The Christian music community is grieving the loss of one of its most beloved worship leaders. Brian Doerksen, the Canadian songwriter behind timeless worship anthems including Refiner's Fire, Faithful One, and Come, Now Is the Time to Worship, has died.
According to a statement shared by his family, Doerksen passed away peacefully in his sleep at 6:45 a.m. on July 21 at his family home, surrounded by those who loved him most.
His family thanked the global community that had rallied around him during his illness, expressing gratitude for the countless prayers, financial support, and heartfelt messages they received from around the world.
Even as his health declined, those closest to Doerksen said his focus never shifted away from others.
"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," the family wrote. "He was a beacon of light even in his final moments to his close family and friends, and loved well right to the end."
The tribute concluded with a challenge inspired by the worship leader's life: "May we all be like him, to love freely, be kind, and grateful even in the midst of the hardest of times."
The announcement sparked an immediate outpouring of grief from fellow artists, ministry leaders, and worshippers whose faith had been shaped by Doerksen's music for decades.
Christian singer-songwriter Matt Redman reflected on the profound influence Doerksen had on his own ministry.
"So deeply gutted by this," Redman wrote. "I always loved the times I got with Brian. He wrote my all-time favourite worship song, Faithful One. He wrote so many other songs I loved. He was always such an encouragement to me personally. Brian, you'll be deeply missed, but your legacy runs long. Praying for God's comfort and peace."
Others remembered Doerksen not only as a gifted songwriter but as a faithful disciple whose private life reflected the same humility found in his music.
"So sad to wake up to this news," one tribute read. "What a hero of the faith! Praying over your families... and so grateful to all of them for sharing you with us all."
Longtime friend and worship leader Paul Baloche also shared an emotional farewell, recalling songwriting sessions, meals around the family table, and ministry tours across Canada.
"Goodbye, Friend. Love you, Brian. Will miss you on this earth," Baloche wrote. "You taught me much about lament through your words, your songs, and your life. Thank you for Refiner's Fire, Light The Fire Again, and a hundred more songs that pointed us all to Jesus. Until we meet again."
Baloche also quoted lyrics from Doerksen's well-known worship song Come, Now Is the Time to Worship: "One day every tongue will confess You are God. One day every knee will bow."
Related:
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