Faith Facts

• Canadian worship leader Brian Doerksen, writer of beloved songs ‘Come Now Is the Time to Worship’ and ‘Refiner’s Fire’, has passed away at age 60
• Doerksen’s songs have been sung by millions of Christians worldwide and became staples in churches across denominational lines
• The worship leader was known for his humility, consistency, and dedication to crafting theologically sound worship music that pointed believers toward Christ

The global body of Christ is mourning the loss of a humble servant whose songs of worship have echoed through sanctuaries across the world for decades. Brian Doerksen, the Canadian worship leader and songwriter behind timeless classics like “Come Now Is the Time to Worship” and “Refiner’s Fire,” has entered his eternal rest at age 60.

Doerksen’s legacy is one that transcends musical genre or denominational boundary. His gift was in crafting songs that helped believers express their deepest longings for God’s presence. Whether sung in megachurches or small country chapels, his melodies carried the weight of Scripture and the warmth of genuine devotion.

“Come Now Is the Time to Worship” became an anthem for a generation of Christians seeking authentic encounter with the Lord. The song’s simple yet profound invitation—to lay down earthly treasures before the King—resonated with believers hungry for more than religious routine.

Those who knew Doerksen personally describe a man whose private life matched his public ministry. In an industry often marked by ego and competition, he remained remarkably grounded in his faith and family. His humility wasn’t an act for the cameras—it was the fruit of a life genuinely surrendered to Christ.

“Refiner’s Fire,” another of his enduring contributions to the church’s worship vocabulary, reflects the theological depth that characterized his work. The song doesn’t shy away from the sometimes painful process of sanctification, instead embracing it as the pathway to becoming more like Jesus.

Throughout his career, Doerksen understood that worship music isn’t merely about creating emotional experiences or crafting radio hits. True worship, he believed, was about helping God’s people encounter His presence and align their hearts with His purposes. This conviction shaped every song he wrote.

His Canadian roots and his journey in faith informed a ministry that remained remarkably consistent over decades. While musical trends came and went, Doerksen stayed focused on the essentials—biblical truth expressed through accessible, singable melodies that could unite congregations in worship.

The impact of his work extends far beyond what can be measured in record sales or concert attendance. Countless believers have been drawn into deeper intimacy with God through his songs. Marriages have been restored, prodigals have returned home, and seekers have encountered Christ—all while singing words Doerksen penned in humble obedience to his calling.

For Christian conservatives who value theological soundness alongside musical excellence, Doerksen represented the best of modern worship music. He proved that popularity and doctrinal integrity need not be mutually exclusive. His songs taught biblical truths while stirring the heart toward genuine devotion.

In an era when the church sometimes struggles to balance tradition and innovation, Doerksen showed how new expressions of worship could honor timeless truths. His work built bridges between generations, helping younger believers discover the richness of Christian theology through contemporary melodies.

As the church reflects on his life and ministry, the songs remain—a lasting testimony to a life well-lived in service to the King. Every time a congregation sings “Come now is the time to worship,” they’re joining in a legacy of praise that will continue until Christ returns.

Though Doerksen has departed this earthly tent for his eternal home, his voice continues through the millions who will sing his songs in worship gatherings around the world. For a man who spent his life pointing others toward Jesus, there could be no greater legacy.

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Faith Facts

• Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson credits his Christian faith with helping him survive severe depression and personal struggles
• The Hollywood star recently blessed schoolchildren in Essex with a private screening of his Disney film Moana
• Johnson’s acts of generosity and public faith have made him one of America’s most beloved entertainers

In a world where Hollywood celebrities often hide their faith or compromise their values, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson stands apart. The former WWE champion turned blockbuster actor has never been shy about crediting his Christian faith for pulling him through the darkest valleys of his life.

Johnson’s recent act of kindness — hiring out an entire cinema in Essex, England for a private screening of his Disney film Moana for local schoolchildren — is just the latest example of a man who puts faith into action. These gestures aren’t publicity stunts; they’re reflections of deeply held values rooted in his Christian upbringing.

The superstar has been remarkably transparent about his struggles with depression, particularly following his mother’s suicide attempt when he was just 15 years old. In interviews, Johnson has spoken candidly about how those traumatic experiences could have destroyed him.

