Brian Doerksen’s music has accompanied much of my own journey of faith. I first connected with his songs years ago through his leading worship at the Langley Vineyard, and the release of my first favourite album: Changed by Your Glory (2000). Songs such as “Refiner’s Fire” and “Faithful One” gave words to my desire for faith, even when trust and confidence did not come easily. His music cut through the high demands and expectations of religion and spoke instead to the small kernels of hope that were still alive in me.
As the years passed, my faith became more complicated. It was not always clear, confident, or settled. It became a grittier faith—often messy, questioning, angry and unsure. Brian’s later songs seemed to grow alongside that journey. “Hope of the Nations,” “Today (As for Me and My House),” and “Everlasting” spoke to a faith that had been tested but had not disappeared.
A particularly meaningful memory was being part of the live recording for the Today album, singing in the mass choir directed by Vijay Manuel, now the MEI Head of Schools. One phrase became especially important to me during that recording: “Today I choose to hear Your voice and live.” Choosing to live—and to keep pursuing the abundant life Jesus spoke about—was very hard at times. The words were not an easy declaration of confidence. They became a daily choice and lifeline, to keep listening, to keep reaching for hope, and to keep moving toward life even when faith felt fragile.
Looking back, Brian Doerksen’s songs have provided a soundtrack to my faith—from my early longing for certainty, through seasons of doubt and questioning, and into a faith that is less polished but perhaps more honest. It is a faith that can still feel messy and unsure, yet continues to hold on to those kernels of hope and to choose life, one day at a time.
Thank you, Brian, for the legacy of your music and for the example of a faith that has continued to grow, deepen, and remain relevant over the decades. You chose to follow the path that was set before you by the Chief Musician, and that choice has made a profound difference in the lives of tens of thousands of people.
Your songs have given voice to longing, doubt, surrender, hope, and perseverance. They have helped people keep listening for God, keep choosing life, and keep holding on when faith felt fragile. I am deeply grateful that your music became part of my own story.
Enter your Father’s house with confidence.
Enjoy the reunion with your mom.
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