Pastor Les Hollon, a key figure in the launching of the Academy of Preachers, has preached his last sermon at St. Matthews Baptist Church and is on his way to Texas. He has accepted the call to Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas.

Hollon led the St. Matthews congregation to endorse the Academy of Preachers when it was still in its formative stages in the summer of 2008. The church voted in August of 2008 to become the official sponsor of the initiative. It was to the church that the Lilly Endowment awarded the grant that has helped to launch the Academy. The church provides secretarial and accounting services for the Academy and the church will host the Festival of Young Preachers in January of 2010.

“We will look for opportunities in Texas,” he said, “to expand the reach and influence of the Academy. I plan to remain involved with the Academy for many years.” He will continue to serve as a Consultant with the Academy.

Hollon’s wife, Vicki, will continue as Executive Director of the Wayne E. Oates Institute and also as Senior Consultant with the Academy. The Institute provides web site design and management services for the Academy and also is launching for the Academy a web-based Program of Certification.

The Hollons had been at the Louisville church for almost 15 years.