Lanny Wolfe

Lanny Wolfe is an American gospel songwriter, composer, pianist, singer, music educator, publisher, and worship leader born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1942. He first studied business education at Ohio State University and taught in public schools before turning toward church music. After an early Bible-college appointment in California, he completed formal music study at San Jose State University and later earned a master’s degree in music education while teaching at Gateway College of Evangelism.

Wolfe served as dean of music at Gateway College of Evangelism from 1968 to 1974 and at Jackson College of Ministries in Mississippi from 1974 to 1993. During those years the Lanny Wolfe Trio became an important vehicle for his songs and ministry, and he also founded the National Music Ministry Conference. His work was closely associated with the United Pentecostal Church International while reaching a much wider gospel audience.

Wolfe has written hundreds of songs and numerous musicals. His other recognized works include “Greater Is He,” “God’s Wonderful People,” and “More Than Wonderful,” which received the Gospel Music Association’s 1984 Song of the Year award; Wolfe was also named Gospel Songwriter of the Year that year. For “Surely the Presence of the Lord,” he wrote both the words and the tune.