Dear Steven,
Let me start out by saying that this space is usually full of fun and light heartedness. I don’t troll the internet looking for Pastors to bash or criticize, but today this is a place for accountability. This is meant in love; the type of love shown in Galatians 6:1-2.
I’ve stewed over this for the last week, ever since the news broke about the million dollar home you’re building in our community. I’ve fought over writing this — going back and forth over whether I should or shouldn’t. I’m sure I’ll receive much scrutiny from this, especially from those who attend your church and are backing your decisions. But, I’ve come to realize that Christ’s name is more important than mine.
As a pastor’s wife, I fully understand the weight your title carries. I fully understand that our lives are more scrutinized than most, and I realize how maddening that can be at times. I realize that the last week has probably been one of the hardest weeks ever for you and Holly. I realize that you’ve had to defend your decisions and I pray that those decisions were done with Christ and his honor and glory at the forefront of your mind. Your name has been thrown around many circles this week; good and bad. I can only imagine how hard that must be.
You see, my husband and I don’t serve a mega church, we don’t have money for million dollar homes, and our names aren’t thrown around every social circle in this city.
But, I also realize that when we attach our names to the name of Jesus, our names mean nothing.
When the Lord called us out, His name became greater than ours. His name became the basis for the way in which we lived our lives; His name became front and center for the world to see Him through us.
When He called us into ministry, He placed us on a higher platform than the rest of the world. He gave us a spotlight for His name, not ours. And this week, Steven, your name (and your possessions) has overshadowed His.
This week we’ve seen a million dollar home, a worldly possession, turn people away from the truth of the Gospel. Because what we do with the calling we’ve been given (and the “blessings” we receive from that calling) affects the faith of those around us.
What does your million dollar home say to those Christians in persecuted countries who are serving the Lord under fear of death? What does your home say to those Christians living in the poorest countries in the world; those Christians who have absolutely nothing? Are we leading them to the Truth or are we leading them to a false gospel that they’ll never be able to attain?
We all know that Elevation Church has done great things in our community, and for that we applaud you. There are many things that your church does well. There are many things that the churches in the surrounding area could take some pointers from, and for that we applaud you.
I’m not claiming to know your heart, Steven. But, the bible tells us that we know them by their fruit (Matthew 7:16). As a member of the faith community, I think the Lord calls us all to transparency and accountability. I would hope that if I was doing something that threatened to not bring honor and glory to the Lord, that a brother or sister in the faith would hold me accountable for my actions. That is what I call love. Meeting someone in their sin and loving them through biblical accountability.
This isn’t really about you, me, or anyone else on this earth. This is about Jesus. This is about the Gospel. This is about bringing people to the Lord, not turning them away in the name of “blessing”. This is about living lifestyles that are worthy to be called a follower of Christ. This is about transparent lives that are no longer our own.
Because people are watching, Steven. And people’s faith in a holy God is being affected by your actions and mine. It’s time we start being aware of the way our lives affect the people that we’re called to minister to. Especially when you claim to be called to reach the unchurched. This doesn’t increase their faith, it makes them question the validity of it all.
I’m pretty sure you’ll never read this, but if so, I pray that you’ll take it in love. I pray that you’ll see the need for your church members to know the truth about your finances (book royalties and all) and that you’ll give them an explanation for the need for a 16,000 square foot home for a family of five.
Most importantly, I pray that the name of Jesus would always be your first priority.
Because your name is not your own!
Other Steven Furtick Resources
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Christie is a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful little girls, a pastor's wife, and lover of Jesus. Her hope is that STC would be a source of encouragement for women all over the world!
Latest posts by Christie (see all)
- Remembering Mandy Kelly from Worshipful Living - March 29, 2017
- Homosexuality Should Not Polarize the Church - November 17, 2016
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This reminds me of the ‘Preachers of LA’ series – if you haven’t seen it, watching the trailer for it on youtube. To me it’s ridiculous, and I laughed about it, especially when the men are walking around with bodyguards. It’s ridiculous. I pray that Jesus will show him that he is looking out for himself instead of The Lord!
As always, I applaud your awesome posts!
Ever think that a Pastor with a lot of people in his church has a bodyguard because he receives death threats (on himself and his family) on a regular basis? Just a thought…
BRAVO, THATS THE TRUTH NOBODY WANTS TO SEE, WELL SAID!!!
