As a self-described “recovering perfectionist,” King wanted to be the one doing it all—breaking barriers and making space for everyone at the table. That desire was the foundation for many of the successes she’s achieved in academics, leadership, and ministry over the years. Yet it was through personal loss that she fully understood her superpower wasn’t the ability to juggle it all by herself. Her true strength came from leaning on God and those he brought into her life.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Jeanne Porter King is called to lead and make a difference in the lives of others. Through the ministry of spoken and written word, Dr. J, as she is affectionately called by her congregation, is a preacher, teacher, author, and business owner. Her messages have been called transformative—helping listeners unlock issues of identity, purpose, and destiny.
King currently serves as the executive pastor at Christ Community Church, along with her husband, Dr. Carl E. King Sr., the senior pastor. Additionally, she is the founder and principal consultant of the TransPorter Group, with over 30 years of consulting and training experience in a variety of industries like governmental agencies, churches, and other faith-based institutions.
In addition to her other work, King is the author of numerous books and articles on leadership. Her books include Leading Well: A Black Woman’s Guide to Wholistic, Barrier-Breaking Leadership and Caring Well: 90 Self-Care Devotions for the African American Caregiver.
King received both her bachelor and master of science degrees from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She also received her master of arts in theological studies from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and a doctor of philosophy in communication with an emphasis in cultural studies from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
Notes & Quotes:
- “We can care for others, but we have to do it in a way that we also care for ourselves and we don’t harm ourselves.”
- “If Jesus found [the women at the well], he could find us as Black women. And what we bring to the table are gifts that, through spending that time with the Lord, we bring out and can lead out of.”
- “We don’t have to mask up and be more than we’re supposed to be. We can draw from this inner strength that comes from that well of the Holy Spirit and from the cultural traditions that are given to us.”
- “I try to work toward excellence, but the notion of trying to be perfect came out … I had to give myself permission to step away from that.”
Links Mentioned:
- FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
- Learn more about King’s leadership work here.
- Check out King’s newest book with Our Daily Bread Publishing, Caring Well: 90 Self-Care Devotions for the African American Caregiver.
- Get your copy of King’s book Leading Well.
- King’s Instagram
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- Check out Voices from Our Daily Bread Ministries.
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Verses Mentioned:
- John 4:1–26
