Newsboys lead singer Michael Tait sent shockwaves through the Christian music world when he announced that he would be stepping down from the band after 15 years. Writing on his Instagram, Tait, 58, called his time with the band, “the most fulfilling, faith-filled, and rewarding years of my life.” He reminisced about some of the hits the band has produced during his 15-year tenure, including “God’s Not Dead,” which has become recognizable from the “God’s Not Dead” movie franchise that kicked off in 2014 starring Kevin Sorbo of “Hercules” fame as an antagonistic atheist teacher going up against his new student, Josh Wheaton’s, Christian beliefs. The band has been featured in all four movies of the franchise.

Tait admitted that the announcement of his departure would be a shock to many. “While this may come as a surprise given I’ve been touring ever since college, I’ve made for me what is a monumental and heartfelt decision that it is time to step down from Newsboys. This decision does not come lightly and has been a shock to even myself, but amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision.” He quoted Matthew 6:33, which says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Tait did not reveal if he has any future plans, nor what the band’s plans might be, but stated he was both “nervous” and “excited.”

Tait took over as lead singer in 2009 after the band’s lead singer, Pete Furler, left. The band has been a staple of the Christian music scene since 1985. Prior to joining Newsboys, Tait was one of the founding members of the Christian band DC Talk in 1988. He also had his own band called Tait prior to joining Newsboys. He has also had something of a political profile, having supported Ted Cruz during his presidential run in 2016 and opposing Donald Trump’s impeachment in 2019.

Newsboys released their own statement about Tait’s departure. “We are grateful for the extended season Michael has had with Newsboys,” the group said, saying that memories with Tait would be “deeply cherished.” “As he walks into the next season of life, we are stepping into the next season of Newsboys. We are kicking off our Worldwide Revival Nights tour as planned this weekend, and we hope to see you at a show soon,” the group added. The group acknowledge that its main focus would be on worship as “the way we want to move forward.” “We know there will be questions about what the future holds, and in due time, we’ll have answers [to] those questions. For now, we want you to know that Newsboys isn’t going anywhere; we’re going everywhere!”