Garland Elkins was born in Woodbury, Tennessee, the son of Richard and Emma. His brother, Clark, is also a gospel preacher.

Brother Elkins graduated from Woodbury Central High and his early college studies took him to the University of Middle Tennessee. He then graduated from Freed-Hardeman College (now University) in 1951. He also attended the University of Tennessee. In 2000 brother Elkins was awarded the Doctor of ministry degree from Southern Christian University.

He married the former Corinne Smith in 1949 and they have three daughters: Corinne, the wife of Kenneth Miles and the mother of Olivia; Denise, the wife of Bill Healy and the mother of Stephanie and Shane; and Jan who is a News Director for a TV Station.

Garland Elkins is eminently qualified to train preachers having been proclaiming the gospel for over fifty years. He has served churches in Linden and Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Roanoke and New Port News, Virginia; Getwell in Memphis, Tennessee; and Southaven, Mississippi. He joined the faculty of Memphis School of Preaching in December, 1990 and presently also serves the church in Stanton, Tennessee. He has preached in more than thirty-two states and Nazareth, England, Northern Ireland, Philippines, India, and Singapore.

He was Freed-Hardeman College Alumnus of the year in 1981 and is not only an evangelist but also well known as a lecturer, author and debater. His writings include the "Elkins-Ross Debate" (co-author), "The Savior's Way," Spiritual Sword lectureship volumes (co-director, co-editor, for thirteen years), Power lectureship volumes (two years). He is currently co-editor of Yokefellow. He appeared on "Phil Donahue" (1984) and ably defended the Bible doctrine of discipline. Brother Elkins is in wide demand as a speaker. His contributions to church lectureships are legion and often he presides at a lectureship's open forum because of his extensive Bible knowledge. His debate with the Baptist, Ross, is a classic as Elkins defended Mark 16:16 and Ross could not answer even that one verse.

Brother Elkins teaches Bible, Debate class, Homiletics, etc. He travels extensively for the school as Dean of Public Relations and has helped encourage many men to come and learn to preach.