Brian Doerksen Obituary, Canadian Worship Leader and “As for Me and My House” Songwriter Dies at 64

ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA  – Brian  Doerksen, the celebrated Canadian Christian singer-songwriter and worship leader whose music has been sung by congregations around the world, has died at the age of 64 following a battle with stage 4 cancer, according to reports published Wednesday. His death marks the loss of one of Canada’s most influential voices in contemporary Christian worship.

Doerksen, who was associated with Abbotsford, British Columbia, built a decades-long career writing and performing songs that became widely known within churches and Christian communities internationally. His work included well-known worship songs such as “Refiner’s Fire,” “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship,” “Faithful One,” and “Today (As for Me and My House).” His music became recognized for its emphasis on devotion, surrender, faith and a personal commitment to Christian life.

According to a statement attributed to his family and reported by Christian media, Doerksen died peacefully in his sleep at his family home on July 21, surrounded by loved ones. The reports said he had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer after experiencing serious health problems, with his family asking supporters around the world for prayer and support during his final days.

The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, worship leaders and Christian communities who remembered Doerksen not only for his songwriting but also for the personal influence he had on generations of worshippers and musicians.

His musical legacy spans several decades. Songs including “Refiner’s Fire” and “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” became staples of contemporary worship, while “Today (As for Me and My House)” reflected his enduring focus on faith within family and community. His songs have been performed and recorded by Christian artists in Canada and internationally.

Doerksen was also known as a teacher, speaker and mentor to emerging songwriters. His official website describes him as a Canadian singer-songwriter, speaker and songwriting instructor, reflecting a career that extended beyond recording and performing into teaching and encouraging other musicians.

Throughout his career, Doerksen received recognition for his contribution to Christian music, including a Juno Award and multiple Covenant Awards. His influence was particularly significant within the contemporary worship movement, where his compositions helped shape the musical language of churches across denominations.

For many listeners, however, his greatest legacy will remain the songs themselves. “As for Me and My House” became especially meaningful to those who viewed worship as an expression of personal faith and family commitment. Its message, like much of Doerksen’s catalog, resonated with audiences seeking music that connected spiritual conviction with everyday life.

As news of his death spread, tributes emphasized the lasting impact of a songwriter whose work reached far beyond his native British Columbia. For countless Christians, Doerksen’s songs were part of weddings, church services, personal devotion and moments of both celebration and grief.

Brian Doerksen leaves behind a musical legacy that will continue to be heard in churches and Christian communities around the world. His life and work helped shape modern worship music, while his songs continue to offer words of faith and hope to those who sing them.