Brian Doerksen (1965 – 2026)

Their Story

Brian Robert Doerksen was one of the most influential worship songwriters of his generation, whose music shaped contemporary Christian worship around the world. For more than three decades, he crafted songs that became part of the weekly worship life of churches across multiple denominations—from Anglican and Baptist to Pentecostal, Alliance, and Catholic congregations. His best-known compositions, including "Come, Now Is the Time to Worship," "Refiner's Fire," "Faithful One," and "Holy God," have been translated into numerous languages and sung by millions of believers globally. Beginning in the late 1980s as worship pastor at Langley Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Doerksen became a featured leader on numerous Vineyard worship recordings and later partnered with Integrity Music to produce critically acclaimed albums. In the late 1990s, he spent over two years in the United Kingdom mentoring worship leaders and songwriters across the UK and Ireland, producing the groundbreaking album "Hungry," which became Vineyard's best-selling recording. His contributions earned him significant recognition, including a Gospel Music Association Dove Award in 2003, multiple Covenant Awards from Canada's Gospel Music Association, and a JUNO Award in 2008 for his album "Holy God." Despite his international success, Doerksen remained deeply rooted in his Abbotsford home, where he lived with his wife Joyce and their six children. Throughout his life, his personal experiences—including raising two children with Fragile X Syndrome—deeply influenced his songwriting, reflecting themes of faith, struggle, and God's faithfulness. Known for his graceful humility and genuine encouragement of others, Doerksen passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 21, 2026, after a brief battle with stage 4 cancer, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to unite believers in worship worldwide.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Doerksen