Who is Steven Furtick?

Overview

Steven Furtick is primarily known as the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church, a large evangelical community headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Under his leadership, Elevation Church has grown to multiple locations, drawing international attention through live services, online broadcasts, and various outreach efforts. Furtick’s ministry is characterized by energetic preaching, an emphasis on practical faith applications, and a distinct style of leadership that appeals to many within broader evangelical circles.

Early Life and Education

Born on February 19, 1980, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Steven Furtick attended North Greenville University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. He later pursued a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Even during his studies, accounts suggest he was passionate about teaching and sharing biblical messages in creative formats.

Founding of Elevation Church

Steven Furtick moved to Charlotte and launched Elevation Church in 2006 with a small group of families committed to fostering a modern, welcoming congregation. The church quickly expanded, demonstrating what many perceive as Furtick’s gift for communication and casting vision.

From its inception, Elevation Church integrated contemporary worship music, extensive volunteer involvement, and tactics that aim to engage the surrounding communities. These pursuits brought it notable growth, with new campuses opening across several states. Elevation’s worship ministry also gained prominence through the recording and release of worship songs that continue to be sung worldwide.

Key Teachings and Emphases

Steven Furtick’s preaching style combines personal storytelling with passages from Scripture. He often emphasizes themes such as trusting God through adversity, living a life of faith, and believing in God’s power to transform. Some of his central teaching points include:

1. Audacious Faith

Furtick frequently speaks on taking bold steps that reflect trusting God in extraordinary ways—echoing biblical narratives like Joshua’s prayer for the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12–14). He has published works that build on this motif, encouraging believers to ask God for the impossible.

2. Practicality and Motivation

His sermons are known for contemporary applications. He often integrates real-life anecdotes or cultural references to illustrate how biblical principles remain relevant. This approach is inviting for those seeking straightforward, motivational messages to apply in day-to-day living.

3. Personal Growth and Empowerment

Furtick highlights the internal transformation that comes from aligning one’s heart with Scripture. Messages often focus on overcoming negative thought patterns, pointing to verses like Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Such passages are used to illustrate how God intervenes in believers’ lives.

Published Works

Furtick’s publications expand on the above themes, targeting readers looking for both spiritual depth and practical solutions:

• “Sun Stand Still” – Inspired by the story of Joshua, this book challenges readers to pray bold prayers.

• “Greater” – Encourages Christians to seek God’s greater purpose beyond ordinary living.

• “Crash the Chatterbox” – Focuses on silencing negative internal voices and aligning one’s mind with biblical truth.

• “Unqualified” – Deals with personal insecurities and God’s work through imperfect people.

• “Seven-Mile Miracle” – Reflects on Jesus’s final words on the cross in the context of personal redemption and resurrection power.

Points of Critique and Consideration

While many find his teaching style accessible and motivating, observers of broader Christian circles have expressed some concerns:

1. Prosperity and Self-Focus

Some critics argue that aspects of Furtick’s messages can lean toward a prosperity or self-improvement emphasis, potentially overshadowing deeper theological truths about the fallen state of humanity, the need for repentance, and God’s holiness.

2. Financial Transparency

In past years, public attention surrounded the personal wealth associated with Furtick’s home purchase. While the church has indicated that his finances come from book sales and personal endeavors, some have voiced questions about pastoral accountability and openness.

3. Interpretation of Scripture

Because his sermons often encourage bold action, critics caution readers and listeners to verify teaching against the total counsel of God’s Word (see 2 Timothy 3:16–17). As James 3:1 similarly warns, those who teach are subject to stricter judgment, underscoring the importance of careful biblical interpretation.

Scriptural Reflection

Scripture admonishes believers to hold fast to sound doctrine and to weigh all teaching in light of the Word of God. As 1 Thessalonians 5:21 exhorts, “but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” Listeners to Furtick’s messages—like any other teacher—should prayerfully compare each message to the consistent truths of Scripture. Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans for examining what they heard daily in the Scriptures to confirm its truth.

Practical Takeaways

• Discernment and Growth – In assessing any minister’s teaching, Christians are encouraged to exercise discernment, rooted in prayer and thoughtful study of the Bible.

• Balance of Motivation and Doctrine – Motivational sermons can encourage believers, but a healthy balance demands frequent reflection on the full gospel: sin, redemption, sanctification, and glorification through Christ’s work on the cross and His resurrection.

• Church Context – The rapid growth and innovative success of Elevation Church may invite exploration into creative methods of evangelism, while remembering that the foundational goal is to glorify God and align with His revealed truth (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Concluding Thoughts

Steven Furtick stands out as a prominent figure in modern evangelical circles, recognized for his dynamic preaching, influential church leadership, and wide-reaching media platforms. Whether admired for his communicative gifts or critiqued for aspects of his style and focus, his ministry remains a significant subject in contemporary Christian discussions.

For readers and listeners, the crucial step remains to strive for a mature faith that holds to sound doctrine, encourages deeper dependence on God, and anchors all teaching in the reliable testimony of Scripture. As believers seek to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), ongoing discernment and a commitment to biblical foundations are essential hallmarks of spiritual maturity.