Published: August 15, 2009 04:39 pm      

Holland becomes Immanuel’s music minister

Started out as coach, teacher

DUNCAN — There can be a variety of things that can lead people in directions in their lives. For Brian Holland, this guide has always been God.

Holland has taken a job with Immanuel Baptist Church in Duncan as the music minister. He said he took the job because it was what God called him to do.

“I felt like this is where the Lord told us to go,” Holland said. “I want to do what he asks.”

He started out as a teacher and a coach, but later found his calling to be in church, and not necessarily the classroom. His wife of 24 years, Charmin, continues to teach kindergarten at Walters Elementary.

With the exception of two years in Richmond, Va., Holland has stayed primarily around southwest Oklahoma. He graduated from Marlow High School in 1983, and went on to work in public schools in Elgin, Velma and Marlow. He’s also worked in churches in Duncan and Walters.

“Basically, we never left,” Holland said. “We’ve gotten to stay here. We’ve been lucky.”

He said he enjoys the people in southwest Oklahoma because the majority are kind and genuinely care about what happens to one another.

Holland said the difference between people in Stephens County and bigger communities is unmistakable. He said he always feels at home in the Stephens County community.

“Everyone around here is basically the same kind of person,” Holland said. “There’s good people here.”

He said he has been drawn to jobs that focus on helping others. He said he also enjoys being able to reach out to people and teach them about God.

“God has put me in this spot to work with folks,” Holland said. “Best part of the job is knowing what you do leads people closer to Christ.

“It’s also the most strenuous part of the job.”

He started his life wanting to be a minister. But with his love for music and direction given by God, Holland chose to get a bachelor’s degree in music education.

As he has gone through his years in the classroom and in church, he has seen the effect of music on people. When he made the decision to become a music minister, Holland knew it was the right choice because it gave him a chance to explore his passions: Music, helping others and God.

“It’s how he chose for me to use those talents,” Holland said.