Brian Doerksen, Beloved Worship Songwriter, Enters Heaven at 61

For an entire generation of worshippers, the songs of Brian Doerksen were the soundtrack of the modern worship movement.

From the reverence of “Refiner’s Fire” to the global anthem “Come Now Is the Time to Worship,” Doerksen helped define the sound of congregational worship throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His songs found their way into churches of every denomination, conference halls, youth camps, weddings, funerals, and living rooms around the world, giving believers language for praise, repentance, surrender, and hope.

Brian Doerksen has passed away at the age of 61, leaving behind an influential catalogue of contemporary worship music.

Among his best-known compositions are “Refiner’s Fire” (1990), “Light the Fire Again” (1994), “Come Now Is the Time to Worship” (1998), “Faithful One” (2002), “Hope of the Nations” (2003), and “Today (As For Me and My House)” (2008). These songs that have been translated into numerous languages and sung by millions of Christians across the globe.

The Canadian songwriter was also a trailblazer in Christian music, becoming only the second Canadian songwriter to receive a GMA Dove Award, further cementing his place among the most respected voices in modern worship.

Doerksen’s influence reached far beyond his songwriting. As one of the founding voices of the Vineyard Worship movement, he helped shape a style of worship that emphasized intimacy with God and authentic expressions of faith. This approach that continues to reverberate on Christian radio and in churches decades later.

In a heartfelt tribute, Vineyard Worship reflected on the immeasurable impact of his ministry.

“Brian was one of the fathers of Vineyard Worship. Through his songs, leadership and friendship, he helped shape worship in the Vineyard and, far beyond that, the worship of the global Church.”

The organization continued by recognizing the lasting impact of songs that became staples of worship services worldwide.

“Generations of us have encountered God through songs like Come, Now Is the Time to Worship, Refiner’s Fire, Faithful One, Your Love Is Amazing, and so many more. These songs have been sung in countless churches, at weddings and funerals, in conferences and living rooms, in moments of celebration and seasons of suffering. They have given language to our hearts and pointed us, time and again, to intimacy with Jesus.” Vineyard Worship also emphasized that Brian’s impact extends well beyond the music.”Brian’s legacy is far greater than the songs he wrote. Those who knew him speak of a man marked by humility, kindness, generosity and deep faith. He was a worshipper before he was a songwriter, and his life reflected the One he so faithfully sang about.”

Throughout his career, Doerksen was known not only for writing songs that resonated across denominations but for mentoring worship leaders, encouraging younger artists, and consistently pointing attention away from himself and toward Christ.

Legendary Christian music radio promoter Chris Hauser shared a personal reflection that echoed the sentiments of many who were impacted by his music.

“Brian Doerksen consistently wrote and performed songs I needed to hear in many important stops in my faith journey. His 30 year old album through Vineyard Music Group ‘Isn’t He – Acoustic Worship’ still holds up. ‘Come Now is the Time to Worship,’ ‘Refiner’s Fire,’ ‘Purify My Heart’ and many others have been the soundtrack for tens of millions over decades.”

Even as Christian music has continued to evolve stylistically over the past three decades, Doerksen’s songs have remained timeless fixtures in churches around the world. Their enduring appeal speaks not only to memorable melodies but to lyrics rooted deeply in Scripture and a genuine desire to draw people closer to Jesus.

CCM Magazine extends its deepest condolences to Joyce, their children, the entire Doerksen family, and the countless friends, ministry partners, and worshippers mourning this tremendous loss. May Brian Doerksen’s songs will continue to echo in sanctuaries around the world for generations to come.

Those wishing to support Brian’s family during this difficult time are encouraged to donate to and share the family’s GoFundMe campaign:
https://gofund.me/d23998cc4