09.30.2023

Taya Announces Resignation From Hillsong Church

Herb Longs

TAYA

Taya Gaukrodger (née Smith) of platinum-selling Hillsong UNITED announced on social media today her resignation from Hillsong Church. Calling the announcement “bittersweet,” Taya shared a heartfelt message reflecting on her 10-year journey on staff at Hillsong Church. Taya acknowledged that she submitted her resignation on the same day that the anniversary edition of UNITED’s Zion album was released, which features new versions of the CCM classic “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” which she leads. “Oceans” was released in 2013 and went on to become one of the most prolific songs in the genre’s history, earning the No.1. spot on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs for 61 weeks in a row.

You can read Taya’s full message here and see an abbreviated version below. Taya did not discuss the personal reasons behind her resignation. She released her debut self-titled album in March 2022. Listeners will recall Hillsong Church has recently made global headlines as co-founder Brian Houston resigned in 2022 after complaints of misconduct involving two women. Houston was recently acquitted on a charge of failing to report his father’s sexual abuse of a child.

BITTERSWEET.

It’s not lost on me that last week, the same day the Ocean tracks from the Zion (X) 10 Year Anniversary Album came out was the day, after 10 years on staff and 13 years of calling this house home, I handed in my resignation at Hillsong Church.

I truly had no idea both would coincide on the same day, let alone at all.

February 2013 I came on staff, a week before the original Zion record came out and a lot has happened since. It was a 0 to 100 type of quick incline that no one saw coming, except the Lord in His omniscience and His doing alone.

I know we won’t know the full story till we get to heaven but to have heard any testimonies down here about how certain songs off this record have impacted people; their walk with Jesus or perhaps a doorway to it, with new ones still coming in – will always stop me, dampen my face and break my heart open again at the way the Lord uses the very meek, ordinary, flawed vessels to reach the people He came for.

Whilst the last few years have held an incredible amount of grief, with a crazy coinciding of joy, it has been a learning of sorts to carry both in one hand.

The Lords timing is never our own but it is always perfect, redemptive and kind – even if we can’t see it at the time.

I want to honour my husband Ben, as He has been beside me since he gave me his yes 5 years ago and has been both a rock and safe place for me to land in it all.

My wise best friend with steadfastness beyond his years that only comes from a grounding in God and His word – although you sensed this season ending, thank you for not saying anything till the Holy Spirit revealed it to me personally. For the last few years of utter dependence on God – thank you for constantly calling me up higher & for your patience when I am stubborn & resist it.

I could say a million more things but I’m learning they usually don’t need to be said,

so I’ll end with this :

the last 10 years have been a love gift to the Lord, and in true Jesus style, He has given me more than anything I ever poured out or gave.