Politics and Religion Don't Mix

People love to put labels on other people so they can then be kept in their proper boxes for the sake of argumentation, stereotyping and ultimately erroneous extrapolation.  Unfortunately, it does not work that way. It is not uncommon in this media frenzied country we live in to constantly hear that if you are a Christian then you are both Conservative and a Republican.  Likewise, if you are a non-Christian then you are labeled a liberal Democrat or Progressive.  Let's look at these labels and their respective boxes into which they are often put.

Label number one: Christians are Republicans and Republicans are Christians. While it is true that many Christians identify with the more "traditional" values that Republicans espouse, at the same time most Capitalists are Republicans and shun government meddling in private business because it stifles unbridled greed that many Capitalists are motivated by.  That flies directly in the face of what the Bible teaches.  Their identification with Republicans has nothing to do with values, but rather with economics and the profit motive.  In fact, the Bible says that the greedy will not enter the coming Kingdom.  Christians are also not to desire (lust after) money because it can become one's master and thereby a false God.  The Bible says "blessed are the poor", which describes a majority of the Democrat party.  But hang on, aren't Christians supposed to be the blessed ones?  Blessed Republicans, blessed Democrats? Clearly that box will not hold both labeled groups.

Label number two: Liberals are Democrats and Democrats are Liberals.  While it is true that many Liberals embrace a more "open minded" approach to most issues, shunning many "traditional" beliefs and social constructs, it is also true that most African Americans and Hispanics identify themselves as Christian or Catholic yet at the same time they almost always vote Democrat.  They actually view the Democrat party as more compassionate than the "Big Money" Republicans who want to ride the backs of the poor with low wages to fatten their wallets with an insatiable greedy appetite for more profit at their expense.  But wait, isn't compassion for the poor a central tenet of Christianity?  So, if all Christians are Republicans and Republicans are greedy Capitalists something does not add up.  Of course the oft heard mantra from Liberals is how hypocritical Christians are, which explains their contradictory belief in the Bible and membership in the Republican party concomitantly.  But wait again, a huge majority of the Democrat party identifies themselves as Christian or Catholic.  Boy, this is getting difficult.  Clearly, that box does not hold both labeled groups either.

Label number three: Republicans are narrow-minded uneducated Bible thumping morons. To be sure, many Christians misuse the Bible, have a serious misunderstanding of Biblical principles and are guilty of believing what they are told to believe without knowing why.  But, keep in mind that most of the successful business leaders in this country, with college degrees, are Republican.  Also, remember that many of our most prestigious higher education institutions have an underlying religious framework.  Notre Dame, Loyola, Boston College... anyone? Empty that box.

Label number four: Democrats are the "progressive" thinkers, the academics...the "Enlightened" ones.  To be sure many academics are Democrats as are many scientists, but to say the whole party is thus is untrue.  Remember, the largest voting blocks of the Democrat party are low income, uneducated, blue-collar workers.  Besides, you don't get rich and become a Republican by being uneducated and stupid. Box...emptied.

So, as you can see, upon further scrutiny the broad brush that is often used to paint these lines of demarcation,  resultant labels and box placement is simply nonsense.  The simple fact is that to a large degree, politics and religion have little in common other than cursory issues.  I know, I know Republicans want to ban abortion because God does not want us to murder.  But, keep in mind that Democrats want us to share the wealth (some call it socialism) and help those less fortunate, which is also a Biblical principle.  Both parties attract all sorts of people. The labels are mostly arbitrary and serve an agenda.  And, what do we do with the Jews?  They are a deeply religious people, believe in the same God as Christians, are usually well educated, affluent and are business owners, yet most are Democrats.  They should all be Republicans if the labels are correct.  These boxes are getting messy!

My own position is simple.  I dislike all political parties.  I believe they are our undoing as a nation. They pander to whatever group they can to garner the most votes in the next election cycle.  No individual (with the exception of maybe Rush Limbaugh) can be classified as 100% Liberal or Conservative.  I may be fiscally conservative and socially liberal or vice versa.  I may even be socially conservative on some issues but not others.

Truth is often found somewhere between the extremes.  So, let's stop labeling everyone, placing them in neat little boxes for easy disposal and start listening, understanding and loving each other.

Elevation Church Changes "Code" under Heightened Criticism

If you have read my other post regarding Elevation Church, you have already correctly surmised I am not a fan and see a plethora of issues with the way things work there.  In that post I mentioned The Code and some of the problematic aspects of it.

Number four in their Code has probably been the most incendiary thing that has ignited much criticism toward them and has warranted the label of "cult."  It seems however that they have buckled under the pressure, revising the code twice since their humble beginnings. However, in doing so they have created yet another enormous problem.

