Worship leader Ron Kenoly, who helped shape modern praise and worship in churches around the world paased away on February 3rd at 81. A singer, songwriter, pastor, and teacher, Ron Kenoly was known for worship anthems such as “Ancient of Days,” “Anointing Fall On Me,” and “Jesus Is Alive.” His songs were marked by Scripture-rich lyrics and an emphasis on joyful, congregational praise and became staples in churches across denominations.
Kenoly rose to international prominence with his 1992 live album Lift Him Up, which became one of the best-selling worship albums of the 1990s. Recorded with a live congregation, the project captured the energy and spontaneity that would come to define the contemporary praise and worship movement—a style that now dominates church music in the United States and beyond.
Kenoly consistently emphasized that worship was an act of service, not a stage performance. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he led worship concerts around the globe, recorded numerous albums, and trained countless worship leaders, encouraging them to lead people into authentic encounters with God.
His influence extended well beyond music charts. As a pastor and mentor, Kenoly was widely respected for his teaching on worship, leadership, and spiritual integrity. Many credit him with helping shift worship culture from choir-led traditions to participatory, congregation-centered praise. In a statement shared on Facebook, Judah Church reflected on his legacy:
“Our Hearts are heavy today at the loss of our very own Dr. Ron Kenoly—the Trail-Blazer, Father, Anointed Writer and Worshiper, Friend, Leader, and Minister. Though we rejoice with him as he receives his eternal reward—for his impact across Nations and Generations is unmatched, we will feel his absence in our Judah Family and beyond.”
Ron Kenoly leaves behind a profound legacy, one not measured not only in his songs, but in generations of believers being taught to worship with passion, joy, and purpose.
The Celebration of Life can be streamed at these links: https://www.youtube.com/@JudahLive/streams
https://www.facebook.com/judahlive/
