Jarvis Christian University will feature the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, founder and senior pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia, as the Founders Homecoming Convocation speaker at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 23, in the Smith-Howard Chapel on the JCU main campus in Hawkins.
During her 44 years of ministry, Hale’s ministerial gift has drawn thousands, young and old, to witness the anointing of a woman dedicated to the Kingdom of God. She is a woman of vision, revered worldwide for her vision, leadership, integrity, and compassion.
She established two ministries: the Elah Pastoral Ministries, Inc., a mentoring program to assist in spiritual and practical development of pastors and para-church leaders; and the Women in Ministry Conference, Inc., a premiere national conference with a focused mission to develop, coach, and mentor Christian women in ministry for the 21st Century.
In 2009, Hale was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. She also served as a member of the 2016 Platform Committee for the Democratic National Convention and delivered the Invocation at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
As a recipient of numerous honors and recognitions, 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 has received 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.
A native of Roanoke, Virginia, 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.
In January 2010, she authored her first book titled, I’m A Piece of Work: Sisters Shaped by God. Hale is a contributing writer for many books and publications including, Power in the Pulpit II: How America’s Most Effective Black Preachers Prepare their Sermons and the preaching resource series, Feasting on the Gospels.
Currently, she serves as the Chairperson of the IC3 Conference Board, the President for the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, a member of the Board of Visitors of the Divinity School at Duke University, a member of the Board of Trustees at Hollins University, a member of the UNCF NFEI Advisory Council and a member of the Welcome US Council.
An active Lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Hale serves as co-chairperson of the International Spiritual Oversight Committee and is chairperson of the Membership Committee of her local chapter, Nu Lambda Omega Chapter.
Jarvis Christian University is celebrating 111 years of educating “the head, heart and hand” of a diverse population of students. The University is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their career goals through an affordable academic experience that prepares them for today’s global economy.
