Reviewed by Andrew Rolfe

Brian has penned some of the most popular Christian songs in recent years. Thousands identify with his lyrics and use them in offering worship to God. In this interview CD we are treated to 16 tracks each being the answer to a different question. Themes include "The value of intimacy", "Worship leaders and artists" and "Ending a song." Quite a few years ago, Doerksen found himself suddenly responsible for leading worship in one of the Vineyard churches, in his native Canada. That was the beginning. His musical talent broke the confines of Canada's borders and spread throughout the world bringing him fame if not fortune. Yet the singer/songwriter seems a reluctant star. He is by nature a shy man who even now relies on the Lord for strength to make it through the worship leading. He also has the support of, in his own words, a more earthed wife, who keeps him from flying off into the clouds of more artistic expression and losing the people he is trying to lead in worship. Let's take a look at a few of the interview topics and hear from the man himself. On intimacy in worship: Brian jokes that as a kid he heard a preacher say they'll worship God in heaven forever. His response was, "What, like this!?...sitting in pews and singing songs I'm not interested in...I'm out." Later, as a young man he "would go to the Psalms and find such relational encounters between David and his creator...I knew this was the heart of it." When he grasped the idea that intimacy is where it's at, he began scouring the world for songs personal to God and with truth in them, "It's not about a system, it's about relationship." "Worship is about relationship, face to face...And I don't think that ever gets boring, does it?" "Real intimacy is real adventure." Like a best man at a wedding, he wants to provide the setting for the intimate dialogue but wants to be as invisible as possible. On accessibility of worship: "The accessibility thing was part of maturing." Initially he wanted to experience the intimacy, and didn't really worry if others came along. But later on, after he became a parent and matured as a leader, he began to be concerned that others experienced it too. His non-arty wife has helped him think about how to make worship more accessible to people such as her. "We're not throwing away creativity and spontaneity...why do we sing songs in the first place? Because it's something we can do together." An intriguing insight into the heart of a worship leader.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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In this one-on-one interview, Brian Doerksen addresses multiple areas of worship leadership and songwriting. From his journey to becoming a worship leader, to practical tips on small group worship leading, Brian calls the church once again to 'remember God' with every song we sing. The writer of Come Now Is The Time To Worship and Faithful One skilfully puts tools in the hands of today's worship leader. Pastors and worshippers will appreciate his keen insights into the worshipping life. Ultimately, Brian's words focus us again on the Faithful One, who invites us into his presence.

Listen in and explore the heart and wisdom behind one of the church's favourite worship songwriters.