Dr. T. La Mont Holder
Terrance La Mont Holder | |
|---|---|
| Senior Pastor | |
 | |
| Church | Historic Calvary Baptist Church |
| Elected | 2005 |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Terrance La Mont Holder |
| Born | Quincy, Illinois, U.S. |
| Residence | Kansas, U.S. |
| Occupation | Pastor, educator, civic leader |
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Ministry and Organizational Leadership (summa cum laude) Master of Arts in Christian Education and Business Ministry Doctor of Theology |
Dr. Terrance La Mont Holder is an American pastor, educator, civic leader, and denominational executive. He serves as Senior Pastor of Historic Calvary Baptist Church, one of the oldest African American Baptist congregations in Kansas, founded in 1878. Holder has led the congregation since 2005 and is recognized for his work in pastoral ministry, educational leadership, and community engagement. He also serves in national leadership roles within the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc., and was elected the youngest President of the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Kansas. His ministry emphasizes faith, education, social justice, leadership development, and community empowerment.[1]
Early life and education
Holder was born in Quincy, Illinois.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Ministry and Organizational Leadership from Central Christian College, graduating summa cum laude. He later received a Master of Arts in Christian Education and Business Ministry from Dallas Baptist University and a Doctor of Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary. His educational background has informed both his pastoral ministry and his work in education and public service.
Career
Holder entered ministry in the late 1990s and has served in pastoral leadership for more than two decades.[2]
In January 2005, he became Senior Pastor of Historic Calvary Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas. Founded in 1878, the church is one of the city's oldest African American congregations and has long served as a center for worship, education, and community outreach. Under Holder's leadership, the church has continued its emphasis on biblical teaching, discipleship, youth development, and civic engagement while expanding programs focused on community empowerment and leadership development.
In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Holder has worked in educational leadership, serving students, families, and educators through Wichita Public Schools. His work has focused on student support, mentoring, family engagement, and educational success, reflecting his belief that faith and education work together to strengthen communities.
Holder has also held numerous leadership positions within the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc., contributing to leadership development initiatives and organizational planning. In 2017, he was installed as the 12th President of the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Kansas, becoming the youngest individual elected to lead the statewide organization. As president, he oversees a convention representing more than 100 churches and approximately 10,000 members across Kansas. During his administration, he has promoted leadership development, family ministries, youth engagement, and modernization initiatives designed to strengthen churches throughout the state.
Leadership and ministry
Throughout his ministry, Holder has emphasized the connection between Christian faith, education, and public service. His leadership philosophy centers on the idea that churches should serve not only as places of worship but also as institutions that help strengthen families, promote education, and address community needs.
His work frequently explores topics including:
- Church leadership
- Community empowerment
- Faith and civic engagement
- Social justice
- Mentorship
- Christian education
- Leadership development
Holder has written and participated in numerous interviews discussing the future of ministry, the role of churches in modern society, leadership development, education, and faith-based advocacy. His commentary often focuses on preparing future generations of leaders while preserving the historic mission of Baptist churches.
Media
Holder has been featured in interviews and publications covering ministry, leadership, education, and community engagement, including:
- The American Reporter – Dr. T. La Mont Holder Explains the Role of the Modern Church in Community Empowerment
- Most Inside – Dr. T. La Mont Holder on Faith-Centered Leadership in a Changing America
- Seeker's Time – Dr. T. La Mont Holder on Bridging Theology, Education and Social Justice
- Madison Graph – Dr. T. La Mont Holder Discusses the Future of the Baptist Church in Civic Life
- Hudson Weekly – Dr. T. La Mont Holder on Mentorship, Ministry and Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
- Ritz Herald – Dr. T. La Mont Holder on Faith as a Foundation for Social Justice and Advocacy
- NTK Network – Dr. T. La Mont Holder on Guiding Historic Congregations into the Next Era
Holder has also participated in a long-form interview published by Jim Glennie discussing his ministry, leadership philosophy, and vision for the future of the church.
References
- ↑ "Official Website of Dr. T. La Mont Holder". Dr. T. La Mont Holder. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
- ↑ Glennie, Jim. "An Interview with Dr. T. La Mont Holder". Substack. Jim Glennie. Retrieved 1 August 2026.