Church News Historian Matt Grow and Sheri Dew discuss lessons of hope from President Holland’s life and teachings
Feb 10, 2026
Sheri Dew, longtime Church leader and executive known for biographical work, and Matt Grow, Church historian writing President Holland’s biography, discuss President Holland’s faith, communication skills, candor, and hope. They explore his mission years, memorable talks, personal letters, partnership with Pat Holland, and how documenting his life shaped their perspective on church leadership and discipleship.
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Selection Shapes Biography
- Matt Grow acknowledges historians can't be purely objective and selected stories that reveal who President Holland was and what mattered to him.
- Working with a living subject let Grow confirm which experiences and themes were central to Holland's life.
Mission Call That Changed Everything
- Young Jeff Holland was initially told not to expect a mission call but then received a Great Britain assignment, an early turning point.
- A missionary interview form even rated his testimony as only "fair" before his mission transformed it.
Mission Struggle To Spiritual Breakthrough
- Holland's first mission year included bleak conditions and pressure, but he read the Book of Mormon through and gained a fervent testimony.
- Marion D. Hanks later became a pivotal mentor and teacher who shaped Holland's teaching style.