Long recognized as a powerful preacher, teacher and role model with a gift for reaching worshippers of all ages, the Reverend Margarett Elaine M. Flake has been impacting the many lives she touches at The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in New York City, where she served as co-pastor with the Reverend Dr. Floyd H. Flake until May 2020. Upon the retirement of Rev. Floyd Flake, she was appointed Senior Pastor and became the fi rst woman to lead a congregation of this size in the denomination. In this capacity, she continues to dedicate her life to others by providing leadership in Christian education, evangelistic, and outreach ministries.

 

Fondly called “Reverend Elaine” by the GAC congregation, she and her husband founded the Allen Christian School in 1982. Reverend Elaine was also instrumental in developing the Allen Women’s Resource Center, which houses adults and children who are victims of domestic violence. She is Advisor to the Missionary Department, and many of the other ministries at Allen, and served as Advisor/Coordinator of the Allen Women’s Ministry Department, now celebrating its 40th year. Each year over 1,000 women from across the country and around the globe have gathered to attend the retreats she convenes. Reverend Elaine played a crucial role in increasing the membership of The Greater Allen A.M.E Cathedral to over fi fteen thousand. She mentors many male and female leaders in the New York City area and is frequently invited to speak throughout the country.

 

Dr. Flake is the author of the popular book, God In Her Midst: Preaching Healing to Hurting Women and contributed to The Women of Color Study Bible, and Souls of My Sisters: Black Women Break Their Silence, Tell Their Stories, and Heal Their Spirits. Together with her husband, the Reverend Dr. Floyd H. Flake, she coauthored two books, Practical Virtues: Everyday Values and Devotions for African American Families Learning to Live With All Our Souls, and African American Church Management Handbook.

 

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Flake earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. She received a Master of Arts Degree in English from Boston University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. She earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary of Dayton, Ohio. She has received numerous citations and awards. Most recently, The Distinguished Alumni Award was conferred upon her by Union Seminary, and in March, 2017, she was inducted into Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. Rev. Elaine is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated and the National Council of Negro Women. Married for more than 45 years to Dr. Floyd H. Flake, they are the parents of four adult children: Aliya, Nailah, Robert Rasheed, and Harold Hasan. She has one granddaughter, Nia Renee.