See the statement.
Metal Church drummer Jeff Plate announced his departure from the band on Facebook. Here's an excerpt from the post:
“I came to this conclusion two weeks ago, and agreed to wait for the announcement until Metal Church made a decision about the direction they are going to take.”
This is obviously not an easy decision. After many conversations with myself, my wife, my family, my management, and Kurdt Vanderoof and Mike Howe, I know I'm doing the right thing.
I know there will be questions and speculation. The main point is time, my time, and how I manage it. I've had to realize that time is passing and I don't have time to dwell on or regret the things I do. At this point in my life, I need to have more control over my time and my career.
There are a great number of things I would like to do and experience, and to do that I have to give up something that I love and am very proud of.
(…) Metal Church is in a good place, there are many shows and other good things coming this year. The decision made now allowed not only me to prepare for the future, but also for Metal Church.
I hope to see you all again sometime on the road. I'll keep you updated on my activities. Believe me, I won't be idle for long.
Thank you, and take care.
Jeff Plate
Metal Church has not yet commented on a replacement for Plate.