Here is the issue. Steven Furtick claims to have had a vision from God on how to "do church" differently and reach the new generations with a new hip, cool, techie driven approach that sits better with our modern society which I basically have no problem with.  The "vision" was published originally as twelve (how coincidental) points with number four stating: "We are united under the visionary." and "We will aggressively defend our unity and his vision."  Immediately, many rightly cried "cult."

That criticism has persisted, but under immense pressure they quietly changed the wording to: "We are united under one vision." with the same ominous promise to "aggressively defend" Steven's vision.

That seemed to be it for The Code until the firestorm erupted over the now infamous coloring book for the kiddies telling them they should submit themselves to the authority of the "visionary" in a grossly misappropriated verse found in Romans 13:1-5, which discusses governments. If little ones were to read that verse with Steven Furtick as the "authority" then they would also understand that rebelling against him would bring God's judgement upon them! That is unnerving to say the least. As the video below illustrates getting children to memorize The Code was an integral part of the churches "indoctrination" process.  In most churches, children are taught to remember Scripture verses, but at Elevation they deem it more important to learn some man-made code that is centered on its leader and the church brand.  What happens now that these children have committed all this to memory and it has suddenly changed?  This illustrates only a fraction of what is wrong with a church that is based on the cult of personality and  has as its main focus brand promotion rather than Christ.

With that revelation hitting social media like a tsunami the "cult" chatter was ramped up to even higher levels.  With the heat now reaching blue- flame hot, the Code has been completely revamped with no direct mention of "the visionary" or even their much maligned laser focus on "we are all about the numbers" and the burn and turn mentality of the "we need your seat" nonsense.  There are some vestigial ideas still there, but is much more ambiguous.  But, why the ambiguity?  What are they trying to tone down or hide?  One accusation leveled at them has been how Elevation the brand and Steven seem to be front and center instead of Christ, but now the Code includes a rather ambiguous point that says "Jesus is the center. It's about: integrated priorities."  Huh? Jesus should be the only priority. He needs no help from Stevie or Elevation Church. Believing that you are somehow the chosen one to move the church into some modern day world-wide movement smacks of cultism yet again.  That statement makes it sound like Jesus is included in the priority list and has been given the center, but is integrated into all the other Elevation expansion and brand building plans that Steven has in mind.  As I have stated before, Jesus is at Elevation but He is wrapped in an orange box with the ubiquitous chevron logo on it.

Now, back to that vision that God gave Stevie. If that vision was articulated in the Code and the Bible tells us that "God never changes" (Malachi 3:6 and Numbers 23:19), then why is The Code changing? Public pressure, criticism, scrutiny...who cares if it is from God.  Furtick, and many of his ilk such as Perry Noble, who proclaim "thus saith the Lord" or claim to have been given a vision, back themselves into a very tight corner from which they cannot escape.  As long as visions, sermons, teachings...go unchallenged all is well, but when the criticism arrives and they are forced to change or recant, they have discredited themselves, and worse, called God a liar! The only other option is to stick to their guns.  It is a kind of damned if you do and damned if you don't quandary.  Now, for the biblically illiterate that sit in his church each week and fawn over his oratory prowess they may fall for the "God is doing a new thing" (Isaiah 43:19) explanation or some far-flung application of dispensationalism to explain the evolving Code.  Sorry, but that does not fly.

Changing The Code constantly to obfuscate what they really believe about Furtick is just more manipulation and quite frankly more subtle brain washing.  I know many, many people that go there.  I listen to them talk.  I see their Facebook posts...Elevation this...Elevation that...Steven this...Steven that... to which I reply "What about Jesus?" "What about the sin in your life?" "Have you repented?" "Do you think that raising your hand, signing a card or being baptized saves you?" The reply back is usually something like "yeah, you know what I mean." No. No I don't.  Please explain it to me.  And, doesn't the need to explain speak volumes about the problems?

Here is something to consider.  Demons believe Jesus exists, they believe He rose from the dead, they believe that He is the Son of God, they recognize His authority to judge, they believe there is only one true God, yet they shudder/tremble at their coming judgement,(Matthew 8:29, Acts 19:15, James 2:19).  Why is that? Do Steven's sermons answer any of these questions?  If not, then the Gospel is not being preached and "salvations" are being measured by the wrong metric. A very dangerous place to be.

Is Tithing a False Teaching?

The answer is absolutely yes.  It is a false teaching for the New Testament Church.  Whole books have been written on the topic and there are myriad articles written about  it elsewhere you can Google.  I'm going to make the point rather quickly yet convincingly.

I have only been to one church where the pastor did not give numerous annual sermons on tithing.  He was a great man of faith who prayed that God would provide the finances they needed.  He never felt like he had to lie to the congregation out of insecurity and lack of faith to try and raise funds.  I would venture to say that almost all pastors preach and teach the ten percent tithe principle.  It is probably the most bastardized teaching of all from the Scripture.  In this country especially, everything has to be quantitative.  Growth, numbers, bigger buildings...equals "success" and to achieve this "success" it requires enormous sums of money.  Hence, pastors are under great pressure to grow the church, which in turn leads them to preach a completely unbiblical principle to ensure the money keeps flowing.

