A Teacher
Barbara Lewis King
Transforming life through truth consciousness
The transmission
Barbara Lewis King (August 26, 1930 - October 11, 2020) was an American New Thought minister, author, and educator, and a leading figure of Black New Thought.
A native of Houston, Texas, she held a B.A. in sociology from Texas Southern University and a Master of Social Work from Atlanta University, later receiving a Doctor of Ministry from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary of Detroit.
In 1971 she began a prayer group of twelve in her home that grew into Hillside International Chapel and Truth Center in Atlanta, which she led for nearly fifty years into a congregation of thousands with a worldwide following.
King’s ministry was notably global: she taught across Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and Australia, and authored numerous books and monographs, including the widely read Transform Your Life. In recognition of her decades of service, the International College of Bishops consecrated her as the first New Thought minister to hold the office of Bishop, and she became the first bishop of the International New Thought Christian Movement of Churches.
Through the Barbara King School of Ministry she trained ministers to carry the teaching forward.
What they gave
Transformative truth teaching: Centered her ministry on the practical use of affirmative, truth-based consciousness to reshape life circumstances.
- Institution-building: Grew a home prayer group into a large international truth center and a school of ministry.
- Pioneering leadership: Became the first New Thought minister consecrated as a Bishop, advancing the standing of Black New Thought.
- Global transmission: Carried New Thought practice to congregations across multiple continents.
In their words
I see power as something that comes from within. A powerful person gives his best and motivates people to exercise their own personal power.
Never say you can’t do something. You can do what you have to do.
The line they stand in
Influenced by: Unity and New Thought metaphysics descending from the Emma Curtis Hopkins lineage; the Black New Thought ministry exemplified by figures such as Johnnie Colemon.
- Influenced: Hillside International Truth Center; the Barbara King School of Ministry and its graduates; international New Thought ministry.
Revelations they taught
Orders & Societies
Essential Works
- Transform Your Life1995