As Christians around the world continue praying for legendary worship leader Brian Doerksen following the heartbreaking news that his kidneys have failed amid his battle with stage 4 cancer, many believers are returning to the songs that have shaped their faith for more than three decades.
Doerksen's family recently shared that his condition has rapidly declined and that doctors have advised keeping him "comfortable and loved," describing every remaining day with him as "a gift" and "every moment truly holy."
Yet while millions grieve alongside his family, Doerksen's greatest legacy has never been awards, albums, or even sold-out worship conferences. His true legacy is found every Sunday in churches around the world where congregations continue singing songs he wrote decades ago.
Born in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Doerksen became one of the defining voices of modern worship through his ministry with Vineyard Music before later recording with Integrity Music. Over the years he served as a worship pastor, helped plant The Bridge Church in Abbotsford, and later mentored future worship leaders as director of Prairie Bible Institute's School of Worship Arts.
His influence has been recognized with a Dove Award, a Juno Award, numerous GMA Canada Covenant Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award, but perhaps his greatest honor is hearing his songs sung in thousands of churches every week.
Here are five worship classics that continue to define Brian Doerksen's remarkable ministry.
1. "Come, Now Is the Time to Worship"
Perhaps no song better captures Doerksen's global impact than this beloved invitation to worship. Released in 1998, it quickly became one of the most widely sung worship songs in the world and has been translated into numerous languages. For countless believers, this anthem marked the beginning of a new era of congregational worship centered on simple, heartfelt devotion.
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Come, Now Is the Time to Worship
2. "Refiner's Fire"
Written in 1990, this deeply personal prayer remains one of the most powerful songs about surrender and holiness ever written. Rather than asking for comfort, the song asks God to purify the believer's heart-a theme that continues to resonate with Christians walking through suffering and spiritual growth.
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3. "Faithful One"
Simple, unforgettable, and filled with biblical truth, "Faithful One" has comforted believers through grief, illness, and uncertainty for decades. Its declaration that God remains faithful through every storm has become especially meaningful as Christians pray for Doerksen and his family.
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4. "Hope of the Nations"
Written in the aftermath of global unrest in the early 2000s, this worship anthem points listeners away from fear and toward Christ as humanity's only lasting hope. Churches around the world continue to sing it as a declaration that Jesus remains the answer in troubled times.
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Brian Doerksen Hope of the Nations Official
5. "Light the Fire Again"
Few songs have inspired revival prayers like this Vineyard classic. Released in the mid-1990s, it became an anthem for believers longing for renewed passion for Christ. Its plea-asking God to rekindle spiritual fire-continues to be sung at worship gatherings, conferences, and prayer meetings around the globe.
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Brian Doerksen Light the Fire Again Official
Related Article:
Worship Legend Brian Doerksen's Kidneys Have Failed, Family Says "Every Day Is a Gift"
