Elevation church?

[Bcs90]

Just wondering if anyone is familiar with this church or pastor Steven Furtick?
I would say I'm relatively a new christian, raised christian but never seeking faith until recently.
I have been listening to their church's podcast on spotify a lot. I really enjoy it, the message is very positive and uplifting but I read there was a little bit of "controversy" regarding this church and how the funds were/are being used?

 

[timewerx]

Being positive and uplifting can be a very subjective matter and can't actually be used to evaluate a church's ability to preach the Gospel.

Most of the Jews did not find Christ's teachings positive and uplifting, they rather hated it so much they crucified Him.

Even Jesus at one point had a huge gathering but lost most of them - most of the listeners can't handle Christ's teachings and found them intolerable.

 

[Bcs90]

thanks but that doesnt help me much lol.
thats kinda why i made the thread to ask to find out if this church preaches the true gospel and isnt doing it for material things/money.

 

[AWorkInProgress]

Just wondering if anyone is familiar with this church or pastor Steven Furtick?
I would say I'm relatively a new christian, raised christian but never seeking faith until recently.
I have been listening to their church's podcast on spotify a lot. I really enjoy it, the message is very positive and uplifting but I read there was a little bit of "controversy" regarding this church and how the funds were/are being used?

Honestly you know more than me. I checked out his website, and his beliefs statement is sound. On the surface everything looks in it's place. I did find the article about Furtick hiding his fortune and problems with transparency.

The only other thing I found was John MacArthur's(a well known expository preacher) was asked one word association and Steven Furtick's name came up. He took a moment and said "Disqualified". Article below;
Unqualified, Not Unworthy

The main concern was his focus on himself and not what scripture says.

Bcs90, it seems you are on a healthy path. The Lord is given you discernment and he will guide you. Even when we screw up and fall into bad teaching do to listening to our selfish desires(*raises hand*), true child of God will be lead out of darkness by Christ. We are His workmanship and he leads us where we need to grow. Sometimes the path is not so easily clear at first, but He will guide your paths.

 

[Bcs90]

Honestly you know more than me. I checked out his website, and his beliefs statement is sound. On the surface everything looks in it's place. I did find the article about Furtick hiding his fortune and problems with transparency.

The only other thing I found was John MacArthur's(a well known expository preacher) was asked one word association and Steven Furtick's name came up. He took a moment and said "Disqualified". Article below;
Unqualified, Not Unworthy

The main concern was his focus on himself and not what scripture says.

Bcs90, it seems you are on a healthy path. The Lord is given you discernment and he will guide you. Even when we screw up and fall into bad teaching do to listening to our selfish desires(*raises hand*), true child of God will be lead out of darkness by Christ. We are His workmanship and he leads us where we need to grow. Sometimes the path is not so easily clear at first, but He will guide your paths.

Thanks so you are saying he is maybe not qualified and I should avoid just incase? Man I really like the convenience of their podcasts. I work nights and am alone so wear my earbuds and get comfort out of feeling I am part of church and God's house and word through my ears in a sense wherever and whenever especially work so the stress, loneliness or boredom doesn't allow a place for bad thoughts to breed and the devil to play.

Like you said, I feel his overall message is good on the surface, but since I've read a few of those things it's hard to shake off when I'm listening. But can I judge him? Am I really to expect him to be a perfect human being?

 

[timewerx]

The only other thing I found was John MacArthur's(a well known expository preacher) was asked one word association and Steven Furtick's name came up. He took a moment and said "Disqualified". Article below;
Unqualified, Not Unworthy.

If this is true, then he might indeed be unqualified.

At the very least, the things he teach are unbiblical.

 

[timewerx]

Like you said, I feel his overall message is good on the surface, but since I've read a few of those things it's hard to shake off when I'm listening. But can I judge him? Am I really to expect him to be a perfect human being?

It's probably safe to say that nobody is perfect, but some are worse than others.

You're not judging, you are merely questioning, scrutinizing, etc.....And that's okay...

We're supposed to be questioning indeed because we don't want to end up with false teachers. We must avoid them.

 

[Daniel9v9]

Furtick is a very talented speaker and a great communicator to young adults of this generation! On paper, Elevation Church holds to all elementary Christian beliefs in the Reformed tradition, but in practice, their teaching is problematic. Most of their messages are centred around the idea that we ought to read ourselves into the Bible and then come up with steps to overcome whatever struggles we have. It's more like self-help and less about God's Law and Gospel. This has regrettably become a very popular way of doing exegesis in our day, but it's not a very good way of handling God's Word.