I meant the response that the bodyguards are there because of constant death threats
So what? Having a bodyguard screams the message that I’m a celebrity and deserve better treatment than those that follow me.
Love the post and agree wholeheartedly. May the Lord bless those in such positions to respond accordingly as nameless, humble servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, accountable for all actions in the church and at and/or away from the pulpit. I feel so distraught with Christian movements that have been announcing themselves as of late. In NYC it’s like attending the 40/40 Club or Studio 54. I still represent the WWJD Christianity that seems to have taken a backburner, forcefully, as I truly may not know Jesus in person, obviously, but there’s no way He’s behind most of this stuff.
In reply to the pastors on tv comment, how about this one: http://thepreacherstv.com. I swear, as I was scrolling the digital tv guide for In Touch, I saw ‘The Preachers’ right after ‘The Doctors’ and it was at that very moment that I turned off the television, dropped the remote, and just fell to the floor, on my knees, shaking my head in disbelief and utter disregard and disgrace for the actuality of this being a real show. The glamourization and mainstream media celebrification of preachers — of men snd wimen, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters in CHRIST Jesus who are makin’ a FOOL of the Word, of God, and in no way do I mean to sound negative or discontent but I just cannot see the good in all of this. What’s next, following The Preachers? The Demon Network? How about The Atheists? May God forgive me but I cannot manage it all anymore and pray that a REVIVAL awakens soon! The 3rd Great Awakening right? In Jesus’ Name, I ask for wisdom & guidance for those of us Christians who truly are living for You, Lord! Amen.
I think you know that you may receive a lot of heat for this. Before that happens, I wanted to congratulate you on having the courage to write it anyway. It’s very well and lovingly written.
It’s also something that desperately needs to be said, not only to Pastor Steve, but also to his congregation. I believe his congregation, as the Body of Christ, has a responsibility to hold him accountable for his stewardship. Instead it seems, that the congregation is seduced by his celebrity, and distracted from what his purpose should be.
Also, based on information in the article you linked, it appears that Steve is also threatening the church’s non-profit status by privately benefitting by the church advertising his books & sermons. I’ll pray that’s he and his congregation realize their error before more harm is done.
HI, Interesting letter. You might want to take a look at this book:
Radical: Taking back your faith from the American dream. by David Platt. In it, he discusses the conflict between Christian values and the way we live in America today. It really opened my eyes.
http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-ebook/dp/B0036S4C9I/
It seems very germane to the points you make in your letter and the situation in your town. Blessings.
It’s very sad but true that money is the root of all evil. Greed tempts us to do things that we should not. Hopefully this will be a lesson learned but somehow I doubt it.
True, but to clarify, THE LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
Yes the LOVE of money is the root and becomes another idol just like the LOVE of anything replacing Jesus is an idol in our lives. Money has been used in many many many wonderful ways throughout time and in our day and age to provide healing through medical treatments, clothing, homes, food and many more necessities for others in the name of Jesus. Money is not the problem.
I had the rare opportunity to visit Elevation Church recently after having read Furtick’s first book years ago. I was amazed at the work put into each service, but also by the truth and authenticity shared in Furtick’s message. That compounded my disappointment when I recently learned about this massive house. It isn’t for us to tell him how to live, exactly; maybe he’s planning to adopt, foster, or take in strays. I don’t know his plan, but I do know that it APPEARS as if he’s being greedy, which is definitely contrary to Jesus’ teachings. I’m with you on this one!
Listen to PirateChristianRadio.com he explains the root problem with this whole thing.
I lost all respect for him when I read about this home and agree with your comments. It’s now about him, not Him. Will the number of souls who now may be lost, confused, mislead, and turned away from the gospel be larger than the square feet of this home?
Excellent! I am not a fan of his for other reasons, his doctrine is squishy and he leans prosperity while maintaining just enough Gospel to stay legit. If I have to constantly draw a line with a teacher I avoid them. I see how this could be a huge stumbling block to people. I am thankful he has had success since that is the American dream. He has been free to pursue that BUT I think he may have bought into the american dream a bit too much. Paul says in the bible that Gods grace showed him to how live in abundance and live in lean. This of course means wealth is NOT a bad thing but it also means that we must seek God with all monetary decisions since ultimately that is his money. I can think of a thousand ways a million dollars would be better spent. Then again, God could be putting him in that neighbourhood to reach someone. We don’t know His plans and I just pray Steven has sought God before making such a large decision with such a large sum of Gods money.
