Remembering Ron Kenoly: A Legacy of Worship Leadership
(Photo: YouTube/Joe Vasconcelos)
Ron Kenoly, an influential figure in Christian worship music, has passed away at the age of 81. Known for his impactful contributions to modern praise music, Kenoly emphasized worship as a service rather than a performance throughout his ministry.
The news of Kenoly’s death was shared on Instagram by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda. According to the post, Kenoly died on the morning of February 3, though no cause was revealed.
Miranda reflected on his relationship with Kenoly, stating, “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.” He added, “He was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader.”
Kenoly’s career reached international acclaim in the early 1990s with the contemporary praise and worship movement. His live album, Lift Him Up, released in 1992, quickly became the fastest-selling worship album, introducing large-scale congregational worship to many churches.
Another notable album, Welcome Home, produced by Tom Brooks, received Billboard’s top contemporary worship music album and the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award for praise and worship album in 1997.
Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly showed an early passion for music, which led him to California to pursue entertainment. His career path included serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1968, where he performed with a Top 40 cover band.
Before fully committing to ministry, Kenoly recorded secular R&B music as Ron Keith and found success in a duo with Candy Rae. However, he chose to focus on gospel music, releasing his first Christian album, You Ought to Listen to This, in 1983.
Kenoly’s ministry took a significant turn after joining Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, in 1985, where he became a worship leader and later a music pastor. Ordained in 1987, he dedicated himself to teaching worship theology and consulting churches nationally.
“There needs to be a balance between worship and the Word. If you get all worship and no Word, you have fanaticism. If you have all Word and no worship, you have legalism,” Kenoly explained in a 2006 interview with Christian Today. He emphasized worshipping “in Spirit and in Truth” as stated in John 4:23-24.
Kenoly furthered his education, earning several degrees including a music degree from Alameda College, a Master of Divinity from Faith Bible College, and a Doctorate of Ministry in sacred music from Friends International Christian University.
His influence on congregational worship was profound, as noted by many church leaders and worship pastors. Pastor Tony Suarez, in a social media statement, hailed Kenoly as “one of the greatest psalmists of our time,” remembering a tent revival where Kenoly’s leadership in praise was transformative.
In 1999, Kenoly relocated to Central Florida and continued his international ministry as a teacher, speaker, and worship leader. He authored several books on worship, collaborating with Jubilee Christian Center founder Dick Bernal.
Kenoly is survived by his family. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