For example, if we read the story of David and Goliath and only take away the notion of "What's the 'Goliath' in my life that I need to overcome in order to be successful?", that's very revealing of our faith and teaching, in that it's all about "me", the individual, and not about Christ and God's grace for us. All of Scripture is about Christ, not about us - not directly. We can know this, because Jesus plainly said so (cf. Luke 24:27, Luke 24:44, Matthew 5:17, John 20:30-31) If we want to insert ourselves into this particular story of David in line with its proper historical narrative and theological meaning (its fulfilment in Christ), then we wouldn't be David but the frightened Israelites, helpless to save ourselves, only to be saved by the humble shepherd David, which is foreshadowing Christ. In other words, this story is not about what I need to do in order to "live better" for God, or how to overcome broken relationships, or get a promotion etc. That would be a poor and erroneous application of the text. It's about God's grace for us, through His Son, the person and works of Jesus Christ.

Here's a simple test you can do: If you learn more about the person speaking than you do about Jesus, it's (1) not a good sermon and (2) the church is not doing what it's called to do, which is to proclaim the Gospel and speak and explain the Word of God in all its fullness. It's not about whatever steps I need to do in order to "position myself for success" etc. Only when we learn about God's Word in its proper and full sense do we get real application, faith and trust in God. Look for these things and you'll do well.

Blessings!

 

[FutureAndAHope]

Just wondering if anyone is familiar with this church or pastor Steven Furtick?
I would say I'm relatively a new christian, raised christian but never seeking faith until recently.
I have been listening to their church's podcast on spotify a lot. I really enjoy it, the message is very positive and uplifting but I read there was a little bit of "controversy" regarding this church and how the funds were/are being used?

As a new christian I guess the issue is that you have not yet learned a lot about scripture, so fear you will make a wrong decision.

The reality is as you spend time with God in prayer, and bible reading you will learn more about God. I would say go to a church you like, may be the one you mentioned. Listen to their teaching, but check it yourself, in the bible and through study. This does not need to be an in depth study of every sermon, rather over time you will grow in knowledge, you will then be in a better position to make a judgment.

I find it is hard to trust opinions on Pastors for you will always find some one who disagrees with some point of their ministry, and yes there a Websites, that pull down ministries. Even some who are well recognised have a habit of trashing the name of other churches. This does not make them right.

Just enjoy your walk with God, and learn as you go.

 

[ajcarey]

Steven Furtick's Elevation Church is closer to circus or a rock concert than it is to a New Testament Church. He preaches/teaches a man-centered prosperity gospel. And overall he is loved by the ungodly world, as proven by the fact that he is on Oprah Winfrey's Top 100 list of Super Soul Influencers (along with a vast amount of other heretics- Winfrey herself has strong New Age tendencies to her ungodly spirituality). Furtick did not renounce this praise like he ought to have, but embraced and celebrated it- because he is a friend of the world who is using "ministry" to get rich and famous. If he was faithful, or even close to faithful to God's Word, this would obviously not be happening. I'd say that he is a wolf in sheep's clothing, but really his sheep disguise is pathetic and it doesn't take much discernment to see through it (not meant to be an insult, you just need to spend a lot of time in Scripture and be all the more prayerful and vigilant in trying preachers you hear on whether they are of God- I was a babe in Christ once with almost zero spiritual discernment, so I don't despise you).

Also notice how he speaks and how he keeps his audience hanging on his every word through a fleshly display of oratory charisma and hype. His audience is driven by this; and he in turn is driven by their applause. When the Apostle Paul spoke of how he didn't preach the gospel with wisdom of words lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect, this is the type thing he was alluding to. Furtick's method, in addition to his message, is humanistic and sensual to the core. You should flee this blind leader of the blind lest he lead you into hell. Totally serious.

Remember too that a faithful Shepherd will smite a wolf who is pretending to be a sheep- and those who don't see through the pretense will think the Shepherd is being cruel. Please reconsider and look at the evidence some are here bringing before you to know that this (very mild) smiting is totally called for and that this man is actually dangerous.

1 John 4:1-6: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." (us in vs 6= Christ's Apostles)

 

[Bcs90]

So do you guys have any recommendations of Christian audio/podcasts that I CAN trust? I like the idea of being able to listen to sermons through my earbuds at anytime and be doing other stuff with my eyes/hands. I was listening to elevation church almost every night at work as I work alone but now don't know what to do or who to trust haha.

On spotify I found another podcast yesterday, not sure how they check out. It's called "The Bible Project" with Tim Mackie and Jon Collins.

 

[Heavenhome]

I have seen Steve Furtick and would stay clear of him.
When I first saw him he was dressed as a "cool dude" tatty t shirt etc and he just didn't sit right. I checked him out on Google and there was his big mansion, cars etc yet another high living tv preacher and showman who is up there to entertain and attract followers to himself.
I can't reconcile Jesus and how he taught all the while being humble and this guy- EVER

I would recommend John MacArthur's Grace to You website where you can get straight from the Bible preaching. That is what I like Gods Word alone being taught without any gimmicks. There are thousands of sermons you can listen to and it is all available freely.

