Editor’ s Note: We asked a few of our friends to write about how Brian impacted their lives …
It was February of 1998, and the 2nd British Music Invasion was about about to kick in, impacting millions, But this time the music coming over was in a new form of worship. I had been asked to take the leadership position at Vineyard Music in Anaheim, California, and Come, Now Is The TIme To Worship had just been released in the UK. Because the song was unknown in the US, and to give the song and project the best shot in the marketplace, we released it as“ Winds of Worship 12, Live From London,” a successful series during those days. I remember meeting Brian for the first time that year, along with Brenton Brown. Brian( a Canadian) and Brenton( a South African), had flown in by invitation from London, for our worship leaders’ retreat in Laguna Beach, CA.
Brian was musically articulate and knew his craft well. Like a seasoned pro he had also produced Come Now Is The Time To Worship, the very first release for Vineyard Music UK, a live recording. It was refreshing, powerful, and gifted the church with a new sound for church music. Just one year later, Brian would coproduce a worship masterpiece called Hungry. If you’ ve never listened to Hungry, you are much poorer for not doing so. 27 years later the album still stands at the summit of all worship recordings, showcasing Brian’ s giftings in songwriting, production, musicianship, worship set sequencing, and recognizing and mentoring the God given talents in others. His giftings have continued and flourished for almost 3 decades since then. What a legacy! What impact! What a kind and generous man! Rest in eternal joy Brian, and may our Lord comfort and provide for your sweet family.
Brian was in the“ friend-for-life” club, as we call it at the Christian Musician Summit. Over the years, he shared his music, his teaching, his wisdom, and his heart with those who attended our conference. Brian was a part of our Songwriter Boot Camp on many occasions, pouring into the lives of many who desired to improve their craft. He shared keynotes, led worship, and taught workshops. Brian embodied our mission: improving skill and inspiring talent for God’ s glory.
At CMS 2007 in Redmond, Washington, we had Brian slated to play with his band. We were notified earlier in the day that most of his band was held up at the US / Canadian border. Fortunately, most of the band made it, and they were able to pull it off. If I recall correctly, it was a stripped-down version of what Brian had planned, but he made it work. It was a stressful few hours, but Brian made the best of the situation.
In November 2009, Bruce and I presented Brian with the Roby Duke Creative Life Award, an award given to those who have dedicated their lives to honoring and glorifying God through their creativity. He was our second recipient of the award, and more than deserving. His impact on modern worship songs that stemmed from his production of Hungry in the late 90s with Vineyard UK / Ireland was felt worldwide. Who doesn’ t remember the opening drums on the title track, as well as the beautiful arrangement of the song“ Breathe” led by Kathryn Scott?
After the economy tanked in the late 2000s, Brian agreed to come and do a‘ Mini’ CMS at a fraction of what he would normally make. This was in March of 2011, and held at my church in Tacoma, WA, Our Savior Lutheran. Brian was a very generous man.
In November 2023 during our CMS event, Brenton Brown, one of our featured artists, came up to us and said,“ Hey, would it be okay if Brian Doerksen came in to hang out with us, maybe play some songs with us at the closing session?” We said,“ Of course!” What a special surprise that was to have Brian and his colleague Marika Siewert come and hang out with us that afternoon. Brian shared that he and his team now had their work visas situated, so it would be much easier to have them come down for the conference. So we booked Brian and Marika for the following year, Christian Musician Summit 2024. That would be the last time we would be able to have Brian light up our stage. You can watch his closing session and worship time on our YouTube channel, or click the thumbnail below.
We’ re going to miss Brian deeply: as a worship leader and songwriter, as a support to our ministry, as a creative voice, and as a friend-for-life on this side of heaven. We’ ll see you soon, Brian.
Matt Kees / Director, Christian Musician Summit
Alex MacDougall / Writer for Worship Musician
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