HWS News
7 August 2026 • Alums Ratliff ’88 Releases New Book
The pastor’s second book draws on scripture and personal experience to encourage faith, resilience and spiritual renewal.
Reverend Dr. Hiram Ratliff ’88 has released his second book, The Elijah and Elisha Revival. Blending personal testimony with lessons from the biblical prophets Elijah and Elisha, the faith-based book explores themes of spiritual renewal, resilience and hope.
The autobiographical work also provides the inspiration and context behind Ratliff’s first book of poetry, The Black and Beautiful Side of Us. Throughout The Elijah and Elisha Revival, he encourages readers to trust God during difficult times, deepen their faith and embrace personal transformation as a path to purpose and positive change.
Ratliff is a Baptist pastor, author and community advocate based in New York City. He serves as senior pastor of New Tabernacle Baptist Church in the Bronx. A graduate of Hobart, where he majored in English and Religious Studies, and New York Theological Seminary, he has dedicated his ministry to faith-based leadership, social justice and mentoring young people. His writing draws on both personal experience and biblical teachings to inspire hope, resilience and spiritual growth.
A 2025 New York Weekly article provides more details about Ratliff’s life and work.