Part of the problem is a lack of understanding of the "big picture" that the Old Testament presents to us.  The Old Testament is a grand picture of who the Messiah is and what he will do for us.  In other words, it all points forward to a day when all will be fulfilled in the person of Christ.  The Israelite community was a Theocracy (government by God) and as such they had The Law, which was codified into three categories: civil, ceremonial and moral.  Altogether there were 613 "laws" that Israelites were expected to obey in obedience to Yaweh (God) and as a sign to all pagan nations that they serve Him alone.  It is stated clearly in Nehemiah 12:44 that the Israelite community was to bring the tithe to the storerooms of the Temple in the "portions required by the Law."  This was one of the 613 laws that they were to follow.  Now, I ask a simple question.  How can you take one law from the Old Testament and bring it forward to the modern day and leave all the other 612 laws behind?  Planting a field with two kinds of seed and wearing clothing mixed of two different fabrics was also part of the Law (Leviticus 18:19).  Some pastors will quote "that God never changes" (Malachi 3:6) and therefore the tithe is still binding as commanded.  Well, again I ask, if that is true, don't we need to also be obeying the other 612 laws, not just one that happens to serve an agenda?

As part of the "big picture", one needs to understand that the tithe was meant to feed and provide for the needs of the Levites who served in The Temple as priests because that was their full-time job so to speak. They were not planting and harvesting, so the community provided for them with the tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22-29).  Now, another point is that the tithe was not money, it was a tenth of all the livestock and crops.  It was then brought to a literal storehouse in the Temple.  Now, the Temple represented the place in which the Spirit of God dwelt in the Holy of Holies, which was a room that was separated from the rest of the Temple by a curtain and only the High Priest could enter there to make the sacrifices called for by the ceremonial law (Hebrews 9:7).

The New Testament tells us much about the fulfillment, in the person of Christ, of all of this.  All Christians are now a part of the spiritual temple with Christ as the Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22).  He is the High Priest that once and for all entered the Holy of Holies and made the final sacrifice so that we may now enter as a kingdom of priests and Glory in the presence of God via the indwelling Spirit (1 Peter 2:5 and Revelation 1:6).  Collectively, we are The Church, the Ecclesia, the called out ones.  We basically all serve as Levites now in the spiritual temple witnessing for Christ and preaching the Gospel.  The tithe at this point in New testament times, after the fulfillment of all by Christ, is represented as provision given by Christ and others in the body of Christ amongst one another.  It can take many forms, but has NOTHING to do with giving money to a man-made church organization.  The pastor is not the priest serving in the temple church building for which we need to bring tithes to support.  That is complete allegorical nonsense!  Period.  As for righteous obedience to the rest of the 612 laws, which was unattainable and led to disobedience and sin and had to be absolved  by the sacrifices of the priests at the Temple...Jesus provided the complete fulfillment of all The Law (Romans 10:4 and Matthew 5:17), bought us righteousness through his ultimate sacrifice and we now live with a "clean slate" in the eyes of God when we repent and accept Christ as Lord and Savior.

We most definitely are supposed to give and be generous to those in need, but we are told to do so as God leads us and to do so with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).  My own personal opinion is that God will judge us all in the end for giving so much money to churches to squander on buildings, lights, printing, payroll...when so many are left suffering. I remember a lady in Florida attending a huge church I attended who lost her husband to a heart attack and was left with two small children.  She approached the churches'  benevolence committee and asked for help.  They paid her mortgage for three months, which was a drop in the bucket of what she needed, and at the same time pastor was giving sermon after sermon on tithing ten percent to help fund their new 5 MILLION dollar building project!  That is reprehensible, yet so common in the church. I would much rather give my money to my next door neighbor to help pay his electric bill because he lost his job, than give it to a church to waste on payroll, lights,cameras...

Malachi.  This is the preacher's favorite book to preach from on the topic of tithing.  We are told we are under a curse and robbing God if we are not giving our ten percent.  We are told if we just open our tight fists and give money to the church that the floodgates of heaven will be opened and we will be financially blessed (Malachi 3:7)...  That is utter nonsense!  To apply the verse that way to the New Testament Church is to do violence to the context of the verse.  The verse is a literal command to the Israelite community to bring their tithes and offerings to the literal storehouse at the literal Temple to support the work of the Levite priests.  To view this verse any other way or to try and wrench it out of context and somehow make it allegorically applicable to New Testament believers is wrong.  Yet, every Sunday somewhere that is what Christians are told by their pastors.  I'm going to be charitable and say it is pure ignorance rather than a blatant misuse of the principle to support an agenda.  So, there you have it.  If you feel compelled to give ten, twenty, thirty percent of your income to the local church, then do so.  If you feel like helping feed people in foreign countries or help with missionary outreach, then do that.  But, under no circumstance feel obligated to tithe ten percent to the church.  Next up, the "big question" we all ask.  Why does God allow suffering if He is an omniscient, omnipresent, loving God?

