Steven Furtick Net Worth and The Story of How He Became One of The Most Influential Pastors

Even if you have never heard one of Steven Furtick’s lively and modern-styled sermons, chances are highly likely that you have listened to one of the amazing worship songs that he has penned. This wonderful combination of charisma and talent has made the Man of God the leader of one of the fastest-growing churches in America (Elevation Church) and build a net worth of $55 million.

Furtick’s church, which he built from the ground up, boasts of a diverse and youthful congregation. The church has also made a name by not shying away from discussing the uncomfortable social justice issues of our time. All this has made Furtick one of the elite pastors in America. However, he has attracted criticism for what some deem his expensive lifestyle that is funded by his vast net worth. The Pastor has dismissed this criticism, maintaining that he is not reaping off the church but is rather self-funded through other career endeavors.

Furtick Received His Pastoral Calling at the Age of 16 and Set Up Elevation Church 10 Years Later

As the story goes, Steven Furtick grew up in South Carolina and received the calling to be a pastor at the age of 16. He went ahead to complete a communications degree in college before going on to obtain a master of divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. This was in the early 2000s and Furtick joined the choir of a Baptist church in North Carolina. He rose to the position of music director before striking out on his own to find his own church in Charlotte. He reportedly set out on the mission with seven couples who sold their homes to join him.

From these humble beginnings of just over a dozen worshippers, Elevation Church now boasts of not less than 22,000 racially diverse congregants. They have 20 locations across the American South as well as across the border in Canada. A big reason for the church’s growth is its charismatic founder. Often turned out in casual wear, Furtick heads a hip and multimedia worship experience that features Christian rock music as well as a sermon peppered with contemporary references.

The Elevation Church also doesn’t shy away from talking about hot topics such as racism. Following the widespread protests that greeted the killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, by a cop in Minneapolis, the church arranged several public discussions between their caucasian and black pastors. These clips encouraged people to confront white privileged as well as the sufferings that black people go through. Viewers were also encouraged to teach their children better.

He Earns an Impressive Salary as the Head Pastor of Elevation Church

The primary source of Steven Furtick’s net worth is the salary he earns as the head pastor of Elevation Church. The exact amount is not known though as the church has refused to disclose actual figures. The most they have said is that Furtick doesn’t get a say on what his salary is as it is decided and voted upon by a group of five pastors. The compensation study is also said to have been formulated by an attorney’s office that is not tied to the church.

Such revelations have done little or nothing to douse the church’s critics as they maintain that the group of five pastors that fix Furtick’s compensation are his friends and mentors and would therefore fix a compensation that is favorable to him; a compensation that could be as much as $1 million per annum. Furtick has meanwhile stated that he doesn’t want to disclose exactly what he is paid and what he gives out to charity as this amounts to arrogance which can rob him of Jesus’ blessings.

He Has Penned Several Bestselling Books

Pastor Furtick insists that the lion’s share of his net worth comes from book royalties and advances from his publishers. The Elevation Church founder is a vibrant author and has penned several bestselling motivational books to date. They include Seven-Mile Miracle: Journey into the Presence of God Through the Last Words of Jesus (2017), and (Un)Qualified: How God Uses Broken People to Do Big Things (2016). Others are Crash the Chatterbox: Hearing God’s Voice Above All Others (2014), Greater: Dream Bigger. Start Smaller. Ignite God’s Vision for Your Life (2012) and the 2010 bestseller, Sun Stand Still: What Happens When You Dare to Ask God for the Impossible.

All of these books have sold thousands of copies leading to impressive returns for the author as well as the publishing company. Furtick is not all about the money though as he ensures that his church gets lots of discounted copies.

Steven Furtick Has Raised Eyebrows with His Designer Footwear and 16,000 Square-Foot Mansion

So, what does Steven Furtick spend his millions on? Well, one of the answers is his personal residence. The Elevation Church founder and his family reside in a 16,000-square-foot mansion located in the exclusive gated estate of Waxhaw, North Carolina. The house costs not less than $1.7 million and features five bedrooms. Other amenities are seven and a half bathrooms, basement, attic, garage, and porch space. The Furticks revealed the news of their home in 2013 and since then, there have been lots of controversial comments about it.

Some people believe that a pastor shouldn’t reside in a house that large but Furtick has defended himself, maintaining that the house is entirely self-funded through book advances and some loans. He also says that he and his wife are thankful for their big beautiful house which they see as a gift from God.

Another aspect of Steven Furtick’s lifestyle that has also caused him controversy is his outfits. The pastor has a penchant for wearing designer shoes that cost thousands of dollars and this has been chronicled on the PreachersNSneakers Instagram account. The posts have raised dust with many pointing it out as one more example of a preacher taking advantage of his flock. Furtick rejects these allegations and instead points out all the good that his church does via charitable work.

The Elevation Church has given out more than $10 million to various charitable endeavors over the years, including Samaritan’s Purse, A Child’s Place, Matthews Free Medical Clinic, and Charlotte Family. The church also famously gave out about $40,000 to various members to spend it kindly on others.

The Pastor Has Been Accused of Heretical Sermons

Asides from the controversies over his house and sneakers, Steven Furtick has also attracted criticism for some of his sermons and how his church is structured. With regards to the latter, many are unhappy with how the congregation seems to be more fixated on their lead pastor rather than God. Little children in the Sunday school reportedly work with coloring books of their lead pastor. This to some is evangelical brainwashing that makes for a cult-like following.

When it comes to sermons, Pastor Furtick has annoyed some quarters with sermons on controversial issues such as the trinity doctrine. Rather than the conservative perspective which believes that the trinity is three distinct personalities in one, Furtick subscribes to modalism which believes that God is a single person who has manifested as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Key Facts 

  • Steve Furtick is the founder of one of America’s fastest-growing churches, Elevation Church.
  • He received his calling to be a pastor at the age of 16 and founded his church a decade later.
  • From just a handful of followers, Furtick’s church now boasts of 22,000 congregants across multiple locations in the U.S. and Canada.
  • The church is renowned for its racially diverse congregation as well as charitable works which have brought Furtick many admirers.
  • He has however been maligned on several occasions for his extravagant mansion as well as expensive sneakers.
Ngozika Agu
Ngozika Agu
Ngozika can turn any personal finance or entertainment information into an exciting, delightful and compelling article that informs and educates, she can quickly turn random letters into epic stories that not only entertain but also inspires or motivates

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