Worship Leader Brian Doerksen Passes Away
On Tuesday, July 21, it was announced that Canadian worship leader and songwriter Brian Doerksen had passed away after battling Stage 4 cancer.
Doerksen was a pioneering voice in modern worship music, best known for songs such as "Come, Now Is the Time to Worship," "Refiner's Fire (Purify My Heart)," "Faithful One," and many more.
Brian’s compositions transcended denominations and genres, greatly impacting both the church and modern worship music today.
After he passed away peacefully at home, Brian’s wife Joyce shared this message on her social media:
“On July 21st, at 6:45 AM, our beloved Brian passed away peacefully in his sleep at his family home, surrounded by those who loved him most… 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.”
Doerksen is survived by his wife, Joyce, and six children, and his contribution to Christian and gospel music will always be remembered.
Gospel Music Association. (22-July-2026). Worship Leader Brian Doerksen Passes Away [Press Release]. https://gospelmusic.org/news/worship-leader-brian-doerksen-passes-away