Spot on, Jenn. The house is just the tip of the iceberg.
I attended 5 consecutive services at Elevation church. Each time, I was struck by that churches love for itself, but I finally decided to stop attending when I sat in a service where the word “Elevation” was said more than the name “Jesus.”
Amen!
Nailed it, Christie.
As Jenn mentioned above, the house is just the tip of the iceberg with Steven Furtick. He routinely mangles God’s word in his “sermons,” has embraced and welcomed several questionable (at best) preachers into his pulpit (such as T.D. Jakes, a known modalist and prosperity preacher), and casts anyone who tries to biblically correct him as a “hater,” among other things.
I’m grateful for all the news coverage lately and for your post here. I hope it will serve as a wake up call to people who would consider following Furtick as well as to those who are members of his church.
I am nowhere near familiar with this pastor or with the situation. However, I am very impressed with the love and respect in this letter. This is love in action. 🙂
I honestly don’t know a lot about Elevation church or Pastor Steve. I did see a clip of one of his sermons, but have never listened to him regularly. I wonder what is going through his head — it’s so easy to get caught up by the trappings of this world. If he is not doing what he’s supposed to be doing, I pray for his sake and his church’s sake, that he has ears to hear.
I’m not familiar with Steven Furtick… but it is things like this that turn people away from church. Or keeps them from going at all. Personally, I am turned off by huge mega churches where everything and everyone seems so materialistic. I just think there’s something wrong when a man of God feels the need to live in a million dollar home.
This is a very sad topic about a person who actually and supposed to be reaching the lost souls and be a good example for them. I don’t know this preacher and his heart. But can someone like him blessed by God? Like Solomon, David and ABraham and be a blessing to others? Is not allowed for christians Pastors to be richly blessed by GOd?
Your letter is written wih love and I just hope that he read it. Maybe God is using you to wake him up.
Dropping by from ” Tell me a true story”. My entry ” Home again” is from : joysnotepad.blogspot.com
Oh wow! I only know Pastor Steven via Craig Groschel from LiftChurch.tv. I watch his sermons online via the church website.
So many in ministry get caught up wordly ways and lifestyles. I agree with you Christie!
I pray he does read this post. I pray that he is held accountable!
Amen!
Thank you for sharing with us here at “Tell Me a Story.” I am reminded of a remark made to us when we lived in a hundred thousand dollar house. He said, “I wish I could live in a hundred T house.” I told him to stay in the rent house where he now lived and soon he would live in one for sure with the real estate market moving upwards like it was at that time. He stared blankly at my “unkind” remark. It is sad when those who preach God desires his beloved to prosper — takes all the offerings and as icing on the cake spreads the funds all over “ME.” That church needs to have a Missionary Program and send out others to win souls to Christ. I have another thought that will go into my blog soon. Interesting post and may YOU be blessed with all you need and more!
I read the article and some of Pastor Steve’s comments on his large house. He says the house will be paid for by sales from his books and not church offerings. His house should be open for fellowship gatherings, and also for guest ministers to share instead of a hotel. Joyce Meyer uses her books and tape revenue for her purchases of homes and the ministry money goes back into ministry. Rick Warren is another who does not take a salary from his church but lives from book and tape sales in a nice home, maybe even close to a million dollar home. I am glad God is blessing them and I see it that way. Personally I live in a modular house (a mobile home.) but I am happy for others who live better than me.
Your posts just get better and better, Christie. Very well said, and clearly said in love and spiritual maturity. Thank you for highlighting the crux of the matter- it’s not about the house, it’s not even about the money, it’s about the heart of a man who represents Christ to a great number of souls.
I like that you wrote this from your heart. Did you really write it to help Steven or to get readers to know how you feel? What are the chances that pastor will read this blog? Did you give it to him personally? My opinion is that we are called to tell people when they are sinning and if that doesn’t take care of it then we bring it out in the open. I understand it is in the open anyway because he runs a mega church. I don’t think God expects His servants to live in squalor. At the same time, I don’t think we should flaunt our money either. Your point about causing others to stumble is a very good point. If he lived in Beverly Hills for example, a million dollar home would seem shabby compared to his neighbors. I never thought of that point about causing someone to stumble until you pointed it out. I am glad you let this set in your heart for a week before you wrote it. My desire is that we as Christians don’t bash other Christians. I don’t feel that in this post, but the media I am sure is running with this story, and they are not making it about right or wrong, but making it look like greed. Unless you truly know his heart, be cautious to not call fire down from Heaven on your brothers.
