Brian Doerksen
Encyclopedia
Brian Robert Doerksen is a Canadian
Christian
singer-songwriter
and worship leader from Abbotsford, British Columbia
born in 1965.
as well as Vineyard Music Group. In that context he has been extremely influential in the area of contemporary Christian worship music. He was a featured worship leader on many Vineyard worship CDs and has also taught extensively on worship leading and song writing. Brian's worship recordings are known for their high production values and quality songwriting.
Notable songs written by Doerksen include: "Refiner's Fire" (1990), "Faithful One", "Come Now is the Time to Worship" (1998), "Hope of the Nations," (2003), "Holy God", and "Today (As For Me and My House)".
More recently Brian Doerksen has been producing worship music through Integrity's Hosanna Music, including his albums You Shine (2002), Today (2004), Live In Europe (2005), Holy God (2006) and It's Time (2008).
Brian Doerksen received a Gospel Music Association
Dove Award in 2003, only the second Canadian to be so honoured. He has also won a string of Covenant Awards
during his career including four in 2005, among them: Artist of the Year, Praise And Worship Album Of The Year and Praise And Worship Song Of The Year. Three more Covenant Awards followed in 2006, and a further six in 2007. In 2008 he won a Juno Award for the album Holy God
.
Doerksen's most recent project was to co-write a musical titled Prodigal God http://www.prodigal-god.com/ with playwright and worship pastor Christopher Greco. The production will have its debut performance in February 2010 in Vancouver, before going on tour.
at a church they started together on Mother's Day 2006 called The Bridge
. The church meets in Matsqui Village
. Brian is a teaching and worship arts pastor and oversees the church's growing team of worship leaders.
. The family lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia
, Canada.
Solo albums
Books
Songs in other projects
Video
Dove Award
GMA Canada
Covenant Awards
Juno Awards
Praise Awards
Shai Awards (formerly The Vibe Awards)
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
Christian
Contemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
and worship leader from Abbotsford, British Columbia
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Abbotsford is a Canadian city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, adjacent to Greater Vancouver. It is the fifth largest municipality in British Columbia, home to 123,864 people . Its Census Metropolitan Area, which includes the District of Mission, is the 23rd largest in Canada,...
born in 1965.
Musical career
For many years Doerksen was part of the Vineyard ChurchesAssociation of Vineyard Churches
The Association of Vineyard Churches, also known as the Vineyard Movement, is a neocharismatic evangelical Christian denomination with over 1,500 affiliated churches worldwide....
as well as Vineyard Music Group. In that context he has been extremely influential in the area of contemporary Christian worship music. He was a featured worship leader on many Vineyard worship CDs and has also taught extensively on worship leading and song writing. Brian's worship recordings are known for their high production values and quality songwriting.
Notable songs written by Doerksen include: "Refiner's Fire" (1990), "Faithful One", "Come Now is the Time to Worship" (1998), "Hope of the Nations," (2003), "Holy God", and "Today (As For Me and My House)".
More recently Brian Doerksen has been producing worship music through Integrity's Hosanna Music, including his albums You Shine (2002), Today (2004), Live In Europe (2005), Holy God (2006) and It's Time (2008).
Brian Doerksen received a Gospel Music Association
GMA Music Awards
The Gospel Music Association Dove Awards are presented annually by the Gospel Music Association for outstanding achievements in the Christian music industry. The awards are usually presented during a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, that features performances by a number of the industry's newest...
Dove Award in 2003, only the second Canadian to be so honoured. He has also won a string of Covenant Awards
Covenant Awards
The Covenant Awards are handed out annually by GMA Canada, the Gospel Music Association of Canada . Created in 1974, the association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the growth and ministry of Christian music arts in Canada...
during his career including four in 2005, among them: Artist of the Year, Praise And Worship Album Of The Year and Praise And Worship Song Of The Year. Three more Covenant Awards followed in 2006, and a further six in 2007. In 2008 he won a Juno Award for the album Holy God
Holy God (Brian Doerksen album)
Holy God is the fourth major album and first studio album by Brian Doerksen released on the Integrity Music label. It was released on March 6, 2007...
.
Doerksen's most recent project was to co-write a musical titled Prodigal God http://www.prodigal-god.com/ with playwright and worship pastor Christopher Greco. The production will have its debut performance in February 2010 in Vancouver, before going on tour.
Ministry
Brian Doerksen is currently one of three co-pastors along with Dean Richmond and Dave HensmanDave Hensman
David John Hensman is a Canadian Christian singer-songwriter, minister and businessperson from Mission, British Columbia, Canada.-Musical career:...
at a church they started together on Mother's Day 2006 called The Bridge
The Bridge (church)
The Fellowship Bridge International is a non-denominational, Christian church located in Matsqui Village in Abbotsford, British Columbia. It was founded in May 2006 by a team of four couples, Dean and Janine Richmond, Dave and Dee Hensman, Brian and Joyce Doerksen, and Irv and Karin Esau. The...