“I had to hold onto faith,”

Johnson has said repeatedly when discussing his journey through mental health challenges and professional setbacks.

Before becoming one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, Johnson faced crushing disappointment when his dreams of playing professional football ended due to injury. He found himself living in a tiny apartment with just seven dollars to his name. It was his faith, he says, that kept him from giving up entirely.

The Rock’s Christian foundation was laid early. Raised in a family with deep roots in professional wrestling, Johnson attended Freedom High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and later the University of Miami, where he played defensive tackle for the Hurricanes. Throughout those formative years, faith remained central to his identity.

Today, Johnson uses his massive platform — he boasts over 200 million Instagram followers — to share messages of encouragement, gratitude, and perseverance that often echo biblical principles. While he doesn’t preach from a pulpit, his authentic approach to discussing struggle, redemption, and the importance of faith resonates with millions of Americans who share traditional Christian values.

His generosity extends far beyond movie screenings. Johnson regularly surprises fans with cars, pays off mortgages for veterans, and uses his production company to create family-friendly content that aligns with positive values. In an entertainment industry often hostile to Christianity, The Rock demonstrates that success and faith can coexist.

The private Moana screening in Essex exemplifies Johnson’s heart for children and families. Rather than simply promoting his film through traditional marketing, he chose to create a memorable, personal experience for kids who might not otherwise have such an opportunity. It’s the kind of quiet generosity that reflects the biblical instruction to give without seeking recognition.

Johnson’s journey from depression and financial ruin to global superstardom serves as a powerful testimony to the sustaining power of faith. His willingness to be vulnerable about his struggles while pointing to faith as his anchor offers hope to countless Americans facing their own battles.

In a culture that increasingly mocks traditional Christianity and dismisses faith as irrelevant, Dwayne Johnson proves that holding onto biblical principles — even when times are darkest — can lead to transformation. His story reminds us that true strength isn’t found in muscles alone, but in the Rock that never moves: faith in God.

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Faith Facts

• Andy Burnham is being urged to restore the UK’s overseas aid budget as he enters office as prime minister
• Christian leaders are calling on the new government to demonstrate biblical principles of compassion and stewardship in foreign policy
• The decision represents a crucial test of whether faith values will guide Britain’s international commitments

As Britain welcomes a new prime minister to Downing Street, faith leaders and conservative advocates are making a clear call: restore the nation’s commitment to international aid. Andy Burnham now faces a defining moral decision that will reveal whether his government will prioritize Christian principles of compassion and responsibility on the world stage.

Tommy Sharpe has issued a direct challenge to the incoming prime minister, framing the restoration of the UK’s overseas aid budget as a matter of Christian duty. The appeal comes at a time when many Western nations are grappling with how to balance domestic needs against international obligations.

For Christians who believe in Biblical stewardship and the call to serve “the least of these,” foreign aid represents more than just government spending—it embodies the principle that blessed nations have a duty to help those in desperate need. The question facing Burnham is whether political calculations will override moral imperatives rooted in faith traditions that have long shaped British society.

The UK’s foreign aid budget has been a contentious issue in recent years, with some arguing that charity begins at home while others maintain that wealthy nations have a God-given responsibility to assist the poorest and most vulnerable around the world. Conservative Christians have found themselves on both sides of this debate, weighing fiscal responsibility against compassionate outreach.

Sharpe’s appeal specifically frames aid restoration as “the Christian thing to do,” making explicit the faith dimension of what might otherwise be viewed as purely economic policy. This framing resonates with believers who see government action as an extension of personal moral responsibility and Biblical teaching about caring for neighbors near and far.

As Burnham settles into his new role, he faces competing pressures from various constituencies. His response to calls for aid restoration will signal not only his government’s spending priorities but also the role that traditional Christian values will play in shaping Britain’s global engagement.

The decision ahead carries implications beyond budgetary numbers. It speaks to fundamental questions about national character, moral leadership, and whether prosperity creates obligations to those less fortunate—questions that have animated Christian political thought for centuries and continue to challenge believers seeking to apply faith principles to governance.

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