In a bittersweet announcement that marks the end of a transformative era in contemporary worship, founding members Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore have officially parted ways with Maverick City Music, the Grammy Award-winning collective they helped establish in 2018. Both artists, whose voices and songwriting have shaped iconic anthems like “Jireh,” “Promises,” and “Wait on You,” expressed profound gratitude for their time with the group while emphasizing their excitement for individual paths ahead.
Maverick City Music, known for its raw, Spirit-led worship sessions that have garnered billions of streams and five Grammy Awards, began as a humble gathering of friends in a shed and evolved into a global movement bridging cultures, generations, and denominations. Raine and Moore’s contributions were instrumental in this rise, blending heartfelt lyrics with powerful performances that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Their departure comes after years of collaboration, during which the group topped Billboard’s Christian and Gospel charts multiple times and released acclaimed albums such as Old Church Basement and Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition.
In her Instagram statement, Naomi Raine reflected on the profound impact of her journey: “Being a part of Mav truly changed my life. What started as a group of folks singing in a shed has turned into something I could’ve never even imagined! My time with Maverick City taught me invaluable lessons about faith, community, and myself.” She described the decision as the result of “a lot of prayer and consideration,” viewing it not as an end but as “a new beginning.” Raine affirmed her commitment to continuing her ministry independently, stating, “I’m excited about the music, the ministry, and the purpose ahead. God’s not done yet.” She plans to focus on writing, singing, worshiping, and leading others in worship on her own, building on the foundation laid during her Maverick City tenure.
Chandler Moore echoed similar sentiments in his announcement, calling the transition “bittersweet” and akin to “saying goodbye to your own kid” after pouring his heart into the collective. He shared that the last two years have been a period of “renewal and realignment,” where he’s “locked in on what really matters.” Moore noted potential discussions around business matters being handled by his legal team but emphasized his forward focus: “The dream hasn’t changed. I’m stepping into this next phase ready to share my story and make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone.” His future plans center on creating emotionally connective music and pursuing what he believes God is calling him to do individually.
Both artists conveyed deep appreciation for their fellow Maverick City members and fans, with Raine adding, “I’ll always love and support the incredible artists I started this with… I hold onto those moments and will never forget what God did with a bunch of people who just loved His presence.” Moore thanked supporters for years of encouragement, underscoring the personal investment in the ministry.
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