Hi Kim,
I tried emailing you, but you’re a no-reply-blogger 🙁
I wrote this in hopes that it would reach Steven! But, I also wrote it because I feel like the church needs to stop shrinking back from these issues. We need to be meeting prosperity pastors in their sin and we need to speak against their lifestyles…for His honor and glory, alone! Matthew 18 (where you’re referring to addressing people in their sin) is in regards to personal sins against one another. This is a public issue, he acted in a public manner, and it’s biblical to address in a public platform. Steven Furtick is not accessible! If he was, I would have gladly tried to speak to him one on one, but that’s impossible with body guards standing in the way! 🙂 I have tweeted the post to Steven and he has yet to respond!
I agree that the Lord doesn’t want us to live in squalor, but He promised to provide for our needs, not our greeds (Derwin Gray)! A million dollar home is a greed and unnecessary for a family of 5. The main point is, what does this say to the body of Christ? What does this say about the Gospel? As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus, Pastor Steven (along with my husband and every other Pastor) is called to uphold the word of truth and live a lifestyle that’s honorable to the Lord. That’s in our words, our deeds, and our money! Our aim should be to give no man any reason to question our integrity or the avenue to say, “I told you so” and there have been a lot of people saying, “I told you so” over the last week.
This is not meant to bash him, but a genuine attempt to hold a fellow brother in Christ accountable, and I feel that I did that lovingly.
Thanks for your comment!
I don’t know what no reply blogger means. 🙁 Sorry. I appreciate your candor. I do not know exactly where he lives or what a million dollars buys where you live. It may be much more than it buys here. For a million dollars you get a pretty regular house in Pasadena or Los Angeles, CA. Of course where I live a million dollar property is pretty amazing. I just wanted to make sure we are on the same page. I do believe that God can use that million dollars in a much better way than just a home for a pastor and his family. My brother and his family are missionaries in the Philippines. They have endured Typhoon #Haiyan #Hagiput and also the 7.2 earthquake that shook the Philiippines a year ago last October and the more than 6,000 aftershocks. They live in a college classroom. They are probably happier than an owner of a million dollar house. My views on this issue have changed since my last post. Ironically I just ran across it in a google search. I didn’t even know you responded. Thanks again and God Bless!
Pastor Steven and I have been the closest of friends since our freshman year of HS. Our junior year, he became a Christian…I didn’t. We went to different colleges, but stayed very close. During that time, he continuously shared the Gospel with me, not with words, but through his life and how he was always there for me regardless of the hole I had dug for myself. My junior year of college, Pastor Steven led me to Christ, and my life has never been the same. A few years later, my wife and I became one of the original families to start Elevation Church (we are not on staff). Pastor Steven and I are very close, still to this day. With that said, there are 2 things I would want people to know. First, in our society, through social media, it is very easy to make accusations about someone from behind a keyboard without knowing their heart. I would caution everyone to truly know all there is to know about a situation before jumping on twitter and facebook to make accusations. Remember, he is going to answer to God for how he stewards what he is given, and he is a lot more concerned about that than what a newspaper writer thinks. Second, I can confirm, as someone close to him, that Pastor Steven is without a doubt the MOST generous person I have EVER met. He was incredibly generous when he had very little, and he is exponentially more generous now that he has been blessed. It pains me that I get to see first hand the depth of his generosity, but know that side of the story will never make the front page of the paper. His heart for the Gospel, his family, and Elevation Church is unmatched…if only someone would tell that side of that story…
Hi Anonymous,
I wish you would have left your contact info so that I could email you directly (feel free to contact me above, if you’d like to talk more). Trust me, I know that Pastor Steven and Elevation church do A LOT for others and they do a lot for the community! I also know that he has led many people to Christ! I have friends that attend Elevation, but this isn’t just about the house — there are doctrinal issues, monetary issues, etc. that come into play, too (but that’s a topic for a different day)! I’ve stated that I don’t know his heart (none of us really do, only God does), but as Pastors (ministers of the word of God) we have to be careful about what we do with our money. As a pastors wife, I’ve resigned to the probability of not being able to have the riches of this world. Not because I can’t, but because of how it may be perceived and how it may affect my integrity. I will never think that a million dollar home is good stewardship for any pastor, not just Pastor Steven! Thank you for respectfully sharing your heart with me!
