Elyse is the kind of girl that will tell you she’s not hungry in the drive-thru, and then steal your fries as they’re handed through the window. You should know that upfront. But if you can get past that, she’s pretty great. She loves hard, laugh’s loud, and lives her life to help people come alive from the inside out. So yes, she literally does live, laugh, and love (though she doesn’t condone having that sign in your home).

Elyse often finds herself in the middle: she’s both a media personality and heavily involved in ministry, she speaks for large crowds and coaches in boardrooms, she writes about both heartbreaking and hilarious moments of life, and she’s passionate about both spiritual health and physical fitness. It’s hard to sum her up, but then again, it’s hard to sum most people up (and she thinks we’re better off that way). She writes, speaks, and is driven by her desire to create bridges that lead to Jesus. Also, she’s spends an obnoxious amount of time looking for memes to send her friends.

Having grown up as a pastor’s kid in Sydney, Australia, Elyse graduated from an Australian Bible College, and has been working with young people and young leaders ever since. She has ministered globally in both church and secular settings, inspiring people in their life and challenging them in their faith.

She’s also written a bunch of articles, devotionals, and even a book! Her experiences of life growing up as a PK led Elyse to write her first book “Confessions of a Church Kid” which is in discussions to revise and republish. Elyse is currently writing her second book after a heartbreaking divorce in 2017 forced her to address topics like authenticity, messy lessons, and telling the truth on purpose. In 2021, she partnered with Horacio Printing to release an Easter Devotional that is available now.

Elyse has been featured in Propel Women, LA Style Magazine, MGM Studios, and as a regular guest on TBN’s hit show, Better Together. Elyse has also worked as a host and media correspondent for MGM Studios, including covering the red carpet for premieres such as Respect and Redeeming Love. She worked with Lightworkers as the host and co-producer of a two season podcast called “On A Lighter Note.”

Elyse is a firm believer that we don’t have to choose either/or when it comes to our calling and purpose. She hasn’t, and because of that… Australia is home, but so is America. The church is her living room but the world is her mission field. She can be found on a platform with a microphone and in a living room with a coffee. It doesn’t have to be either/or, it can be both/and… And that’s why she’s often found in the middle.

Elyse lives in Lakeland, Florida with her husband Tim Mahan, and two daughters Zara and Milan. Together, they serve on the team at Church For The One as the North Lakeland campus pastors and on the teaching team.