The global Christian music community has been thrown into mourning following the death of legendary worship leader Ron Kenoly. He was 81.
Kenoly, whose songs transformed church worship across continents, passed away on the morning of February 3, according to an announcement shared on his official Instagram page.
The news was confirmed in a joint post by his longtime music director and close associate, Bruno Miranda. However, no cause of death was disclosed.
“For over 20 years, I had the honor of walking alongside him in ministry around the world, not just as his music director, but as a son, a student, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness,” Miranda wrote.
“He was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader.”
Miranda further emphasized Kenoly’s philosophy of worship, adding, “A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of a King; the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.”
He concluded with hope-filled words, saying, “Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.”
Ron Kenoly was widely known for timeless songs like Ancient of Days, Anointing Fall On Me, and Jesus Is Alive.
These songs helped define what many now call modern congregational praise.
His 1992 live album Lift Him Up became a landmark release. It was regarded as the fastest-selling worship album of its era.
Moreover, it introduced many churches to large-scale, Scripture-based worship gatherings.
Another project, Welcome Home, later earned Billboard’s top contemporary worship album recognition. It also won the Dove Award in 1997. Therefore, Kenoly’s impact extended beyond churches into the wider gospel music industry.
Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly initially pursued secular music. He later served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1968. Before ministry, he recorded R&B music and performed professionally under different stage identities.
However, his life took a defining turn when he dedicated himself fully to Christian worship.
“I was in obscurity for eight years, singing my songs… making no money,” he said in a 2024 interview. “But that was the gift that was in me.”
Kenoly’s ministry expanded significantly at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California. He later became a national worship consultant and teacher. Importantly, he stressed balance in worship, saying, “If you get all worship and no Word, you have fanaticism.”
Pastors across denominations have credited him with shaping global worship culture.
Describing him as “one of the greatest psalmists of our time,” Pastor Tony Suarez said, “He was a generational gift.”
Kenoly is survived by his family. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
