Chaplain Ladale (“Dale”) S. Benson is a minister, chaplain, educator, and community leader with nearly a decade of experience providing spiritual care in healthcare settings, including service within the Atrium and Novant health systems. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and former police officer whose work centers on compassionate care, community engagement, and justice-oriented ministry. He currently serves as the Pastor for Liberation and Formation at Collective Liberation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Chaplain Benson holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies (Religion) from Greensboro College, a Master of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary, with additional study at Howard University School of Divinity, and a Master of Theology from Duke University Divinity School. He is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care at Hood Theological Seminary. He has completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and will be certified as a Spiritual Director in May (2026).
He is ordained in both the United Church of Christ and Baptist traditions and has also been recognized as an authorized teacher within an independent Buddhist tradition. His approach to spiritual care and teaching is shaped by liberation theologies, contemplative practice, and a deep commitment to cultivating communities grounded in love, dignity, and justice.
Chaplain Benson has also served internationally, spending a year and a half in Lesotho, Southern Africa, where he volunteered as a community chaplain and taught self-defense classes for women who had experienced abuse.
In addition to his ministry, he is a writer, martial artist holding black belts in Kung Fu and Shotokan Karate, an avid reader, a devoted partner and husband, and the proud father of an amazing son.