. The church meets in Matsqui Village
District of Matsqui
Matsqui is a former District Municipality in British Columbia, Canada. It was incorporated in 1892, and merged with the District Municipality of Abbotsford in 1995 to create the new City of Abbotsford. Matsqui used to be the west part of what is now Abbotsford...
. Brian is a teaching and worship arts pastor and oversees the church's growing team of worship leaders.
Personal life
He was married in 1985 at age nineteen to his wife Joyce. The couple have six children, four daughters and two sons. His sons both have fragile X syndromeFragile X syndrome
Fragile X syndrome , Martin–Bell syndrome, or Escalante's syndrome , is a genetic syndrome that is the most commonly known single-gene cause of autism and the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability...
. The family lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Abbotsford is a Canadian city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, adjacent to Greater Vancouver. It is the fifth largest municipality in British Columbia, home to 123,864 people . Its Census Metropolitan Area, which includes the District of Mission, is the 23rd largest in Canada,...
, Canada.
Discography
Vineyard Music albums- Changed by Your Glory (1989)
- Hear Our Cry (1990)
- We Behold You (1990)
- Your Kingdom Come (1990)
- Jesus Alone (1991)
- Save Us Oh God (1991)
- Worship Festival Live (1992)
- In Deiner Gegenwart Vol 1 & 2 (1993)
- Light the Fire Again (1994)
- Father’s House (1994, review)
- Winds of Worship 4 (1995)
- Isn't He (1995, review)
- Winds of Worship 5 (1996)
- Faithful Father (1996)
- Winds of Worship 8 (1997)
- Come, Now is the Time (1998)
- Father (1998)
- Intimacy (1998)
- Hungry (1999)
- God is Love (2000)
- Rise Up Europe (2000)
- Believe (2000)
- Change Me on the Inside (2001)
- Come and Follow (2001, review)
- Love Abbotsford Live (2001)
- All I Need (2002)
Solo albums
- You Shine (2002, reviews)
- Today (2004, review)
- Live in Europe (2005, review)
- Holy GodHoly God (Brian Doerksen album)Holy God is the fourth major album and first studio album by Brian Doerksen released on the Integrity Music label. It was released on March 6, 2007...
(2006, review) - It's Time (2008, review)
- Level Ground (2010)
Books
- The Brian Doerksen Guitar Songbook (2004, includes a DVD)
- Make Love, Make War: NOW is the Time to Worship (David C. Cook, 2009)
Songs in other projects
- WoW Worship (Blue), "Refiner's Fire" and "Come, Now Is The Time To Worship" (1999)
- WoW Worship (Orange), "Light the Fire Again" (2000)
- WoW Worship (Green), "Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)" Brenton BrownBrenton BrownBrenton Brown, born in South Africa, is a Christian songwriter and worship leader. He left South Africa for Oxford, England in his early twenties on a Rhodes Scholarship. While studying politics, philosophy and theology he joined the Vineyard music , serving as worship pastor at the Oxford...
& Brian Doerksen (2001) - iWorship, Double CD, "Come, Now Is The Time To Worship", "You Shine", "Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)" (Integrity, 2002)
- Real Men Worship, "Come Now Is The Time To Worship" (Integrity, 2003)
- iWorship: Next, "Refiner's Fire" (Integrity, 2004)
- Sea to Sea: Filled With Your GlorySea to Sea: Filled With Your GlorySea to Sea: Filled With Your Glory is the first release in the annual Sea to Sea praise and worship music series. The album comprises thirty Christian worship songs on two CDs performed by Canadian artists...
, "Today" (CMC, 2004) - WoW Worship (Red), "Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)" (2004)
- Sea to Sea: I See The CrossSea to Sea: I See The CrossSea to Sea: I See The Cross is the second album in the annual Sea to Sea praise and worship music series. The album includes thirty songs performed by Canadian Christian artists on two CDs...
, "I See the Cross" (CMC, 2005) - 27th Annual Covenant Hits27th Annual Covenant Hits27th Annual Covenant Hits is a collection of songs performed by nominees and winners from the 27th Annual Covenant Awards in the year 2005. The Covenant Awards are presented annually by the Canadian Gospel Music Association...
, "Today" (CMC, 2006) - Canadian Bible Society centennial CD: Good News Celebration, "Fortress 144" (CMC, 2006)
- Maximum Worship - Canada's Top 25 Worship Songs, "Come, Now Is The Time To Worship" (Hosanna, 2006)
- Sea to Sea: For Endless DaysSea to Sea: For Endless DaysSea to Sea: For Endless Days is the third album in the Sea to Sea Christian praise and worship music series. The album has thirty songs and two bonus tracks performed by various Canadian artists on two CDs. It won a Gospel Music Association Canada Covenant Award in 2007 for Special...
