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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.
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
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.
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.
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