Taya Gaukrodger Announces Resignation From Hillsong Church

Taya Gaukrodger (née Smith), a member of platinum-selling Hillsong UNITED, has announced her resignation from Hillsong Church.

She shared this news on social media, describing it as a “bittersweet” announcement. Taya had been on staff at Hillsong Church for a decade and reflected on her journey during that time. She mentioned that she submitted her resignation on the same day that the anniversary edition of UNITED’s Zion album was released, which includes new versions of the CCM classic “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” a song she leads. “Oceans” became one of the most prolific songs in the genre’s history, holding the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart for 61 consecutive weeks after its release in 2013.

Taya didn’t go into detail about the personal reasons behind her resignation. She released her debut self-titled album in March 2022. Hillsong Church has been in the global spotlight due to co-founder Brian Houston’s resignation in 2022 following allegations 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.

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