Third Day guitarist Brad Avery is leaving the band after 13 years in order to pursue solo projects, according to CCMmagazine.com and the band's official blog. Avery's former bandmates left a brief statement on the blog this week, calling the decision to part with Avery "difficult."

"We appreciate Brad's many contributions to the band's career to date, including his work on our forthcoming album, but the time has come for us to follow our separate paths," the blog states.

"He has been an important part of Third Day ... as we've traveled the world together and performed over 1,000 concerts," the statement continues. "We will miss him as a band member but he will always remain our brother and our friend. Brad is a wonderful person, gifted songwriter and talented musician. We trust that God has amazing plans for his future."