The Christian music world is continuing to reflect on the remarkable legacy of Brian Doerksen following his death-and according to author and speaker Danielle Strickland, one of his final musical acts may also have been one of his most prophetic.
Rather than leaving behind one last brand-new worship anthem, the beloved Canadian songwriter chose to revisit one of the songs that defined an entire generation of worshippers: "Refiner's Fire."
In a heartfelt social media post, Strickland revealed that one of her final conversations with Doerksen centered on the surprising decision to change the lyrics of the worship classic for its 35th anniversary release.
"Did you know he intentionally changed some lyrics out of conviction?" she wrote. "My last conversation with him was about those changes and why it was so important for him to make them."
The revised version of Refiner's Fire featured subtle but meaningful theological updates, including changing the phrase "my Master" to "my Maker" and expanding the song's closing prayer to emphasize loving, serving, and caring like Christ.
For many artists, touching a song sung by millions around the world would be unthinkable. But Strickland believes Doerksen's willingness to revisit one of modern worship's most beloved anthems revealed the kind of humility and spiritual sensitivity that marked his life.
"I've written an article about it and why I think these changes and the re-release is possibly the most prophetic gifts Brian has given us," she shared.
As tributes continue to pour in following Doerksen's passing, Strickland suggested that his greatest legacy may not simply be the timeless songs he wrote, but his willingness to let the Holy Spirit continue shaping those songs decades later.
"I'm so thankful for his witness and his songs-and his lasting legacy of open-heartedness and responsiveness to the Spirit's leading," she wrote.
Doerksen, whose catalog includes worship staples such as Come, Now Is the Time to Worship, Faithful One, and Refiner's Fire, helped shape modern congregational worship across denominations and continents. His songs have been translated into multiple languages and sung by millions of Christians worldwide.
Now, in the wake of his death, Strickland is encouraging believers to remember not only the music Brian Doerksen left behind, but also the posture with which he lived-one that remained teachable, responsive, and willing to follow God's leading to the very end.
