Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale

Biography

Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale is the founder and Senior Pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia. The Ray of Hope Christian Church is a congregation that has a vision to “impact and transform this present world into the Kingdom of God” through Housing, Healthcare and Education Initiatives. It is recognized in the book, Excellent Protestant Congregations: Guide to Best Places and Practices.

Dr. Hale is a native of Roanoke, Virginia. Her natural talent in music led her to study at Hollins College in Virginia, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. Additionally, she holds five Honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees and one Honorary Doctor of Law degree.

As a woman of vision, Dr. Hale is revered locally, nationally, and internationally for her leadership, integrity, and compassion. In 2004, Dr. Hale established a mentoring program known as Elah Pastoral Ministries, Inc. to assist in the spiritual as well as practical development of pastors and para-church leaders. In September 2005, she convened her first Women in Ministry Conference; a premiere, national conference with a focused mission to Develop, Coach and Mentor Christian Women in Ministry for the 21st Century. Dr. Hale presently serves on the Board of Trustees at Hollins University, as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Beulah Heights University, Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the City of Hope Ministries, Inc., and is the Secretary for the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference.

As a recipient of numerous honors and recognitions, Dr. Hale was inducted into the African American Biographies Hall of Fame and the Martin Luther King Board of Preachers of Morehouse College.  In July 2009, Dr. Hale was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. Dr. Hale served as a member of the 2016 Platform Committee for the Democratic National Convention.  She also delivered the Invocation at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA. In October 2016, Dr. Hale was inducted into the Atlanta Business League Women’s Hall of Fame. Dr. Hale is a dedicated active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Hale is a contributing writer for many books and publications including the books, Power in the Pulpit II: How America’s Most Effective Black Preachers Prepare Their Sermons and the preaching resource series, Feasting on the Gospels. In January 2010, she authored her first book entitled; I’m A Piece of Work: Sisters Shaped by God. In September 2011, Dr. Hale was honored by the National Urban League and is a recipient of the inaugural “Women of Power” award. In July 2012, Dr. Hale was awarded the Preston Taylor Living Legacy Award at the 22nd Biennial Session of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  In November 2012, she was honored by Ebony Magazine as a part of the Power 100, a yearly compilation of the most influential African Americans in the country. Dr. Hale was awarded the Keeper of the Flame Award in January 2013 from The Balm In Gilead, Inc. at the African American Church Inaugural Ball to commemorate the Second Term and Inauguration of President Barack Obama. Dr. Hale has been in ministry for 37 years. Her ministerial gift has drawn thousands, young and old, to witness the anointing of a woman totally sold out for the Kingdom of God.

Speaking Engagements

Sunday, September 03, 2017