Holly was born and raised in Hibbing, Minnesota. She met her husband, Phil, in high school and now wonders, "Who knew that the cute, tall boy I fell in love with in high school would still be my sweetheart to this day?" Phil and Holly married in the middle of their college years while she attended Mankato State University, and he attended Gustavus Adolphus College nearby. Holly & Phil moved to Shoreview, Minnesota, after college graduation where their three children were born. Later they lived in Idaho and Ohio before returning to Minnesota in 1993, and they have lived in their home in Lakeville ever since. Their children are now married, and the Nelsons have eight grandchildren. Nana is one of her favorite titles.

Holly grew up in a Christian home and made a profession of faith as a child, but it wasn’t until 1997 that God opened her eyes and heart to a true understanding of his saving grace and lordship—it was then that she submitted her will to him. She believes God used the life, witness, and prayers of believing extended family to draw her to himself, and following Christ has been an adventure ever since. Phil & Holly joined Bethlehem South (now South Cities Church) in 2010. God grew Holly’s understanding of who he is, her faith, and her love for him mainly through the solid biblical teaching at Bethlehem and the study of God’s word in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).

Since submitting her life to the Lord, she has served him in different roles, but it wasn’t until she was asked to pray about serving in the Teaching Leader role of a women’s BSF class (of 500 women and 300 children) that God made his call to ministry very clear. God’s final confirmation came when she was praying about this call, feeling fearful and inadequate to lead this class, teach his word and train and lead women. She asked the Lord, “Why me?” and he responded, “For my glory.” She then understood that God would do it through a weak vessel, and he alone would get the glory. She learned from that day on that she is utterly dependent upon God.

After 14 years of serving in that role, God clearly called her out and into the role of Minister for Women’s Ministry at Bethlehem South (now South Cities Church) in the Spring of 2021. She always had a heart for the church and is grateful to serve in this role. Her heart is for women to know and love the God of the Bible and his plan of redemption, and to provide opportunities for them to grow in knowledge and obedience to his word. She is eager to see sweet relationships grow through fellowship as women gather, and as they are encouraged, mentored, strengthened, trained, and transformed as they all point each other to Jesus.