Is Elevation Church a Cult?

I never, ever intended this to be my first post here on the blog, but there has erupted such a furor surrounding one of our large churches here in Charlotte, that I feel I must throw in my two cents because the question of whether this church and its "visionary" leader is a cult is asked of me often.


I don't need to rehash all the criticisms that have already been leveled against the church and its "pastor." You can find many of the links to the articles here: http://standupforthetruth.com/2014/02/church-cross-cult/ or just simply Google "Elevation Church cult" or "Steven Furtick cult leader"...
Before I opine, let me preface my remarks with this.  We are called by God to defend the Christian faith (1 Peter 3:15)both doctrinally and in practice and we are strongly warned to be on the lookout for false teachers and teachings.  Just because someone uses the name "Jesus" in their sermons does not mean they are speaking truth.  If that were the case, then movements such as the Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs), Mormons (LDS)... would not be classified as cults.  Large numbers of attendees or multiple buildings/campuses also does not mean there is a great "move of God" afoot.  Again, if that were true, then the JWs would be a great move of God based on pure numbers.  So, in fact, would Scientology.
At Christianity's infancy there arose a destructive teaching known as the Gnostic heresy that threatened the very foundations of the early church and our faith forefathers fought vehemently against it. They were not "haters."  They were merely doing what every Christian should do when presented with a biblical teaching.   Examine the Scriptures  to see if what is being said is true (Acts 17:11) and if it is not Scriptural truth (in doctrine or practice) then call out those who are teaching falsities.  Paul NEVER launched a vitriolic attack on those whom questioned his teachings, but rather encouraged it. Contrast this to Steven Furtick's now infamous and puerile wild-eyed "Hey Haters" video. http://www.stevenfurtick.com/video-blog/hey-haters-2/  We have an obligation to each other as Christians and an obligation to the lost to make sure that noone is being lead astray.  The focus must always be on Christ and Him alone. 

So, if your inclination is to label me a "hater" or dismiss this entire writing without opening your mind and your Bible to the truth, then for you I am doleful.  If you find yourself constantly defending a man-made church organization and an ordinary man, called to be humble servant of Christ, yet engages in some of the most arrogant, narcissistic, megalomaniacal behavior I have ever witnessed from the pulpit, instead of defending THE CHURCH (Greek: "Ecclesia" the called out ones that believe in Christ) and Jesus Christ, then you may already have the answer to the "cult" question I am asked frequently.   If your inclination at this point is to leave the page instead of interacting with the rest of the writing then you are also exhibiting spiritual blindness and thus may in fact have fallen victim to a cult organization. 

You have no doubt already correctly concluded that I am not a fan of the church or its leaders. I have nothing to gain from this critique.  I have no ulterior motive.  And, yes, I did attend the church for quite some time and also served on the Next Level team.  I also know several individuals whom were engaged in "leadership training."  So, please do not even try to suggest that "I have no idea about that which I speak until I "go and try it."  I have tried it and I left, and here is why.


Poor Stewardship

God has asked us all to use what He gives us in a way that brings glory to Him.  It is called "stewardship." What Steven Furtick and his followers rationalize as a "blessing" from God in reference to his multi-million dollar house is an offense!  Only in American Christianity will this type of nonsense fly.  Tell the eighty pound Ethiopian man who lives in a mud hut and is lucky to eat once a day, but yet daily treks village to village to hand out copies of the Scripture he received from missionaries simply because he loves Christ, that God has blessed your work with an enormous house and not his!  That is shameful and repugnant.
Go to Elevation and look around.  The bulk of the collected tithe goes to building the brand and is evident everywhere you turn.  They print and sell car stickers, T-shirts, coffee mugs, pens, CDs... with their ubiquitous chevron logo.  The parking cones bear the logo.  The garbage cans bear the logo.  The building...the flags...even the free Bibles!  Not a cross to be found.  This all costs big, big money; money that could be used to help people pay electric bills, mortgages, medical bills...  instead it is used to promote a brand, a man and his visionary church.  In response to this criticism, "elevators" (again identifying with the brand instead of Christ, i.e., Christians) will proclaim that the brand is bringing "people far from God to a life in Christ."  Unfortunately, this admission is at the root of the issue.  The brand has become synonymous with the saving power of Christ.  The brand is mistakenly thought to be what leads people to Christ through their contrived worship service, music, lights and high tech dazzle.  The brand is to be served and "aggressively defended ." The brand's leader is to be obeyed by the children according to their Sunday School (eKidz) coloring books because he is the authority placed in power by God Himself.  The brand must be defended, even if it means suing staff/volunteers who dare release confidential information about the church though the Scripture admonishes us to never sue one another as Christians (1 Corinthians 6: 1-8).  The brand tells children to memorize the brand's code, rather than Scripture verses.  Below is a typical quote from an "elevator" recently interviewed for an article on the church (parenthetical comments mine).

