Kenny was born and raised in Minneapolis. God drew him to a saving knowledge of God in Christ while at a Bible camp in 1973. He graduated from Bethel College in 1981 with a double major in Psychology and Biblical/Theological Studies, and the following year, enrolled in Bethel Seminary. 

During his studies, he served as an apprentice in Bethlehem’s program for seminary students and was selected for the Gordon Johnson Scholarship for Expository Preaching (which he declined). He graduated from Bethel Seminary with a Master’s of Divinity in 1988.

In August 1988, the Lord called Kenny to Oak Hill Baptist Church in Humboldt, Iowa. After 10 years preaching and pastoring there, he was called to return to Bethlehem as the Pastor for Urban Ministries in 1998. After serving faithfully in several roles at the church, he currently serves as the Pastor for Preaching & Vision, a role he assumed after a hearty affirmation from the congregation in 2021.

Kenny and his wife, Kathy, have been married since 1979 and have four children and seven grandchildren.