Christie, your husband is a very blessed man to have you at his side.
From the messages that I hear from Furtick, they are (in general) doing their good deeds to be blessed by God. This is what Furtick teaches. They aren’t doing them because they have been saved. (Granted there are probably exceptions because they ignore what Furtick says and actually read their Bibles).
Furtick preaches a false word faith gospel, where Jesus is a means to an end.
As far as doing good deeds in the community and serving others the Mormons do a lot of good stuff too. I don’t see much difference because the gospel is absent in both. It’s “Jesus AND” Or “jesus makes up the difference” between my good works and what is needed to avoid God’s wrath. You end up with the impression that God is someone we can manipulate and please by our works, instead of doing good works because he’s already pleased with us in Christ.
Good works done out of fear of punishment or hope of reward are abhorrent to God, and an insult to the finished work of Christ, who is never front and center at Elevation.
btw, you’ll probably be told that because the church your husband serves is small, you’re doing this because you’re just jealous of their success. But I applaud you for speaking the truth. Don’t back down.
And, we can know at least part of his heart by what he chooses to preach. And what I am seeing is not good. Chris Rosebrough has a great term describing how Furtick (and many many others like him) exegete the Bible. “Narcigesis.” (Making every story about YOU instead of about Jesus like Jesus says in John 5:39-40… Jesus did not have any good things to say about those teachers who did that, if you recall, so I’m not sure why we are bending over backward to say nice things about the same kind of teachers today.)
Anon,
If this were true, don’t be anonymous. Are you a member of Elevation? Is os, are you afraid of the confidentially agreement coming back to bite you? If so, you have already violated it before God by posting as an Anon. You have not let your Yes be yes. No one can tell that story because members legally can’t.
To this letter’s point, Pastor are called to a different standard because the Gospel is so intertwine with the Pastor’s life. You are wrong. We do know his heart (as you know my heart): The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9). Without Christ, that is our heart and what we are capable of. Yes, only God knows the heart really and the Word of God help sanctify us. That is why accountability is important because all of us still have that in us (See Romans 7). A clear accountability structure (not the Yes men he has as overseers that he choose) prevents sins from running roughshod. He has a Tyranny, not a church.
Hi, Eric (I think it’s you!)
Why don’t you encourage Steven to answer the WCNC reports? As it is Tonia Bendickson is stating to The Christian Post that nothing will be forthcoming. He is in the middle of a public relations debacle while being surrounded by “yes” people.
What do you think of Steven and Holly having a 16,000 square foot house? Not exactly how all of you started out, is it?
I’d say this is just kind of ugly all around. I understand that your heart was to lovingly “call out” Pastor Furtick (you stated in a previous comment that you hoped he WOULD read it, yet in the actual post you mentioned he probably won’t…?), but I’d be wary of doing that ever only knowing 10% of the details. Especially something based on a media outlets article. I too am a pastor’s wife. I don’t even own a home. Does that mean that I’m right and he’s wrong? Who are we to question. How can we say that having a house, a possession is a fruit of his faith? Some pastors own nice cars or wear expensive clothes. Are they wrong as well? Are we relegated to poverty because that’s more fruitful looking than being wealthy? I know many extremely wealthy people, who own big houses, drive nice cars, and love God with all their heart. We can’t say that people are right or wrong based on what they own and don’t own. It’s about what place that possession has in their heart, and I’d be willing to say no human being on this earth can make that judgement call. That’s for God alone. God told the rich young ruler to go sell all he owned because he knew where his wealth ranked in his heart (in front of God) not because having wealth is wrong. I’d just caution you to be careful not to cross the judgement line. If you feel that he’s got doctrinal/theological issues, then have concrete foundational biblical evidence against those things, not biased media based half truths based on your opinion of what’s biblically fruitful. Especially when you don’t know the man personally.
Hi jessica,
My hope is that Steven Furtick reads my letter, but in all probability, he won’t because my blog is only a drop in the internet bucket. My intentions are exactly as I stated them, to hold a brother in Christ accountable for what can, and has been taken negatively, in the Christian community. This is not about the media, this is about what’s being seen in my community. The facts are facts.