“The first time I visited Elevation Church, I got baptized that same night".  “I felt so spontaneously moved by Furtick’s word.”  (Not God's word being preached or the Holy Spirit)

“I really love Elevation (not Christ)  — it (Not God, Jesus or the Word) has helped me become a better Christian. This church is certainly for everyone,” she said. “I was once a drug addict and this church has cleansed me for the better.” (Only Jesus Christ cleanses us from sin and forgives) 

She elaborated, “No matter what your past, Furtick says to bring the broken.” (Actually Jesus said to come as you are in your brokenness and oppressed state).  “There is no judgment at this church.”

She continues, “I come every Sunday now, as well as my family. I stay away from drugs and I recommend this church (Jesus never commanded us to recommend a church, but rather to preach Him crucified and risen for the forgiveness of our sins) to everyone who is looking to explore the Christian faith,” she said.

“Furtick has done a lot to benefit the community ( No, God has done it through a generous congregation and a mere human vessel). And if you do good, good always comes back to you.” (Hmmm, I wonder if the Apostle Paul would see it that way?  After writing the majority of the NT, he was beaten, mocked, imprisoned and ultimately beheaded for doing good and preaching the Gospel!) 

She said, “I know Furtick uses my money for the church. Every time I come, I always get new pamphlets, pens, and an even better experience.(Huh??) The maintenance of a church and everything members receive costs money. It’s expensive. I know all the funds go to support the church.” ( And Furtick's book promotion, which helps him buy mansions).

Furtick preaches in a way teenagers or young people will understand. He talks like a real-world preacher,” she said. “I learn from his message (It is not his message.  It is God's message being delivered by a mere man) and it’s easy to relate to.

“His message has gotten me closer with God (The word of God is what gets you closer and helps you mature as a Christian) and inspires me in a positive way,” she said, “When I tithe, I know I am giving to God.” (Actually, you are giving it to Furtick to pay for all the goodies you get when you come, the branding effort and all the buildings and equipment... They only give away about 12% of the nearly $25,000,000 they collect in tithes every year!)

Look, I thank God this young lady is getting her life straight.  I am glad she has found a place to go to receive encouragement, but the honor, praise, credit and adulation evident in her comments is alarmingly misplaced, yet so typical of what is happening at the church.  In this entire quote there is not one mention of God or Jesus, it is all about Steven and the church.  This type of sycophantic behavior is rampant at the church.  In a nut shell, Jesus is at Elevation Church, but He is wrapped in an orange box with an Elevation logo on it and allowed to come out when He is needed!  The brand has usurped the Savior.  The preponderance of their annual budget goes to promote the brand and support its infrastructure.  One particular thing that has always struck me as odd is that they will spend millions on a new building and people will flock in to watch Furtick virtually via video screens.  This costs enormous amounts of money.  There is an amazing little app called Live Stream which allows events to be live streamed to phones, tabs, PCs...  Why not utilize that at a fraction of the cost, solicit donations on their web site and use the money to help more people in need instead of feeding the machine that is the brand? I have heard some of the most convoluted and abusive sermons on tithing come from Furtick's pulpit that I have ever heard.  Check out the link to one of his sermons about giving on the "Give Online" tab under the "Learn More About Financial Planning" section.  Let's just say it is abhorrent.  His lack of understanding of tithing is stunning.  My next post will address tithing as a separate topic, but suffice to say that there is nothing at all that suggests a ten percent tithe for New Testament believers.  I am not alone in this position.  Some of the world's top theologians agree.  Of course, when you have multiple million dollar budgets to meet every year you must berate your congregation into giving.  Most pastors do it, but Furtick has taken the abusive tactic to all new heights with some amazingly slick manipulation.  I ask a simple question, and I saw a pastor do it at a church I attended years ago in Florida, if you truly have faith in God to provide, why not simply ask at the end of the service for people "to give as God leads you to give" and place their donations in collection boxes at the doors?  Have faith in the God you proclaim to trust to provide all the necessary finances without resorting to some wrenched out of context verse from Malachi to make people feel guilty. The aforementioned pastor never once preached on tithing because he knew it was a false teaching yet the church was enormous and well financed!  That takes faith.  Steven is a master at talking out of both sides of his mouth. He is a great salesman. "I'm not trying to make you feel guilty, but I'm going to do just that."  "I'm not trying to emotionally manipulate you, but I'm going to do just that."  

