Dedicated Disciple Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale

The OGMP is pleased to recognize and honor Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale as a Dedicated Disciple. Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale is the founding and Senior Pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia. Dr. Hale has been in ministry for 46 years. In February 2026, she was honored with the “Beautiful Are The Feet Award” at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference in Chicago, Illinois, an acknowledgment of her servant leadership and her continued role in shaping theology, advancing justice, and carrying forward Dr. Proctor’s enduring legacy.

She established ELAH Pastoral Ministries, Inc., a mentorship program that assists in the development of pastors and para-church leaders in 2004 and convened her first Women in Ministry Conference in 2005. In 2010, she authored her first book, I’m A Piece of Work: Sisters Shaped by God.

Dr. Hale presently serves as the Chairperson of the IC3 Conference Board, a member of the Board of Trustees at Hollins University, a member of the UNCF NFEI Advisory Council, a member of the Welcome.US Council and an emeritus member of the Board of Visitors of the Divinity School at Duke University. She is most recently the past President for the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference. Dr. Hale is an active Lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Dr. Hale is a native of Roanoke, Virginia.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hollins College. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Dr. Hale is a contributing writer for many books and publications and the recipient of numerous honors and recognitions including in 2023 when she was honored with the Duke University Distinguished Alumni Award.