God of Love and God of Power

Gerald Hamilton Kennedy (1907–1980) was a prominent figure in 20th-century American Methodism, recognized as an influential bishop, a prolific author, and a compelling orator. Born on August 30, 1907, in Benzonia, Michigan, Kennedy’s path to ecclesiastical leadership was paved by a rigorous academic journey. He attended the College of the Pacific, the Pacific School of Religion, and Hartford Theological Seminary, developing a theological foundation that would later make him one of the most respected voices in his denomination.

Kennedy’s pastoral career began in 1932 at the First Congregational Church in Collinsville, Connecticut. His ministry eventually took him across the United States, where he served congregations in California and Nebraska. His leadership qualities were recognized early, and in 1948, at the age of 41, he was elected a Methodist Bishop, serving the Portland, Oregon area. His rise within the church hierarchy was a testament to his administrative skill and his ability to articulate the faith in a rapidly changing post-war society.

Bishop Kennedy was not only a shepherd of congregations but also a scholar of national standing. In 1954, he was invited to deliver the prestigious Lyman Beecher Lectures at Yale University, an honor reserved for the most distinguished preachers in America. His intellectual output was vast, as he authored 17 books that explored themes of faith, ministry, and the role of the church in the modern world.

His literary and liturgical contributions extended to the very songs the Methodist community sang. In 1964, Kennedy served on the texts subcommittee for the Methodist Hymnal. This was a critical role, as the subcommittee was responsible for selecting and refining the language of worship for millions of believers. His expertise helped shape the theological and poetic identity of the denomination during a period of significant liturgical renewal.

While Bishop Kennedy was primarily known for his leadership and prose, he left a singular, powerful mark on hymnody as an author. His most notable hymn, "God of love and God of power," serves as a stirring invocation for divine strength and communal transformation.

• Context: The hymn is often used as a call to action, emphasizing the dual nature of God as both a source of comfort and a force for justice.

• Legacy: It has appeared in at least six different hymnal instances, maintaining its relevance as a staple for congregations seeking a robust and empowering worship experience.

After decades of service that spanned the United States, from the Pacific Northwest to the heart of California, Bishop Kennedy retired to Laguna Hills, California. He passed away on February 17, 1980, and was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.

Bishop Gerald Kennedy is remembered as a bridge-builder who navigated the complexities of the mid-20th-century church with grace and intellectual vigor. Whether through his 17 books, his tenure as a Bishop in Portland, or the enduring lines of "God of love and God of power," he remained committed to the idea that the church must be a place of both profound thought and spiritual energy. His work on the 1964 Methodist Hymnal ensures that his influence continues to be felt every time a congregation opens their books to sing of God’s power.