Dr. Ron Kenoly’s Final Video Before His Death Leaves the World in Tears

The global Christian community is mourning the loss of Dr. Ron Kenoly, a towering figure in modern praise and worship, whose final video message has taken on a deeply emotional meaning following his passing on February 3, 2026.

The clip, now widely shared online, shows Kenoly doing what he had done his entire life: teaching, encouraging, and gently pointing believers back to God—not to himself.

In the video, Dr. Kenoly speaks calmly and thoughtfully about the role of praise and worship in the life of the church.

There is no hint of farewell, no dramatic tone, and no sign that these words would soon be remembered as his last.

Yet, knowing what followed, many viewers now describe the video as almost unbearable to watch without tears.

Kenoly begins by addressing a long-standing debate within Christian circles: whether the role of a “praise and worship leader” is truly biblical.

Drawing from Exodus chapter 15, he reminds listeners that after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and witnessed the destruction of Pharaoh’s army, Moses himself wrote and sang a song unto the Lord.

For Kenoly, this moment was more than historical—it was foundational.

From this passage, he makes a powerful assertion: the senior pastor or leader of a church is the primary worship leader of the congregation.

According to Kenoly, God holds church leadership responsible for the atmosphere of praise and the spiritual quality of worship.

This conviction was not theoretical for him; it was something he lived and modeled for decades.

He goes on to answer another profound question: what is the most important activity in a church service? While acknowledging preaching, offerings, altar calls, and fellowship, Kenoly firmly states that praise and worship come first.

His reasoning is simple but deeply theological—worship creates an environment for God’s presence to manifest.

According to Kenoly, praise is not performance and worship is not entertainment.

Instead, it is a sacred act that invites God’s love, authority, and power into the gathered community.

When worship is offered sincerely and appropriately, he believed, God responds by revealing Himself in tangible ways.

In the latter part of the video, Kenoly briefly addresses identity and faith in a divided world.

He urges believers to rise above political labels, reminding them that followers of Christ are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God.

Christians, he says, answer to a higher calling than any political system, and the Bible—not ideology—must remain their ultimate standard.

In hindsight, these words feel like a final pastoral charge to remain grounded, faithful, and united.

Just days later, news broke that Dr. Ron Kenoly had passed away at the age of 81.

His longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, confirmed the news in a heartfelt Instagram post, describing Kenoly not as an entertainer, but as a true worship leader.

Miranda wrote of walking alongside him for more than 20 years—not only as a colleague, but as a son and student—bearing witness to a life marked by humility, faithfulness, and obedience to God.

Born on December 6, 1944, Kenoly began his music journey after serving in the United States Air Force.

He rose to international prominence in the 1990s with groundbreaking worship albums such as Lift Him Up and Sing Out with One Voice.

Songs like Ancient of Days, God Is Able, and Jesus Is Alive became anthems in churches across continents, transcending denominations and cultures.

Beyond music, Kenoly was a pastor, mentor, and teacher.

He traveled extensively, leading worship seminars and training thousands of worship leaders around the world.

His influence was especially profound in Africa, particularly Nigeria, where he was a beloved figure and frequent guest at major gospel gatherings such as The Experience.

Those closest to him emphasize that the man on stage was the same man offstage—marked by integrity, reverence for God, and a deep understanding that worship begins long before the first note is played.

It begins, he taught, with obedience, character, and a healthy fear of the Lord.

The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed, and the family has requested privacy as they grieve and prepare memorial arrangements.

He is survived by his wife Diana, whom he married in 2014, along with his children and grandchildren.

Today, believers around the world are revisiting his final video—not just as a goodbye, but as a reminder.

A reminder that worship is not about spotlight or applause, but about creating space for God’s presence.

As many have said in tribute, the worship Dr.

Ron Kenoly lived on earth is now the worship he offers in eternity.