Steven Furtick

Holds an M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary — formal training that makes his doctrinal errors less excusable, not more. Founded Elevation Church at age 26 as a church plant. However, accountability structure is deeply flawed: the Board of Overseers that sets his salary is composed entirely of megachurch pastors he personally recruited (Stovall Weems, Perry Noble, Kevin Gerald, Dino Rizzo). Perry Noble was later fired for alcohol issues; Dino Rizzo resigned after an inappropriate relationship. When John MacArthur called him 'Unqualified' at the 2012 Shepherd's Conference, Furtick turned it into a book title but never addressed the biblical qualifications for pastoral ministry from 1 Timothy 3 or Titus 1. Grace to You called this 'frankly astounding.'

Teaches modalism — said of Jesus: 'I am not leaving you. I am changing forms' (2020 sermon on John 16:7). Screamed 'I am God Almighty!' from the pulpit (May 2021). Claimed 'God broke the law for love' (2015), making God a law-breaker rather than the law-fulfiller (Matthew 5:17). Taught 'even Jesus cannot override your unbelief' (2018), giving human faith power over God — a hallmark of Word of Faith theology. Posted 'Following Jesus doesn't change you into something else, it reveals who you've been all along' (deleted 2021), denying the new creation of 2 Corinthians 5:17. Owen Strachan responded: 'Furtick is a wolf. STEER CLEAR.' His preaching is consistently narcigesis — making Scripture about the listener's empowerment rather than God's glory.

Lives in a $1.7 million, 16,000 sq ft estate on 19 acres in Weddington, NC — with 5 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, pool, tennis court, and indoor basketball court. Property held in a trust controlled by the church's CFO, not in Furtick's name. Claims the house was funded by book royalties, but critics note his books and brand are inseparable from the church's platform. Featured on @PreachersNSneakers for $965 Jordans and $1,050 Saint Laurent boots. Elevation Church received a $3.66 million PPP loan despite having $26 million in surplus and $91 million in revenue. The church required volunteers to sign NDAs with 'irreparable damage' language.

Consistently practices what Chris Rosebrough coined 'narcigesis' — narcissistic eisegesis that makes every biblical text about the listener's personal empowerment. Examples: Joshua's 'Sun Stand Still' becomes a formula for audacious prayer; David vs. Goliath becomes 'slay your personal giants'; the creation of Adam becomes 'God is overcome with emotion at how wonderful you are'; Exodus 3:14 becomes 'who are you to you?' His pre-sermon ritual of touching body parts and speaking Scriptures over them was called 'heretical' by Todd Friel. Has spoken at Rod Parsley's 'Dominion Camp Meeting' (NAR-aligned). During Code Orange Revival (2012), Matt Chandler's gospel-centered sermon was pulled from rebroadcast — Ken Silva: 'To focus on Jesus, we cut the only sermon that pointed people to Him.'

Elevation Church takes in ~$91-108 million annually in tithes and offerings (2022-2024 audited reports). Net assets: $305 million (2024). ECFA-accredited and publishes audited financials — however, Furtick's personal compensation is NEVER disclosed. His salary is set by a Board of Overseers he personally recruited, some of whom have been compensated as speakers at Elevation events (conflict of interest). Received $3.66 million PPP loan while holding $26 million surplus. Elevation Worship concert tickets topped $1,000. Church teaches 10% tithe on gross income; Furtick calls tithing 'the most spiritual thing I do' and implies financial hardship results from insufficient giving ('fix the flow').