Meet Leslie Hollon

Born: July 28, 1954 

Accepted Christ: June 1966 

Called to Preach: February 1970 

Licensed: Columbus Avenue Baptist Church; Waco, Texas (1974) 

Ordained: First Baptist Church; Knoxville, Tennessee (1978) 

Married: Vicki Lynn Hall; May 29, 1976 

Children: Rachel (29), Ryan (26), Steven (20) 

 

Education 

Diploma: Boerne High School; Boerne, Texas (1972) 

Special Study: Trinity University; San Antonio, Texas (1974) 

Bachelor of Arts:  Major in History, Minors in Philosophy and Religion; Baylor University; Waco, Texas (1976) 

Master of Divinity: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Louisville, Kentucky (1979) 

Clinical Pastoral Education in the Local Church: Louisville Baptist Hospitals; Louisville, Kentucky (1979) 

Master of Theology: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Louisville, Kentucky (1981) 

Doctor of Philosophy: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Louisville, Kentucky (1984) 

 

Ministry 

Various Internships: 

Boerne, Texas; Prospect, Oregon; Singapore; Waco, Texas; Hunterdon County, New Jersey; and Knoxville, Tennessee (1970-1978) 

Pastor, Finchville Baptist Church 

Finchville, Kentucky (1978-1985) 

Pastor, Wornall Road Baptist Church 

Kansas City, Missouri (1985-1994) 

Pastor, St. Matthews Baptist Church 

Louisville, Kentucky (1994 – Present) 

 

            Les Hollon is a pastor, preacher, professor and writer.  Internationally known Dr. Wayne Oates called him “a reconciliation artist.”  Dr. Bill Leonard, Dean of Wake Forest Divinity School, describes Les as “a sensitive pastor, caring minister and excellent preacher.”  Dr. Hulitt Gloer, Professor of Preaching and Christian Scriptures at Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary, says “His grace-full and persuasive proclamation of God’s Word places Christ and His call powerfully before his congregation.”  Popular author and speaker, Dr. Calvin Miller says of Les, “If one were to consult the Oxford Dictionary of English for the definition of ‘pastor,’ they would see a picture of Les Hollon.” 

 

            In prior pastorates Les led declining churches back to health, experiencing both spiritual and numerical growth.  This has also been true at St. Matthews Baptist Church--a growing, regional, “five-generation” congregation noted for its 100+ ministries.  Les often speaks from the heart about “Local-Global” missions. 

 

            Les writes in the areas of Christian faith and practice and has contributed to ten books and several periodicals.  He is also a contributing blogger at makethedayscount.com.  His most recent book release was Christian Reconciliation Ministries: Healing Hurts and Building Hope. 

 

            Les is often interviewed by local media and is a frequent speaker for community and regional events.  He is a global strategist for Reconciliation Networks of Our World and a leader with the Baptist World Alliance, among other organizations. 

 

            Les’ wife, Vicki, is from the Texas panhandle.  She graduated from West Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Music Education.  An accomplished musician, she also holds a Master of Divinity degree, with honors, from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry degree from the Divinity School of Drew University.  Since 1996 she has served as Executive Director for the Wayne E. Oates Institute, whose membership consists of professional and lay caregivers in the fields of religion, nursing, pastoral care and counseling, medicine, social work and therapy.  She has served at St. Matthews Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher, children’s choir director, counselor, and ministry team leader. 

 

            Truett Theological Seminary conferred upon Les and Vicki the honor of being named “honorary alumni” in recognition of their career work as ministers.