Now, they are quick to shout from the rooftops that they give generously to many partner ministries and even parade some of them on stage to present large checks...  I cannot escape the feeling that this is to obfuscate the fact that only around twelve percent of their annual budget is going someplace other than brand support and staff payroll...  In fact, to constantly recount the "good deeds" you are doing flies in the face of Scripture, which says: "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  Sobering words indeed, but as is with much of what this church does the Scripture is ignored (Matthew 6:1-4).  Post it somewhere that inquiring individuals can know what the charitable giving numbers are if they want to, don't make it part of the show.  It only comes off as self aggrandizement.

Self Aggrandizement and The Messiah Complex

The proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back" for me was after months of listening to Furtick recount his amazing rise to super Christian stardom from the back woods of South Carolina, being told by his seminary profs he would never be a good preacher, being doubted by everyone...we were then presented with a short biographical video on the life and times of the great Steven Furtick complete with boyhood pictures, audio comments by friends and family explaining how "special" he was and of course reminded yet again of all the amazing numbers that he has produced so far, i.e, salvations, baptisms, campuses, weekly and annual event attendance ad nauseam.  I told my wife at that point, "I am done with this cult of personality show."  We never returned.  I don't go to church to listen to how great the church is or how great the pastor is, I go to hear how great God is.  Whether Steven Furtick realizes it or not (only God knows his heart) he has positioned himself to be the unquestionable authority at this church.  If one takes the volunteers class to serve you are quickly told that your feedback and suggestions are not needed because the "visionary" has a direct line to God on how to run this whole show.  In "leadership training" classes you are never questioned about your Scripture knowledge, but rather told to commit one hundred percent to going where they want you to go when the time arises, to giving more than ten percent of your income and taught the Nordstram's way of providing customer service.  In short, you are a business partner, not a spiritual leader.  You are merely expected to promote the brand and support the "visionary." Steven is the "messiah" at Elevation and he demands you yield to his authority.  A full time security team is assigned to each service for God only knows what reason.  My question for this "messiah" is simply: "if you trust God so much, if you have unshakable faith, if you are so important to building His kingdom...why the security?  Why not trust God to protect you?  There are Christians all over the world who are being beaten, murdered, imprisoned...who do not have the luxury of a security staff.  They gladly suffer for the word of God as did our faith forefathers. They accept God's will, whether blessing or suffering.  I know a gentleman that served on the security detail at one of the campuses and he confided in me that they were instructed to have Furtick's car parked outside a certain entrance and facing a certain direction to facilitate his quick departure when his show...er... I mean...sermon(s) was finished.  Leadership candidates are also informed that "pastor" does not want to become "common" so he does not mingle with the congregation. Amusing isn't it?  The Lord Jesus Christ dwelt among the people, teaching, encouraging, loving and even washing other's feet and Mr.Furtick is somehow above being such a factotum.  The man quite simply has a messiah complex.  He seems to have adopted the idea that the louder you say something the truer it must be as he thunders back at anyone daring to criticize him or "the vision."  If you listen to his fatuous "Hey Haters" video you begin to pick on what "the vision" is and it seems to be the notion that his new way of doing church is going to change the world.  He is a revolutionary in his own mind.  I firmly believe he fashions himself as a modern day Apostle.  They have a program where they encourage youth to "apply" for a leadership program where they can have actually have face time with the Great and Powerful Oz...er...I mean Furtick.  The truly doleful thing is that from hundreds of applicants, Mr. Furtick only chooses twelve!  Hmmm...Jesus...twelve Apostles...Furtick...Twelve youth...  Need I say more.  

Manipulation

There has been much written already regarding Elevation's "spontaneous baptisms", which are anything but that.  Feel free to Google it and read further (http://coercioncode.com/tag/elevation-church/).  My point here is simple.  The whole service is contrived.  The "bull pen" are volunteers who stand down front and wave their hands around.  The lights, effects, count-down clocks, music, volume level, videos... are designed to elicit an emotional response.  The most aggregious thing is that Furtick uses the people he claims to love to promote his brand and then feigns indignation when he is called out. Case in point, when he was called out on "spontaneous baptisms" he answered the critics by having a "spontaneous baptism" that same night! He then had the gall to use a picture of a disabled young man being baptized and posted it to Instagram!  This sort of self and brand promotion would make PT Barnum blush. The most ludicrous part of any event where large numbers of people are expected to respond to manipulation is the fact that Furtick announces beforehand that this is not emotional manipulation! That is like saying to someone "I don't mean to insult you, but..." They are getting ready to do just that.  Don't believe this is planned manipulation? Take a listen to a church growth seminar conducted by, none other than, the master manipulator (https://vimeo.com/87366136).  Apparently, at an Elevation "worship experience" the Holy Spirit shows up only when Steven invites 

