Lewis T. Hilton, Jr., more affectionately known as Bishop Bobby Hilton, is a nationally respected pastor, teacher, author, and media visionary. With a powerful, soul-stirring style of “teacher preaching,” Bishop Hilton has captured hearts across the country and continues to make a dynamic mark in building the Kingdom of God through multimedia and ministry innovation.

Spiritual Leadership & Ministry Growth

Bishop Hilton has been preaching the gospel for over 39 years and has faithfully served as Senior Pastor of Word of Deliverance Ministries for the World, Inc. for more than 35 years. From humble beginnings, he led the construction of the ministry’s sanctuary in 1996 and later the Word Family Life Center in 2006. This transformative facility serves not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for community restoration, human services, and economic empowerment.

Bishop Hilton has a diverse educational background, combining studies in Health Services Administration with advanced theological training. His initial studies at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning laid the foundation for his understanding of health services, a crucial aspect in the management and delivery of healthcare. After that, his pursuit of higher education at the Apostolic College of Grace and Truth led him to focus on theology, culminating in a Master’s of Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Media & Publications

A trailblazer in faith-based media, Bishop Hilton has been featured on major networks such as TBN, The Word Network, and The Inspirational Network, as well as numerous local and national radio programs. His radio show, “The Forum,” was a top-rated program on Cincinnati’s 101.5 FM/1230 AM (Radio One) for over 12 years.

He is the founder and CEO of:

• Bishop Bobby Hilton Ministries (BBHM), Inc.
• S.O.A.R. Development Corporation (Strengthening, Overcoming, Achieving, Restoring)
• BVHILTON Production & Entertainment Group, LLC

Bishop Hilton is also a gifted author. His first book, “The Blessing of Commitment: Releasing Wealth & Riches into Your Life,” received praise from Christian leaders including the late Dr. Myles Munroe and Dr. Creflo A. Dollar. His latest title, “Destined for Glory: Fulfilling God’s Purpose & Plan for Your Life,” has also been widely celebrated.

Music & Ministry Through the Arts

Bishop Hilton’s inaugural live recording with the Word of Deliverance Mass Choir, “God Did That Thing!”, featured original songs and special guest artists. He also wrote and performed the lead on the title track of Dorothy Norwood’s collaboration with the Mississippi Mass Choir, “No Request.”

Civic Engagement & Social Impact

Bishop Hilton is deeply engaged in civic service and social justice. He:

• Serves as Chaplain for the Hamilton County Police Association
• Sits on the UC Health Community Advisory Board and University of Cincinnati Community Advisory Council
• Was elected President of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the National Action Network (GCCNAN) in 2012, sworn in by Rev. Al Sharpton in 2013

GCCNAN focuses on crisis intervention, political advocacy, health and wellness, economic development, and community restoration.

In March 2017, Bishop Hilton received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Service Award under the Barack Obama administration—the highest civilian honor for community service. In January 2020, he was appointed Chief of Staff to Hamilton County Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas. Most recently, in May 2025, he was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Shepherd Award from the National Association of Gospel Radio.

Family & Legacy

Bishop Hilton has been joyfully married to his wife and ministry partner, Dr. Valda Hilton, for 46 years (as of June 2024). Together, they have two adult children, Jermaine and Stephanie, six wonderful grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and countless “spiritual” children whom they continue to nurture in the faith.

Dr. Valda Hilton is a dedicated servant-leader, teacher, and intercessor who has faithfully served the Kingdom of God for decades. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, she is known for her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment to excellence in ministry.

Professional & Ministry Background

Dr. Hilton graduated from Princeton High School and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing and Health. She served over 11 years in clinical and managerial nursing before retiring from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center to pursue full-time ministry.

In 1996, she became Church Administrator of Word of Deliverance Ministries for the World, Inc., where she continues to serve alongside her husband, Bishop Bobby Hilton, Ph.D. She went on to receive a Master’s in Church Administration in 1997 and was officially installed as Co-Pastor in April 2002. Later that same year, she earned her Doctor of Divinity degree.

Since 2005, she has also served as Director of Ministry Operations, working to ensure that the ministry functions with a spirit of excellence—bringing glory to God locally, nationally, and worldwide.

Heart for Women & Teaching Ministry

Pastor V has a passion for teaching the Word of God, especially to women seeking spiritual healing and wholeness. In January 2016, she launched a powerful class titled Inner Healing, designed to help others walk in deliverance and soul-level restoration through Christ Jesus.

In 2008, she founded Spiritual Mid-Wives, a prayer ministry dedicated to equipping women to intercede and travail for the Body of Christ. Believing that the Church is “pregnant with promise,” this ministry focuses on discerning and praying strategically for the manifestation of God’s will in His divine timing.

Honors & Recognition

In March 2017, Dr. Hilton was honored with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Service Award under the Barack Obama administration—the highest civilian honor for outstanding volunteer service to the nation.

Core Beliefs & Mission

Dr. Hilton believes the Word of God must be taught with simplicity and clarity, empowering believers to:

• Grow in revelation knowledge of Jehovah God
• Pursue freedom from soulish bondage
• Cultivate intimacy with the Father
• Fulfill their divine purpose
• Make a lasting IMPRINT as Kingdom Ambassador

Family Life

Dr. Hilton and Bishop Hilton recently celebrated 46 years of marriage (June 24th), exemplifying a strong and loving union in life and ministry. She is a devoted mother of two adult children, proud grandmother of five, great-grandmother of one, and spiritual mother to many.

Dr. Valda Hilton is a living example of grace, leadership, and compassion—devoted to building up the Body of Christ and advancing God’s Kingdom with purpose and power.