Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr. D.Min.

Bishop Hilliard is a CEO, Entrepreneur, Published Author, Accomplished Abstract Expressionistic Artist, Mentor, Motivational Speaker and Scholar.

Passionate about education, Dr. Hilliard is the former Group Convener and Mentor of the Donald Hilliard Fellows Doctor of Ministry Program, and visiting professor of Church Renewal at Drew University Theological School in Madison, NJ. In December 2012, Dr. Hilliard partnered again with Drew University Theological School as an Affiliate Associate Professor with the establishment of the Hilliard/Sweet Concentration as part of the Doctor of Ministry Program.  Dr. Hilliard earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern College (now Eastern University), St. David’s, Pennsylvania, the Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ, and an earned Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, as a Dr. Samuel D. Proctor Fellow. He is also the recipient of various honorary doctoral degrees.

He is not only taking the business-world by storm, but he is touching and helping transform lives by teaching,those who may have thought it impossible to own their own business, to use their gifts and talents to generate multiple streams ofincome.

Hilliard is a gifted artist.  His premier art collection, “Divine Liturgy in Abstract”, displaysan emotional and spiritual connection to the world. His art speaks to the heart and soul and offers a type of inspiration not often found in contemporary art. Every work of art in his collection holds special meaning and every piece tells a story.In 2006 after a life-threatening illness, Dr. Hilliard created original pieces of art through his abstract expressionistic company, Pulpit to the Palate Art. His premier collections of over 70 original pieces include the recently exhibited “Let Go, Let Gesture: Abstract Ascension” series at the Dragonfly Fine Arts Gallery in Martha’s Vineyard.

Dr. Hilliard is also the author of thirteen books on a variety of relevant topics. His most recent book, “Midlife, Manhood, & Ministry,” with Rhoda McKinney-Jones was released in April 2013 and, his book on family entitled, “55 and Counting,” was released in November 2013.

Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr. serves as the Senior Pastor of Cathedral International—The Historic Second Baptist Church in Perth Amboy, NJ. Dr. Hilliard’s willingness to “Say Yes!” to the Lord has fostered his ability to provide leadership in the exponential growth of the church over the last 31 years.  His transformational mindset is reflected in the numerous community development initiatives established under his leadership. He is the Founder and CEO of the Cathedral Community Development Corporation (CCDC), an umbrella organization providing a variety of outreach services to the local community. The “Cathedral Community Counseling Center” provides mental health support for both the church and the community. The “Cathedral Family Life Center” houses a banquet center, library and a creative dance center. Cathedral International has been cited by the city and the state as a major catalyst for the renewal and development of the City of Perth Amboy, NJ.

“What you see over the last 31 years has been a divine leap of faith,” said Hilliard, who partners in ministry with his wife, the Reverend Phyllis Thompson-Hilliard. They are the proud parents of three wonderful daughters and a son-in-love, and are the newly ecstatic grandparents to their first grandson.

Bishop Hilliard is a servant of God who continues to “Say Yes” to the Lord’s call on his life, and by doing so has positively affected the lives of thousands with his gift to turn a glimmer of hope into opportunity.

Educational Background & Experiences

Dr. Hilliard earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern College (now Eastern University), St. Davids, Pennsylvania, The Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ, and Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, as a Dr. Samuel D. Proctor Fellow. He is also the recipient of various honorary doctoral degrees and numerous awards for his community service around the world.

— the mentorship for pastors and churches through the US and West Africa
— several impactful ministries to three communities in New Jersey: Perth Amboy, Asbury Park and Plainfield
— counsel and teachings which touch and transform the lives of many around the world

Written Communication

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Verbal Communication

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Spiritual Insight

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Creativity

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Degrees and Awards

Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees, various honorary doctoral degrees and numerous community service awards