Who is Steven Furtick, and are his teachings biblical?

Answer

Steven Furtick is the lead pastor of Elevation Church, located near Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded by Furtick in 2006 with only fourteen members, Elevation Church now boasts a weekly attendance of over 26,000 (as of 2024). The church’s stated mission is “to bring people who are distant from God to life in Christ” (from their official website). In addition to his pastoral role, Furtick is a songwriter and a best-selling author.

Recognized as a skilled communicator and engaging speaker, Steven Furtick has overseen the growth of Elevation Church into one of the top ten largest churches in the United States (as of 2024). With a presence in at least twenty-one campuses across the United States and Canada, the church is also expanding its reach internationally through television and online platforms.

Steven Furtick and Elevation Church have made significant contributions to charitable causes worldwide, donating nearly $100 million. In collaboration with the city of Charlotte, the church has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars and hours to community initiatives such as school mentoring, blood drives, homeless support, soccer field construction, and the expansion of a local free clinic.

In terms of doctrine, Elevation Church aligns with evangelical beliefs, as evidenced by the comprehensive Christian teachings outlined on their “Our Beliefs” page on the official website. Furtick, who holds a master’s degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, generally maintains doctrinal consistency with this background in his preaching.

However, there have been some issues. One notable doctrinal misstep occurred during a sermon titled “It Works Both Ways” delivered on July 26, 2015, where Furtick asserted, “God broke the law for love. I say it to every sinner: God broke the law for love.” Here, Furtick refers to the Old Testament law of God, suggesting that God’s love supersedes it.

God loved us so much that, in order to rescue us, He broke His own law. Not only is this illogical (how could God become a lawbreaker to save lawbreakers?), but it is unbiblical. For God to violate the law, which is perfect, would be for Him to become a sinner. Scripture states that Christ came to save us by fulfilling the law, not by breaking it. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets,” Jesus said; “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17;cf: Luke 24:44;Romans 3:31).

Furtick also veers dangerously close to the false prosperity gospel. He has shared the stage with Joel Osteen (August 29, 2012); Bishop T.D. Jakes (October 26, 2017); Brian and Bobbie Houston (September 4, 2011); Joyce Meyer, whom Furtick referred to as “the greatest Bible teacher alive today” (January 15, 2012); and others. Furtick’s own Bible teaching relies heavily on pop psychology, motivational clichés, and feel-good instructions for enhancing one’s self-esteem:

“The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.”

“If you want to change the direction of your life, change the declaration of your lips.”

“You can’t fulfill your calling in your comfort zone!”

“Many people never reach greater because they don’t leave good enough behind.”

“Today’s excuses are tomorrow’s regrets dressed in disguise.” (All from https://quotefancy.com/steven-furtick-quotes, accessed 3/30/2021)

By any worldly measure, Steven Furtick is quite successful. According to Money Inc., as of January 2021, his estimated net worth is $55 million (https://moneyinc.com/steven-furtick-net-worth/, accessed 3/30/2021). He lives in a 16,000-square-foot mansion situated on nineteen acres of wooded land, valued at approximately $1.7 million in 2013. Furtick said his home was “a gift from God” (www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2478378/Megachurch-pastor-tells-congregation-newly-built-16-000-square-foot-house-gift-God.html, accessed 3/30/2021) and downplayed its value, stating it is “not that remarkable of a house” (www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article9092012.html, accessed 3/30/2021).

Some critics of Steven Furtick argue that, instead of creating disciples for Christ, Furtick is cultivating followers for himself and that Elevation Church is accused of exalting Furtick and nurturing a culture of fame. Additionally, Furtick’s advocacy of “spontaneous baptisms” has been questioned, and there is proof that some of the decisions made during the calls to baptism are planned and not as “spontaneous” as claimed (www.wcnc.com/article/news/investigations/i-team/how-elevation-church-pastor-furtick-produce-spontaneous-baptisms/275-292975851, accessed 3/30/2021).

Steven Furtick has engaged in questionable actions and statements, forming unwise partnerships that blur doctrine, and potentially prioritizing style over substance. However, if Furtick’s audience is consistently exposed to the authentic gospel of God’s grace—salvation is through faith, not works, fully paid by the blood of Jesus Christ (John 3:16;Romans 3:21-24;Ephesians 2:8-9)—then, we should be thankful for that.

We thank the Lord for every soul rescued and every life changed by the influence of the Holy Spirit. Simultaneously, we must exercise discernment and develop the skill to evaluate everything we hear, including Steven Furtick’s teachings, against the Word of God as seen in Acts 17:11.

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