Canadian musician Brian Doerksen has died at the age of 60 following a rapidly progressing battle with stage 4 cancer. The Christian singer and songwriter, who was best known for worship songs including Faithful One, Refiner’s Fire and Come, Now Is the Time to Worship, died peacefully at his family home on Tuesday morning.

His death came just days after his loved ones revealed doctors had discovered cancerous masses throughout his body. Brian had been admitted to hospital after experiencing severe pain, with his family initially asking fans around the world to pray for him. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on Friday, before his health deteriorated quickly.

Confirming his death on Instagram, his family shared a statement which read: "On July 21st, at 6:45AM, our Beloved Brian passed away peacefully in his sleep at his family home, surrounded by those who loved him most. Thank you to the entire community around the world that prayed, gave, and sent incredible messages of love."

The message continued, "Till the very end, Brian continued to love those around him, encouraging them in who they are, and shared incredible gratitude to those in the medical field who tried their best to help him.

"He was a beacon of light even in his final moments to his close family and friends, and loved well right to the end. May we all be like him, to love freely, be kind, and grateful even in the midst of the hardest of times."

Tributes have since poured in from fellow musicians, church leaders and fans whose lives had been touched by Brian’s music.

British worship singer Matt Redman said he had been left devastated by the news and described Brian as a constant source of personal encouragement.

He wrote: "So deeply gutted by this. I always loved the times I got with Brian. He wrote my all-time favourite worship song, Faithful One. He wrote so many other songs I loved.

"He was always such an encouragement to me personally. Brian, you’ll be deeply missed, but your legacy runs long. Praying for God’s comfort and peace."

Brian was born and raised in British Columbia, and began serving as a worship pastor at Langley Vineyard Christian Fellowship while still in his twenties.

He went on to become one of the most prominent songwriters to emerge from the Vineyard Churches movement, with his work later translated into several languages and performed by congregations across the world.

His achievements included a Gospel Music Association Dove Award in 2003 and a Juno Award for his album Holy God in 2008. He was also presented with a GMA Canada Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.

Brian married his childhood sweetheart Joyce in 1984 and the couple had six children. Two of their sons were diagnosed with fragile X syndrome, an experience Brian previously said had influenced both his faith and his songwriting.

A fundraising page was launched shortly before his death to support his family with medical and other expenses.