Him to interrupt the carefully orchestrated show. From the video you can see that he believes that the louder you say something the more emotionally manipulative it will be.  Add the music and you have created a powerful moment.  Contrast this to what the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:4 "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."  After almost every service the manipulation continues, while heading back to the lobby, attendees are greeted with secular club-style music.  I guess this is supposed to be the "cool factor" for the youth.  After a night at the bars and clubs, youth can stumble in on Sunday half hung over and still feel at home and not threatened by too much of a "churchy feel."  That is amusing when the Scripture says that "friendship with the world is enmity with God" ( James 4:4).  The Scripture also says "come out from among them and be separated" (2 Corinthians 6:17).  Apparently the "visionary", who hears directly from God on how to do things, has different ideas.  Does this not strike anyone as contradictory?  If you are Biblically illiterate you know no better. If you are an immature Christian then you also know no better.  The churches' job and the pastor's job is to correct that, not promote it.  Of course, if the objective is to herd mass numbers of people in every week, get them to raise their hand or sign a card stating they "accepted Christ" and then boast about it every week and say "look how much good we are doing based on the NUMBERS and give us more money to further the cause" then I guess they are doing what the brand development calls for. Unfortunately, numbers simply mean nothing.  Changed hearts mean everything to God.

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

Elevation's 12 point Code (http://rizeupandshine.blogspot.com/2015/03/elevation-church-changes-code-under.html)among other things states: We are all about the numbers: Tracking metrics measures effectiveness. We unapologetically set goals and measure progress through all available quantitative means.  I don't even know where to begin to state how flawed this objective is, but I believe this is the most basic flaw in what the "vision" for this corporation...er... I mean church is. The effectiveness of a church has nothing to do with numbers.  It has everything to do with changed lives through repentance and acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior.  "By their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:16).  It has everything to do with becoming more like Christ every day in your walk through a Spirit filled life.  In fact, this preoccupation with numbers that we see not only at Elevation, but within many churches involved in today's church growth movement, directly contradicts Scripture, which says "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:14).  

So, if big numbers are your measuring stick, the Scripture clearly states that your numbers are probably wrong and only the product of mass manipulation leading to meaningless hand raising and card signing.  The true test of the churches' effectiveness both near and long term are changed lives and perseverance of those that confessed Christ as Savior.  One of the greatest expositors of our time, John MacArthur, has a great sermon on The Parable of the Sower (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VngdB9MvT5M), which explains what happens to the Word of God  (seed) when it hits different types of soil (conditions of the heart).  Elevation only cares about the moment and the number of hands that go up or the number that respond to a manipulative baptisms... This is looking at the rocky soil only and counting it as effective ministry.  The verse in Matthew 13:20-21 describes it this way "The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away."  If your stated goal is numbers only and needing people to move out of their seat to make way for more people to come and "experience", raise hands, sign cards, drop money and move on, then you cannot possibly claim any kind of effectiveness other than the fruits of a cleverly crafted business machine.

Mile Wide and an Inch Deep

I'm not going to delve too deeply into the Scripture twisting that goes on at Elevation.  Other commentators such as Chris Rosebrough have done excellent work in that arena and there is no need to rehash it.  Suffice to say, that the Scripture is treated as merely a tool to promote whatever agenda is on deck for that week and the "narcigesis" that goes on there is staggering.  In fact, some of the most egregious I have ever seen or heard, some of which borders on blasphemy.  I have heard entire passages twisted out of context to support a tithing drive, justify methodologies, to answer critics...  The teaching is intentionally "seeker friendly" and therefore not meant to move a Christian into a more mature state of spiritual existence.  In fact, when I volunteered there, many fellow staff/volunteers would look at me with glazed eyes when I quoted Scripture or started talking about a theological position...  Most are there to be entertained and to be seen at the "cool church."  I know so many people that attend that still live in abject sinfulness and think nothing of it.  I am talking about drunkenness, greed, divorce, premarital sex, adultery...while proudly displaying their Elevation sticker on their car.  The old saying is true. Going to church makes you no more a Christian than sitting in a car makes you a NASCAR driver.  Not everyone is that way obviously and every church has its share of pretenders, but I can honestly say of all the churches I have attended, and I have attended some much larger than Elevation, the people there are the most Biblically illiterate I have encountered and the callousness they exhibit toward trying to live a Christ-like life is appalling.  The most doleful thing is that many are completely oblivious to their sin because they have never experienced true repentance, which is the precursor to salvation.  It is integral to the Gospel message.

