As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the leaders whose faith, perseverance, and service have left an indelible mark on the world. One such trailblazer is Bishop George Dallas McKinney, a man of deep conviction, unwavering dedication, and a heart that beat for both his community and the nations. His life story is a testament to how God’s grace can lift a person from humble beginnings to a place of great influence and impact.

Born on August 9, 1932, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Bishop McKinney was the son of a sharecropper, but his aspirations were anything but small. He pursued education with determination, graduating magna cum laude from Arkansas State College with a degree in Sociology. His thirst for knowledge and passion for service led him to further studies at the University of Michigan Graduate School of Social Work, an MA from Oberlin College School of Theology in Ohio, and a doctorate from California Graduate School of Theology.

Bishop McKinney wasn’t just a man of words — he was a man of action. He founded and pastored St. Stephen’s Cathedral Church of God in Christ in San Diego, California, a ministry that became a beacon of hope and transformation for countless lives. His leadership extended beyond the pulpit, serving as Jurisdictional Prelate of Southern California’s Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. His influence reached national and global stages when, in November 2001, he was elevated to the General Board of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.

His dynamic preaching and unwavering faith made him a sought-after speaker at major conferences, including the Urbana Mission Conferences and Promise Keepers. But his passion wasn’t just for preaching — it was for people.

With a heart dedicated to social justice and community service, Bishop McKinney founded the St. Stephen’s Group Home, a sanctuary for juvenile probationers in need of a second chance. Alongside his late wife, Jean, he co-founded the St. Stephen’s Day Care Center and the St. Stephen’s Christian School (K-12), ensuring that children had access to quality education in a nurturing environment. His commitment to the well-being of seniors led to the creation of the George D. McKinney Retirement Center, a place of dignity and care for those in their golden years.

Bishop McKinney was also a pillar of strength in the African American community and a trusted friend and collaborator of Dr. Morris Cerullo. Their partnership in ministry stretched back decades, forming a bond of mutual support and shared vision. Bishop McKinney stood steadfastly with Dr. Cerullo, including during the crucial moments when the Legacy International Center faced opposition in San Diego. His prayers and presence at the groundbreaking ceremony were a powerful testament to his belief in God’s plans and purposes.