Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale is the founder and Senior Pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia. A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Dr. Hale received a Bachelor of Arts in music from Hollins University; a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. She holds five honorary Doctorates of Divinity and an honorary Doctor of Law degree. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
As a woman of vision, Dr. Hale is revered worldwide for her leadership, integrity, and compassion.
Her vision and leadership led her to establish two ministries; Elah Pastoral Ministries, Inc. and the Women in Ministry Conference, Inc.
As a recipient of numerous honors and recognitions, Dr. Hale was inducted into the African American Biographies Hall of Fame, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College, and the Atlanta Business League Women’s Hall of Fame. She is a recipient of the National Urban League’s “Women of Power” award, the Preston Taylor Living Legacy Award, the Balm in Gilead Keeper of the Flame Award, and she was recognized on Ebony Magazine’s “Power 100” list as one of the nation’s most influential African-American leaders.
Dr. Hale is a contributing writer for many books and publications. In January 2010, she authored her first book entitled, I’m A Piece of Work: Sisters Shaped by God.
Dr. Hale presently serves on the Board of Trustees at Hollins University, she is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Beulah Heights University and the Vice President for the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference. During her 40 years of ministry, her ministerial gift has drawn thousands, young and old, to witness the anointing of a woman totally sold out for the Kingdom of God.