I’m Steve Holder, born and raised in the northeastern corner of Tennessee. My first jobs were washing dishes at a little place called The Dutch Maid and later spraying down cars at Bob’s Car Wash—hard work for just a dollar an hour, but it taught me a lot. I joined the Army not long after turning eighteen and served in the 101st Airborne Division.
I was ordained as a minister in 1997 and have done my share of teaching, counseling, and leading Bible studies—including in prisons and churches across the region. I’ve also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction, with my main focus on faith and recovery from addiction.
In 2020, I stepped into politics and ran for U. S. Congress as an Independent. I didn’t win, but I ran to give a voice to the poor, the homeless, and anyone feeling left out of the system. I’ve also been involved with nonprofits that support addiction recovery and trauma survivors. After a heart attack in 2021, I stepped back from some of those roles to focus on healing and living a more balanced life.
These days, I stay rooted in east Tennessee. I still write and I still enjoy some good old-fashioned pro wrestling. My life isn’t flashy, but it’s honest—and I’m grateful for every chance I get to connect with others and share what I’ve learned.
Steve Holder 