You stated that you don’t own a home and asked if that makes him wrong and you right. This isn’t about wrong and right. This is about living lifestyles that make Jesus look great! A million dollar home (those are the facts) does not make Jesus look great…it makes Steven Furtick look great. Our aim as pastor’s and pastor’s wives should be to uphold the word of God in our lifestyles — all around! Like I said above, I’ll never believe that a million dollar home for a pastor is being a good steward. If we have that much money, we need to be looking into where we can better place our gifts.
I do not think the Lord wants his people (and the people called to preach His word) to live in poverty, but as pastor’s and pastor’s wives, we are to be above reproach, we have to live in a way that would cause others not to question our integrity. I have many blessings, but I hope none of them cause others to question my integrity. Even if his intentions are good, the bible tells us to flee from the appearance of evil. Drinking alcohol isn’t a sin (getting drunk is), but I choose not to drink at all because of the perception that might come from it. I think we all, but especially pastors, should live lifestyles that give no one reason to say, “I told you so”.
I’m not saying that Steven Furtick doesn’t love the Lord, but his priorities seem to be out of line. I even stated in the post that I don’t know his heart, but the fruit of his actions says a lot. We are called to meet our brothers and sisters in Christ in their sin. There’s a difference between judgment and accountability. Sitting back in silence brings no fame to Christ’s name…and that’s what matters. His name, not mine or Steven Furtick’s.
Thanks for your comment. I pray that I’ve cleared things up a bit.
That’s disappointing considering all the Bible says about treasures on earth versus treasures in heaven. I’m a capitalist through and through, and have, generally, no problem with people using the money they’ve earned in way they wish. If his family had saved for years to build this home and it would be open to all the members of his church, that would be one thing. But this seems so clearly to be a fleshy status statement – that does nothing to reveal the heart of Jesus. I can’t judge this man, because I don’t know his heart – only God does . . . but I know in my own life I’ve been convicted to live with much much less, and I don’t have that much to begin with. I found that, for me, my focus on acquiring things was not to look good for others (though that would have been a wrong motive too), but because I didn’t trust that God would provide for me. I had to buy and keep things that I didn’t need or rarely used because “what if I need that down the road?!” . . . whether because one wants to show off for others, or because one doesn’t trust God’s provision – it still amounts to story up treasures on Earth instead of having a kingdom – upward and outward – focus that God call Christians to have.
Ever read what God gave Solomon as a reward for his desire for wisdom? It was God who gave Solomon WEALTH and FAME (1 Kings 3). God isn’t afraid of people having money or fame–we are. In fact, God may very well be the giver of Steven Furtick’s wealth and fame (who knows!). I think it’s a dangerous place to stand in judgment on someone else’s heart.
Hi Kristi,
You’re right that God is not afraid of money and fame, but who should we be making famous — ourselves or Jesus? Wealth and fame don’t always have to be used for material possessions. Do I think we should live in squalor? No! But, I don’t think we should live lavish lifestyles either! Where we put our monetary blessings says a lot about our hearts. Million dollar homes for a family of 5 is excess and I don’t believe the Lord is glorified in that!
The difference in 1 Kings 3 is that Solomon was a King, not a pastor! This verse is a descriptive verse, not one that’s giving us instructions to follow. Solomon loved God and was very humble, asking for wisdom. His wealth wasn’t something he earned or gained from other people. Pastor Steven’s home is something he apparently “earned and gained from other people”. We have to be careful about the verses we use and applying them to all situations…the bible doesn’t work that way.
Hi there i just want to say that I’m for one Happy with how Pastor Steven lives. Over the years Christians Pastors have been treated us they are at the disposal of their community. My father is a Pastor and growing up in a Pastors house money was always a problem. In the past my father had to beg to get paid because his council believed that they will pay him when they feel its right. They believed that a pastor should always be poor to be humble. We serve a God of prosperity not of poverty. We serve a God of excellence not second-hand.
So I say that Pastor Steve is showing that our God is a God of prosperity.
We can not judging person’s heart motives because that is up to God and we are not God.
