Brian Doerksen’s journey is one of faith, resilience, and love. Known worldwide for timeless worship anthems like Come Now Is the Time to Worship, Faithful One, and Hope of the Nations, Brian has spent over 35 years writing songs that carry people through both joy and grief. Behind the awards and global recognition lies a deeper story of brokenness, family, and learning to worship through pain.
In this conversation with host Michael Wildes, Brian shares how songs like Hope of the Nations were birthed in the shadow of 9/11, and how Come Now Is the Time to Worship emerged during a season of financial collapse and personal struggle. He reflects on the whispers of God he first heard as a child under a ginkgo tree, and how music has remained a river of renewal throughout his life.
Brian also opens up about raising two sons with Fragile X Syndrome, staying grounded through decades of marriage with his wife Joyce, and the way community, family, and long friendships have anchored him through an unpredictable creative journey. From writing worship music that circles the globe to creating an album about long love and an upcoming Christmas film, his climb reminds us that beauty can emerge from fragile places.
For men navigating identity, purpose, and perseverance, Brian’s story is a testament to showing up with authenticity, staying faithful in love, and allowing God to turn brokenness into something enduring.
Chapters
00:00 – Serving the Hurting in Worship
01:00 – Music as Renewal and Connection
03:37 – Early Inspiration Under a Ginkgo Tree
07:21 – Writing Hope of the Nations in the Shadow of 9/11
10:30 – The Collapse That Led to Come Now Is the Time to Worship
15:26 – Faith, Failure, and the Surprise of Obedience
17:00 – Marriage, Family, and Long Love
20:44 – Raising Sons with Fragile X and Finding Perspective
23:20 – Community, Friendship, and Faithfulness Over Decades
28:46 – Hiking as a Metaphor for Life and Clarity
33:13 – Identity, Purpose, and the Calling of Men
39:44 – Encouragement for Worship Leaders in Low Seasons
43:28 – New Projects: The Second Noel and Love for a Lifetime
46:36 – Where to Find Brian’s Music and Tour Dates
47:48 – Final Encouragement: Love, Identity, and Purpose
About Brian Doerksen
Brian Doerksen is a songwriter, worship leader, and recording artist whose songs are sung in churches around the world. His works include classics like Faithful One, Come Now Is the Time to Worship, and Hope of the Nations. A Juno Award and Dove Award winner, Brian is also the recipient of the Gospel Music Association of Canada’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Beyond music, he is a husband, father, mentor, and creative voice reminding the world of the power of love, faith, and authenticity.
Website: www.briandoerksen.com
About Teko Bailey
Teko Bailey is a husband, father, coach, and guide for men walking the path of faith and purpose. Through The Climb, he’s building a brotherhood of men committed to living fully, leading boldly, and climbing with intention.
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