Our Pastor

Dr. Leslie Hollon, Pastor

Leslie Hollon is a pastor, professor, preacher, and writer. Internationally known Wayne Oates called him "a reconciliation artist," and popular author Richard Foster says he is "one with a pastor's heart." Dr. Bill Leonard, Dean of Wake Forest Divinity School, describes Leslie 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."

Leslie serves, since 1994, as pastor of St. Matthews Baptist Church. For the previous nine years he was pastor & professor in Kansas City, Missouri. Before his departure from Kansas City, he received the distinguished award from Baptist Medical Center for his devoted service to the community. While a seminary student, Leslie served as full-time pastor for the Finchville Baptist Church of Finchville, Kentucky from 1978-1985. Les writes in the areas of Christian faith & practice, and has contributed to four books & several periodicals. His global travels have taken him to Asia, Europe, Africa, and South & North America.

Leslie was born in July 1954 and was reared in the Texas Hill Country of Boerne. When 15, he began preaching and as a high school senior he won the Texas high school championship in persuasive speaking. In 1974 the Columbus Avenue Baptist Church of Waco, Texas licensed him, and he was ordained by the First Baptist Church of Knoxville, Tennessee in 1978.

A 1976 graduate of Baylor University, he was selected as the Outstanding Senior Man for Leadership & Service. Les holds the Master of Divinity, the Master of Theology, and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky. He has received various honorary degrees and other earned honors; including being inducted into the Board of Preachers for the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel in Morehouse College at Atlanta, Georgia.

The city of Louisville Metro proclaimed August 22, 2004 as Dr. D. Leslie Hollon Day in honor of his 10th anniversary at St. Matthews Baptist Church and his service to the community. Campbellsville University recently selected him as their honoree for outstanding & courageous leadership in Racial Reconciliation. In October 2004, the Long Run Baptist Association presented him with the Clarence Jordan Award.

Leslie is often interviewed by local media and is a frequent speaker for community & regional events. He teaches and speaks nationally & internationally for seminaries, colleges, and churches. He is a global strategist for Reconciliation Networks of Our World. He is a Trustee for Campbellsville University.