They are a mile wide and an inch deep.  Their "pastor" is anything but that.  He is a self-styled evangelist of sorts. Pastors are called to be shepherds.  Shepherds know their flock, care for them and retrieve those that stray. Furtick does not mingle with the flock, rather he remains aloof by design so as not to appear "ordinary." There is no such description of a pastor like that in the Bible.  He knows virtually none of the flock and boldly states he does not care if you ever come back to another sermon to be fed because he "needs your seat" to park someone else in to meet their numbers.  Is there any wonder that so many wander around lost at his church with only ephemeral feelings of joy after each service, but having no real connection to Jesus Christ?      

Cult or Not?

If you have made it this far I commend you.  You are thinking.  I have one motivation only in writing this and gain absolutely no satisfaction from criticizing Elevation Church.  In fact, I have much consternation about even adding my voice to the chorus at this point, but I feel like too many are being deceived and manipulated into a false sense of security by a fundamentally flawed methodology and a "pastor" that is the epitome of arrogance and narcissism.  My prayer is that he will repent and change direction and concern himself with true soul saving and not numbers. That is my motivation.  I have attempted to remain charitable yet stern.  After all, this is a matter of life and death spiritually.  There are wonderful churches in Charlotte and across this country and there are humble men of God who love people and conduct themselves without arrogance and pompousness. If you find yourself angered by this writing and feel the need to lash out against me or anyone else who criticizes Elevation, then you may seriously need to examine where you are in your walk because you should be defending Jesus Christ not some man-made marketing machine. 

So, do I believe that Elevation Church is a cult?  The answer is yes.  What I don't know is if it is intentional or an unintentional consequence of a very flawed vision and concomitant methodology.  If the vision is flawed, then it cannot have come from God and we may have part of our answer.  That begs the next question.  Is Steven Furtick a con man or a well-meaning Christian with an unfortunate ego problem resulting in a messiah complex rendering him too blind to see the error of his ways? Time will tell.  Of course no cult leader or cult member will admit to being such.  Denial is part and parcel to being a cult.  The cult mentality also has a self fulfilling prophecy component. When criticized, the immediate response is to say "see the devil is coming against us and we must defend our unity."  The only "unity" the Bible speaks of is the unity of believers and Christ. That is why people who come out of cults have to be deprogrammed.  The leader of the cult and the organization have become synonymous with God. The psychological trickery is subtle and treads a razor's edge in some cases, such is the case with Elevation. Notice how EVERYTHING is tied back to the brand.  Get baptized and come out of the pool sporting an elevation T-shirt.  Really?  You just made a public confession of your devotion to Christ, yet you are advertising Elevation!  

You may arrive at a different conclusion all together and I respect that.  I know people have had some good experiences at the church.  I know that some have changed lives and have truly accepted Christ's offer of eternal life. After all, the Word of God has power in and of itself and never goes out and comes back empty (Isaiah 55:11) regardless of the motivation of the speaker.

I love contemporary worship.  I love raising my hands and praising our Lord.  I have no problem with bringing a modern twist to things, but this "vision" goes much further than adding drums and lights to a service.  I have attended many churches over the years, everything from Baptist to Pentecostal.  I have seen legalism in some churches. I have seen fringe elements of the experiential Pentecostal/Charismatic movement that have concerned me, but nothing has troubled me more than what I have seen, and what is still developing, at Elevation Church.  We could be witnessing the development of the most dangerous religious movement of the last century.  God be with them.  I truly hope I am proven wrong.

Welcome to RIZE.  The idea behind this blog is simple.  Christians have good questions about their faith and non-Christians have equally good questions about the faith.  Here will be presented rational and reasonable answers to many of those questions: some theological, some philosophical, some political, some sociological and whatever else needs to be addressed. It will all be presented from an enangelical Christian world-view in a more conversational style rather than a scholarly style.  I will link to scholarly supporting articles when appropriate and use Scripture verses where needed.  This blog is written for inquisitive Christians and non-believers not for a seminary prof to grade. If you immediately dismiss a "Christian" viewpoint as ignorant and Draconian then you are the narrow minded one.  There are good answers to good questions by intelligent individuals who are not religious extremists, yet are firmly orthodox.  There are good answers to questions for those who really want an answer.  For those who really are not seeking an answer and who have already made up their minds seeking only an argument...go ahead and leave now.  Interaction is encouraged.  I will answer as long as the discussion remains civil.  If you cannot elucidate your point without profanity, ad-hominem attacks...and then support it with facts, then don't bother.  Intelligent people have different beliefs, all of which should be given equal weight until the light of research, fact, reason, rationality, logic... has shown those beliefs to be true or false, rational or irrational, reasonable or unreasonable, logical or illogical.  Who is this guy answering these questions you may ask?  I am a husband, father, Christian, Seminarian and aspiring Theologian.  I adhere to Systematic Theology.  My beliefs can be found within the doctrinal beliefs of any orthodox Southern Baptist church's doctrinal statement.   Glad you are here.  "Come, let us reason together."