Brian Doerksen, the Canadian worship leader whose songs became part of Sunday morning in churches across the world, died on July 21, 2026. He was 60.

His family said he passed “peacefully in his sleep” at home on Tuesday morning, “surrounded by those who loved him most,” following a brief battle with stage 4 cancer, in a statement shared on his social media.

The Songs Millions Have Sung

Even people who never knew his name have likely sung his words. Doerksen wrote some of the most widely used worship songs of the past four decades:

  • “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” (1998) — his best-known song, a fixture of congregational worship worldwide
  • “Refiner’s Fire” (1990)
  • “Faithful One” (1989)
  • “Holy God” (2006)

His songs have been recorded by artists ranging from the Oslo Gospel Choir to Phillips, Craig & Dean, and translated into many languages.

From Abbotsford to the World

Born November 17, 1965, Doerksen was from Abbotsford, British Columbia. He served as a worship pastor at Langley Vineyard Christian Fellowship in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and his work with Vineyard Music helped define the sound of contemporary worship — simple, singable songs written for congregations rather than performers. Later albums with Integrity Music’s Hosanna label carried that sound globally.

The Honors

  • Juno Award (2008) — Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year, for Holy God
  • GMA Dove International Award (2003) — only the second Canadian ever so honored
  • 13+ Covenant Awards (2005-2011), including multiple Artist of the Year honors
  • GMA Canada Lifetime Achievement Award (2014)

Tributes

Tributes from worship leaders and churches describe the same thing from different pulpits: that his “music and ministry touched” congregations far beyond his home country. For a songwriter whose stated aim was always the congregation’s voice rather than his own, the scale of the singing he leaves behind is its own memorial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened to Brian Doerksen?

He died July 21, 2026, at 60, after a brief battle with stage 4 cancer — peacefully in his sleep at home, per his family’s statement.

What songs did he write?

“Come, Now Is the Time to Worship,” “Refiner’s Fire,” “Faithful One” and “Holy God,” among many others.

What awards did he win?

A Juno (2008), the GMA Dove International Award (2003), 13+ Covenant Awards, and a GMA Canada Lifetime Achievement Award (2014).

How old was he?

60 — born November 17, 1965; he died a few months before his 61st birthday.

Death and family statement per Christian Post, Christian Today and his Legacy.com obituary, July 2026; career details and awards per public records. Photo: Brian Doerksen leading worship, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.