For someone in the US or Canada they often have a book booklet they will also send to you free of charge.
Counts me out as I'm in Australia but I so appreciate this ministry.
I hope that you will check it out, I highly recommend it and I appreciate your asking your question.
God bless you

 

[Redwingfan9]

Any church with a name as marketed as "elevation church" is likely the sort of place that tickles the ears rather than preach the gospel. I'm very weary of marketed churches.

 

[Bcs90]

Any church with a name as marketed as "elevation church" is likely the sort of place that tickles the ears rather than preach the gospel. I'm very weary of marketed churches.

He sounds so convincing in his sermons, you think it's just acting? Like how can he be a son of God and you people Sons of God and he be a wolf in sheep's fur that can't be trusted at the same time?
I just don't understand...
Like is he a Christian and knows God but sinning unconsciously? Or does he not believe in the gospel at all and consciously acting it all out?
It puzzles me..

And also there are plenty of "Christians" who seem to be worse than him and aren't called "Wolves".. Or are we not talking about whether or not he's a christian or good one and just holding him to a higher standard since he's a preacher?

 

[Redwingfan9]

He sounds so convincing in his sermons, you think it's just acting? Like how can he be a son of God and you people Sons of God and he be a wolf in sheep's fur that can't be trusted at the same time?
I just don't understand...
Like is he a Christian and knows God but sinning unconsciously? Or does he not believe in the gospel at all and consciously acting it all out?
It puzzles me..

And also there are plenty of "Christians" who seem to be worse than him and aren't called "Wolves".. Or are we not talking about whether or not he's a christian or good one and just holding him to a higher standard since he's a preacher?

Lots of people are really good speakers and can sound very convincing and persuasive when they speak. Adolph Hitler was from all accounts a phenomenal speaker who was very persuasive in his speeches. He knew what people wanted to hear and how to deliver it. I am not in any wise suggesting that the pastor of that church is Hitler, I'm merely using him as an example of someone leading people astray with convincing speech.

At the end of the day scripture must prove whether or not a pastor's sermon is Biblical. It doesn't work the other way around, he doesn't prove scripture. You have to take what a pastor says and compare it to what God's word says. That means you have to be diligent in studying his word and studying theology. Some sermons sound very nice and Biblical but when you compare what was preached to God's word you may realize there are subtle differences, sometimes they're even glaring. It's always important to study God's word after church to see if the sermon was accurate. My advice to you is to get into the habit of doing that and in the habit of studying theology. You don't have to be the world's best theologian, you just need a passing knowledge of basic doctrine.

 

[AWorkInProgress]

Thanks so you are saying he is maybe not qualified and I should avoid just incase? Man I really like the convenience of their podcasts. I work nights and am alone so wear my earbuds and get comfort out of feeling I am part of church and God's house and word through my ears in a sense wherever and whenever especially work so the stress, loneliness or boredom doesn't allow a place for bad thoughts to breed and the devil to play.

Like you said, I feel his overall message is good on the surface, but since I've read a few of those things it's hard to shake off when I'm listening. But can I judge him? Am I really to expect him to be a perfect human being?

I hear ya with the podcast thing. I was part of a small church, so no one else really had a gift for running the projector for Sunday services. So I was always in the tech booth. So I really couldn't consume the message from the pastor as though I was a guest. Since I moved to AZ, I helped my mother in law with her cleaning business. So on Sunday nights cleaning with my beloved Mother in law, I would listen to a message while sweeping the tile and vacuuming. Times where I had to stop what I was doing and talk it out with the Lord, other times I would be in tears, then hide it from the others. I learned more outside of the church than in it lol

Brother I am not going to tell you what to do in your walk. You asked a question that was haunting you, now you know there might be something up with the shepard over you. Christinity can be very complicated and it can at times cause serious trust issues. I just want you to encourage you to keep listening to your intuitation. Slowly the peices of the puzzle will come together and the Lord will guide you thru it.

 

[godhasmynumber]

thanks but that doesnt help me much lol.
thats kinda why i made the thread to ask to find out if this church preaches the true gospel and isnt doing it for material things/money.

look up this CHURCH on U TUBE as well as any OTHER church u wish 2 attend. UPLIFTING does NOT mean it is of God AT ALL.

 

[Bcs90]

thanks guys. I'm not listening to elevation church. listening to a podcast called "the bible project" now, it is more theology based I think.

 

[Hammster]

So do you guys have any recommendations of Christian audio/podcasts that I CAN trust? I like the idea of being able to listen to sermons through my earbuds at anytime and be doing other stuff with my eyes/hands. I was listening to elevation church almost every night at work as I work alone but now don't know what to do or who to trust haha.

On spotify I found another podcast yesterday, not sure how they check out. It's called "The Bible Project" with Tim Mackie and Jon Collins.

Wretched Radio. Core Christianity.

Those are two of the ones I listen to that I think will help you where you are.