, "When You Shepherd Me" (CMC, 2006) - YourMusicZone.com #1s, "Holy God" (CMC, 2007)
- 28th Annual Covenant Hits28th Annual Covenant Hits28th Annual Covenant Hits is a collection of songs performed by the 2006 nominees and winners from the 28th Annual Covenant Awards. The Covenant Awards are presented annually by the Canadian Gospel Music Association.- Track listing :...
, "When You Shepherd Me" (CMC, 2007) - iWorship: 24:7, "Holy God" (2007)
- Maximum Worship Blue - Canada's Top 25 Worship Songs, "Holy God", "Faithful One" and "Refiner's Fire" (Hosanna, 2007)
- Sea to Sea: The Voice of Creation, "Holy God" (CMC, 2007)
- Celtic Worship Live From Ireland: Hope Of The Nations, "Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)", "You Surround Me", "You Shine", "Faithful One" with Kathryn ScottKathryn ScottKathryn Sarah Scott is a Christian songwriter and worship leader from Northern Ireland. She has written songs such as "Hungry", "At the Foot of the Cross", and "Search Me" for the worshipping church...
, "It Is Well" (Integrity, 2007) - Worship '09, "Holy God" (Promise Keepers Canada / Integrity, 2008)
- GMA Canada presents 30th Anniversary CollectionGMA Canada presents 30th Anniversary CollectionGMA Canada presents 30th Anniversary Collection is a three-CD collection commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Gospel Music Association of Canada. It showcases the history of Christian music in Canada...
, "Today (As For Me And My House)" (CMC, 2008) - Maximum Worship Christmas, "You Shine" (Hosanna, 2008)
- Find Me/Blessed Are The Lost OnesFind Me/Blessed Are The Lost OnesFind Me/Blessed Are the Lost Ones is the second album by Dave Hensman released on the Big Sky Music label. It was released on January 10, 2009. It features songs co-written by Travis Thuro, Jimmy Robeson and Brian Doerksen and a cover of the Neil Diamond song, "Hello Again"...
, "You Alone" (2009)
Video
- Today (2004, review)
- Level Ground (2010)
Awards and recognition
Gospel Music AssociationGospel Music Association
The Gospel Music Association was founded in 1964 for the purpose of supporting and promoting the development of all forms of Gospel music. There are currently about 4,000 members worldwide...
Dove Award
- 2003 International Award
GMA Canada
GMA Canada
GMA Canada is the Gospel Music Association of Canada . Created in 1974, the organization is a not for profit association whose mission is to promote the growth and ministry of Christian music arts in Canada...
Covenant Awards
Covenant Awards
The Covenant Awards are handed out annually by GMA Canada, the Gospel Music Association of Canada . Created in 1974, the association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the growth and ministry of Christian music arts in Canada...
- 2005 Male Vocalist Of The Year
- 2005 Praise And Worship Album Of The Year: Today
- 2005 Special Events/Compilation Of The Year: Sea to Sea: Filled With Your GlorySea to Sea: Filled With Your GlorySea to Sea: Filled With Your Glory is the first release in the annual Sea to Sea praise and worship music series. The album comprises thirty Christian worship songs on two CDs performed by Canadian artists...
- 2005 Praise And Worship Song Of The Year: "Today" (written with Sandra Gage)
- 2006 Male Vocalist Of The Year
- 2006 Artist Of The Year
- 2006 Inspirational Song Of The Year: "When You Shepherd Me"
- 2007 Artist Of The Year
- 2007 Male Vocalist Of The Year
- 2007 Album Of The Year: Holy God
- 2007 Praise And Worship Album Of The Year: Holy God
- 2007 Song Of The Year: "Holy God"
- 2007 Praise And Worship Song Of The Year: "Holy God"
- 2009 Praise And Worship Song Of The Year: "It’s Time For The Reign Of God" (written with Steve Mitchinson)
Juno Awards
- 2008 Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album Of The YearJuno Awards of 2008The Juno Awards of 2008 were held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on the weekend ending 6 April 2008. These ceremonies honoured music industry achievements in Canada in the latter part of 2006 and in most of 2007....
: "Holy God"
Praise Awards
Praise Awards
The Worship Leader Praise Awards are given annually by Worship Leader Magazine. The awards were created in 2000 to recognize the achievements of worship leaders and innovations furthering Christian praise and worship.Award categories are:...
- 2001 Best Worship Project: Hungry
Shai Awards (formerly The Vibe Awards)
- 2004 nominee, Artist Of The Year
- 2004 nominee, Male Soloist Of The Year
- 2005 Male Soloist Of The Year
- 2005 Worship Album of the Year: Today