months later he found himself in seminary at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri.

Pastor Elfner holds a graduate degree in Theology from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. In addition he has a Bachelors degree in elementary education and a Masters and Doctors degree in Psychology and Counseling from Louisiana Baptist University in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Since graduating, he has ministered at the West Division Street Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri & the Franklin Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. He then found his home at the First Baptist Church of Novi in 1990.

Mrs. Elfner (his wife of more than 40 years) was born in Kentucky and raised in Eaton, Ohio. They have 6 children and 11 Grandchildren. Mrs. Elfner describes him as- "He loves the Lord and wants to serve people - enriching the Lord's kingdom".

The highlight of his Theological career was when he led his first person to Christ! It solidified his calling and sealed his purpose in life.

Pastor and Mrs. Elfner particularly love helping people in need. They both have maintained an interest in medicine and take special joy in assisting people in times of illness or the unfortunate death of loved ones. They frequently support individuals during hospital stays or when prayer is needed in the event of terminal illness and funerals.

They can also be depended on to bring God's love and blessing during times of immense joy - such as marriages, birthdays or the birth of babies!

The Pastor says this - "We are a Family Integrated Church. We believe that God first created the family and He blessed it and instructed us to multiply. If we build strong families we will have a strong church. We welcome you and encourage you to help us build our family friendly church.