Day: July 2, 2026

His father, a National Evangelist, and his mother, an outstanding Bible teacher, kindled Bernard’s love for the Bible and service to the Lord. The Kendrick family worshipped at the A.O.H. Church of God on Bowen Avenue in Chicago. Bernard received the Holy Ghost as a teenager. Mentored by his pastor, Elder Cicero Harris, he became a Junior Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and a choir director, both locally and nationally.

In 1974, Bernard was called to preach. He was ordained in 1977 and in 1979 became the Assistant Pastor to Elder John Morris at Bethel Apostolic Church. While his earliest affiliation was with the A.O.H. churches, Elder Kendrick was also affiliated with Starlight St. James Missionary Baptist Church, where he was ordained a senior deacon and worked with several adult and youth choirs. In addition, he served at Christian Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Kansas City, Missouri where he was a lead minister and part of the Broadcast ministry. Even after returning to Illinois, Bernard Kendrick continued his passion for radio ministry with broadcasts on stations WDND and WKBM in Joliet, Illinois.

Strongly feeling the call to pastor, Elder Kendrick organized a Bible study group in 1986. This band of stalwart people of God became Glad Tidings Apostolic Assembly (GTAA) in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Bishop Kendrick and Glad Tidings have survived many storms, but the church has never ceased to serve the needs of its congregants and community. Its inclusive ministry has attracted people of various backgrounds, denominations, and races. GTAA has been recognized by both Will and Cook Counties in Illinois for its work with the homeless population and its food distribution program. In addition to his zeal for helping the community, Bishop Kendrick’s heart for mentoring others has led to the establishment of several churches and ministries.

Elder Kendrick devoted his time and substance to his church and his work in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (P.A.W.) and its Illinois District Council (IDC) where he served as Assistant Secretary and Secretary of the Pastor’s Alliance. In January 1995, he was appointed District Elder in the 6th Episcopal District. In 2019, GTAA changed its denominational affiliation to the International Anointed Ministries of Jesus Christ (IAM). In 2021, Pastor Kendrick was ordained as a Bishop.

During the Viet Nam era, Elder Kendrick served in the United States Army National Guard as Staff Sergeant and Senior Military Police officer for 16 years. He is currently a member of the Village of Bolingbrook Christian Clergy Association and the International Police Chaplain’s Association. He has served as the Police Chaplain for the Bolingbrook Police Department for 32 years and was recently elected as its Police Chaplain Coordinator.

Over 53 years ago, Bernard Kendrick married his high school sweetheart, Rena G. Ward. He retired from the FedEx Corporation in 2002. Today Bishop and First Lady Kendrick have two daughters and one son who along their spouses and children are all actively involved in the church. Despite his time commitments, Bishop Kendrick finds time for his hobbies: fishing, spending time with his grandsons, hunting, bowling, golfing, and doing handyman stuff!