Brent Holladay was recently released as temple president of the Orlando Florida Temple. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Brigham Young University, and spent the last 26 years of his career working as Chief Information Officer and Chief Deputy Clerk for elected Clerks of Court in Florida.
Brent is married to Dana Vorwaller Holladay, who served alongside him as matron of the Orlando Florida Temple and as co-manager of the Orlando Bishops’ Storehouse. He has previously served a stake patriarch, stake president, counselor in the Florida Orlando Mission Presidency, bishop, high councilor, stake clerk and other callings. Brent and Dana currently teach the Valiant 10 Primary class, fondly known as the Primary Temple Preparation class, and he also serves as a ward assistant clerk—finance. They have lived in Longwood, Florida for 43 years and have eight children and 27 grandchildren.
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Highlights
Brent shares his unique experience of being called as a temple president, detailing the process of selection and the responsibilities that come with the role. He discusses the refurbishment of the Orlando Temple and the management of temple workers, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive patron experience while maintaining the necessary administrative functions. Throughout the conversation, Brent recounts several poignant stories that illustrate the transformative power of the temple in the lives of individuals and families.
The discussion delves into key leadership principles, starting with the importance of loving others as the Savior does and seeking the gift of charity. Brent shares personal experiences that highlight the need for leaders to see individuals as God sees them, fostering an environment of love and support. He also emphasizes the significance of using barometers, such as the percentage of endowed members with current temple recommends, to gauge the spiritual health of congregations and encourage temple attendance.
Brent stresses the need for individuals to be grounded in the temple experience and the covenant path before and after their missions. He concludes with three essential questions that leaders should consider when planning activities, ensuring that they focus on bringing individuals closer to Jesus Christ, preparing them to make and keep covenants, and equipping them for future challenges. This episode is rich with insights and stories that will inspire you to deepen your understanding of temple service as you lead in the Church.
06:31 – Refurbishment of the Orlando Temple
07:14 – Calling as a Temple President
08:57 – Choosing Counselors for the Temple Presidency
10:05 – Setting Apart as Temple President
11:00 – Training for New Temple Presidents
12:05 – Setting Apart Process for Temple Presidents
12:21 – Familiarity with Counselors
13:40 – Responsibilities of a Temple President
14:40 – Ensuring Positive Patron Experiences
16:05 – Role of the Temple Recorder
17:29 – Number of Temple Workers
18:26 – Balancing Administration and Patron Experience
20:34 – Focus on Patron Experience
21:05 – Principle: Loving as the Savior Loves
27:58 – Principle: Barometers in Leadership
30:34 – Importance of Temple Attendance
32:29 – Temple President’s Role in State Conferences
37:06 – Transformational Nature of the Temple
38:34 – Principle: Mission vs. Saving Ordinances
44:37 – Questions for Church Activities
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