The beloved songwriter behind “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” and countless modern worship anthems died peacefully after a brief battle with stage 4 cancer, leaving a global legacy
Canadian worship leader and songwriter Brian Doerksen passed away on July 21 following a brief battle with stage 4 cancer. He was 60.
Best known for writing enduring worship songs including “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship,” “Refiner’s Fire,” “Faithful One,” “Hope of the Nations,” and “Light the Fire Again,” Doerksen’s music has been sung in churches around the world for more than three decades. His family shared that he died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.
Throughout his career, Doerksen helped shape modern congregational worship through his ministry with Vineyard Music and later Integrity Music. He received numerous honors, including a 2003 Gospel Music Association Dove Award, a 2008 Juno Award for Holy God, multiple GMA Canada Covenant Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Beyond his music, he served as a worship pastor, church planter, author, and mentor to emerging worship leaders.
In a statement shared on his official social media, Doerksen’s family wrote, “Till the very end, Brian continued to love those around him, encouraging them in who they are, and shared incredible gratitude to those in the medical field who tried their best to help him. He was a beacon of light even in his final moments to his close family and friends, and loved well right to the end.”
Brian Doerksen is survived by his wife, Joyce, and their six children. His songs and legacy will continue to inspire worshippers around the world for generations to come. His most recent release, “Shelter,” came out just 5 months ago.