I’m curious as to why you are writing to Pastor Furtick and not all Christian authors who live off from their book sales…Joyce Meyers, Charles Stanley, etc. etc.? I believe whole-heartedly that the way we choose to live our lives says more than words. But that doesn’t mean that having nice things is putting ourselves above anyone else. And it doesn’t mean he is proclaiming he is better or greater than Jesus. He may inject “himself” in his sermons, but let me tell you, in today’s world, many people can relate to “today’s” situations more than in Bible times. So maybe he is consciously, and being guided to, use his own experiences to reach the masses. I urge you to pray over this again, to search your heart, and asses if this is really the issue or is it just an issue of his practice of Christianity is different then yours (or what your opinion is of it)?
http://kensellinger.com/2014/04/the-visionary/
15 percent of Jesus’ teachings are on money and material possessions. He teaches on and warns of the dangers of that topic more than He does on heaven and hell combined. Our spiritual maturity, or lack thereof, is on display concerning how we manage our finances. “There are three conversions a person needs to experience: The conversion of the head, the conversion of the heart, and the conversion of the pocketbook.” ~Martin Luther
Many righteous pastors around our privileged planet live in exceedingly poor, unstable or unsafe conditions. God loves them just as much, and they prove that it’s not necessary for a pastor to live extravagantly. Then there are those wise, young pastors such as David Platt, who is just as well-known as Steven Furtick, who live more humbly and refuse to give the appearance of evil according to where they live and how they behave. Perhaps Steven needs to eat a slice of pie in order to gain some humility? How interesting that both young men are affiliated with Southern Baptists. I’m scratching my head over this illumination.
Jesus does not instruct us not to judge. Au contraire, how unwise and impossible that would be. Instead, He taught us to make righteous judgments. He also instructed us to be fruit inspectors. Thank you, Christie, for not remaining silent in the face of Steven’s unrighteousness.
Have you seen their “children’s” coloring books?! You can Google the pages. If I were able to post the one here, I would; it is of the congregation praising Steven at the pulpit. Like, it’s the back of their heads looking up, as he is at an elevated stance, above them, their hands out like fanatics at a MJ concert back in the early 90s. And this is a page of many that they have the congregation’s children color as they are indoctrinated in Bible study and nursery.
Yes, I’ve seen all of that. I continue to pray that the truth will be revealed about what’s going on at Elevation Church.
I looked up the coloring page mentioned and it isn’t bad… it just looks like people watching a sermon, not “worshiping” a pastor. You can google image search it. I didn’t see any hands raised at all. That, I feel, was blown out of proportion.
HOWEVER, the house is entirely too much for a family of 5. If I won a gazillion dollar lottery I wouldn’t have a house that large! Not just because I wouldn’t want to clean it(lol), but because I would feel SO GUILTY about all of the other people in the world suffering in poverty with no home at all, no food in their stomachs, kids with no home or family, the list goes on. I wouldn’t be able to rest at night, in a 16,000 square foot home, with a clear conscious. Everyone has desires and likes to have nice things! But you also have to think about how something like that will affect your reputation when you are a pastor. You are held to a much higher standard and are under SUCH scrutiny… When you look bad the LORD looks bad- and that is just unacceptable. Honestly, it doesn’t matter how he acquired the money. For someone in his position and with so many eyes on him, he definitely needs to focus on what others see- He could have bought a 3,000 sf house (still twice the size of mine, mind you!) and been more than comfortable. Heck he could have went as far as to buy a 3,000 sf house with a finished basement making it 6,000 and STILL have been within reason and stayed out of the media spotlight. But 16,000!? Really Steven? lol There just isn’t any way to justify that. Unless of course he starts adopting or fostering children and/or turns it into a children’s home. Other than that, no justification.
FYI, I’ve been to Elevation many times. Their worship experience is wonderful and Steven is an exceptional speaker. I love how many people they draw in to church! I love what they do for others and the community. They are a very generous church. I just feel like Steven had a very bad lapse in judgement when he made the decision to build his ginormous house.
I know this letter was written a long time ago but I just ran across it today as I was googling something. I was curious so I read it. This whole letter is not loving and its gossip – along with all the peoples comments. You are all living in a “works” mindset and legalism. And you might be a little jealous? It’s a house. Let it go. By the way, our Great God is the richest person in all of the universe and we have his inheritance. I think it’s great and God has blessed the Furticks and his church. Stop gossiping about a pastor and his house. Especially when you even said, “I’m sure you probably will never read this…” So you wrote it to the world anyways not directly to him? That’s gossip and foolish. That’s all I have to say. Blessings.