Steven Furtick

Steven Furtick is an American pastor, songwriter, and author who founded Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2006. As the lead pastor, he has grown the church into a multi-campus network drawing tens of thousands of attendees each weekend. He is also a key figure behind Elevation Worship, the church's music collective, whose songs like "O Come to the Altar" and "Graves into Gardens" have become global worship anthems.

Furtick's influence extends through his best-selling books, including Sun Stand Still and (Un)Qualified, and his high-energy, media-savvy preaching style. His sermons frequently go viral on social media, and he leads the annual Elevation Nights Tour, which combines his teaching with live worship. In 2026, he earned 11 GMA Dove Award nominations, underscoring his impact on contemporary Christian music. [edit]

Steven Furtick grew up in Moncks Corner, a small town in South Carolina's Lowcountry. Raised in a modest household, he was active in his local church from a young age. After high school, he attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, earning a Master of Divinity degree. During seminary, he served as a youth pastor, which sharpened his preaching skills and deepened his sense of calling.

In 2006, at age 26, Furtick felt a clear call to plant a new church. He moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, with a small group of families. The first service took place in a middle school, with around 121 people in attendance. That humble beginning set the stage for what would become one of the fastest-growing churches in America. [edit]

Elevation Church exploded in growth after its 2006 launch, quickly expanding to multiple campuses across the Charlotte metro area. By 2010, Furtick had published his first book, Sun Stand Still, which became a New York Times bestseller. He followed with Greater (2012), Crash the Chatterbox (2014), and (Un)Qualified (2016).

In 2015, Elevation Worship released "O Come to the Altar," which became a church staple. The group's 2020 hit "Graves into Gardens" topped charts worldwide. Furtick launched the Elevation Nights Tour in 2022, pairing his sermons with live worship. The tour returned for its fifth year in February 2026, playing venues like T-Mobile Center and Hershey Park Arena.

In 2026, Furtick earned 11 GMA Dove Award nominations, placing him among the top nominees alongside Phil Wickham and CeCe Winans. That same year, Elevation Church announced Elevation College, a new educational venture launching in the fall. [edit]

Furtick is known for his polished, media-savvy approach to ministry, blending practical teaching with high-energy delivery. His signature style mixes humor, urgency, and relatable storytelling. High-production sermon videos and viral social media clips define his content. Critics have questioned his methods, especially around finances and denominational ties, but supporters point to his church's growth and message impact. [edit]

Steven Furtick commands a congregation that functions less like a traditional fanbase and more like a global ministry network. His supporters, often identified simply as members of Elevation Church or fans of Elevation Worship, gather for high-production worship concerts rather than decentralized fan conventions. There is no official moniker for his followers, and the community structure remains top-down, centered on sermons and church initiatives rather than fan-driven campaigns or viral rituals. Despite this lack of pop-culture fandom labels, Furtick's reach extends far beyond Charlotte. He currently holds the 23rd most famous person in Pastors ranking according to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, a position he has held steady through recent cycles. This placement reflects a scale of influence measured across media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide. While his audience engages deeply with theological content and tour events like the annual Elevation Nights Tour, they do not organize chart pushes or subway advertisements typical of secular celebrities. The narrative around him has shifted recently to include broader cultural debates, highlighted by public critiques from figures like Charlie Kirk in late 2025. Yet, his core identity remains rooted in the rapid expansion of his multi-campus church and the enduring popularity of its music collective.[edit]

Born Larry Stevens Furtick Jr., the pastor always went by Steven and founded Elevation Church at age 26 in a middle school gymnasium. His dual role as both lead pastor and primary songwriter sets him apart in modern evangelicalism. Viewers frequently tune into his "Basin" sermon series on YouTube, where he dissects scripture with deep focus. His titles are designed to grab attention immediately, such as "God Gave You Permission To Quit (This)" and "Move It To The Middle." Recent lore surrounding Furtick includes the notable conflict when conservative commentator Charlie Kirk called him out in September 2025, shifting the conversation from purely religious topics to political critique. Another defining moment occurred in March 2026 when Furtick and Elevation secured Dove Award nominations, cementing their status in Christian music history. Stories also circulate about the paradoxical growth of his ministry; while new campuses opened in late 2025 and early 2026, reports indicate a simultaneous dip in tithes and attendance, creating a unique chapter in megachurch management history.[edit]

Steven married Holly Furtick in 2005, and she co-leads with him at Elevation Church, appearing in sermon series. They have three children: Elijah, Graham, and Abigail. The family lives in the Charlotte area. Furtick often speaks about family in his sermons, and Holly's partnership is a visible part of his ministry. [edit]

Steven Furtick is closely associated with his wife Holly Furtick, who co-leads Elevation Church. He works with the music collective Elevation Worship, and his sermons often feature collaborations with other worship leaders. He has been publicly criticized by political commentator Charlie Kirk, and he is frequently grouped with contemporary Christian artists like Phil Wickham and CeCe Winans in award contexts. [edit]

Steven Furtick married Holly Furtick in 2005, after meeting during their college years. Holly is actively involved in Elevation Church's ministry, co-leading with Steven and appearing in sermon content. Together they have three children: Elijah, Graham, and Abigail. Their marriage has been a public part of Furtick's platform, with the couple often speaking about family and relationships in sermons. As of 2026, they remain married, with no reports of separation or divorce. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Steven Furtick's net worth at $10 Million as of 2026. This figure aggregates revenue from his pastoral salary at Elevation Church, royalties generated by four best-selling books including New York Times titles, and earnings from Elevation Worship's global music catalog. Additional income flows from the fifth annual Elevation Nights Tour, which fills arenas nationwide. Although recent reports suggest tithes have dipped within the multi-campus network, the combination of book sales, music distribution, and live event ticket revenue sustains significant financial output. The tour continues to expand its footprint, adding stops in major markets while maintaining its high-energy format.[edit]

Steven Furtick has received 11 GMA Dove Award nominations for the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards in 2026, making him one of the top nominees. While specific wins are not detailed in available sources, his nominations span categories like Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year for tracks like "O Come to the Altar." [edit]