A Life of Scripture, Song, and Grace
The Canadian Bible Society mourns the passing of beloved Canadian songwriter, worship leader, and award-winning recording artist, Brian Doerksen.
Brian was a cherished friend of the Canadian Bible Society. Through his thoughtful conversation on CBS’ Scripture Untangled podcast and his reflections shared in CBS’ Imagine journal, he offered us a deeply personal glimpse into his life with Scripture, songwriting, suffering, family, and faith. His words reflected the same grace, humility, and honesty that marked his songs — a lifelong desire to help people encounter the living God through Scripture.
“Brian Doerksen had a remarkable gift for helping people hear God’s voice through Scripture and song,” said Rev. Dr. Rupen Das, President of the Canadian Bible Society. “In many ways, his life’s work aligned closely with the mission of the Canadian Bible Society—to help people engage with God’s Word and encounter the God who speaks through it. Through his music, he helped millions encounter the truth, hope, comfort, and grace found in the Bible. We are deeply grateful for our friendship and association with Brian over the years and extend our heartfelt condolences to Joyce, their children, grandchildren, and all who loved him.”
Brian’s songs have given voice to the prayers of millions.
Yet Brian’s legacy was never only about songs, albums, awards, or international recognition. His deepest gift was his ability to take Scripture, suffering, and grace, and offer them back to the Church in words people could sing.
On Scripture Untangled, Brian recalled a difficult season when he and Joyce had moved to the United Kingdom after the collapse of a musical project that left them facing devastating financial loss. Around the same time, they had learned that one of their sons had Fragile X syndrome and would require lifelong care. Brian described himself then as “barely hanging on to my faith,” “utterly bewildered and confused.”
And yet, it was during that season, while walking the streets of London, that the seed of Come, Now Is the Time to Worship came to him.
“Some of the songs that I’m known for,” he reflected, “came in the context not of me being confident, me being together, me being certain. They came in a context of me being utterly bewildered and confused — and yet there was that call again.”
In Imagine, Brian described his vocation with a phrase that beautifully captured the heart of his ministry: “I am looking for a Scripture that sings.” He said he waited for the “aha” moment when a particular Scripture became what he needed “in this moment and season.” A Scripture passage, a book, a walk, a prayer, or a conversation could plant the seed of a song. “The seed is planted,” he said, “and I’m off on my next writing adventure.”
Brian Doerksen’s songs will continue to be sung in churches, homes, hospital rooms, and quiet places of prayer. His words will continue to help people worship when they are joyful, trust when they are uncertain, and hope when they are suffering.
We give thanks to God for Brian’s life, his friendship with the Canadian Bible Society, his witness, his music, and his deep love for Scripture. We pray for Joyce, their children, their family, and all who grieve his passing.
May Brian now enter the rest of the God he trusted, served, and sang about so faithfully.
Scripture & Song
In Imagine journal, Brian Doerksen reflects on the Bible’s influence on his life and songwriting.
