This was a good fair critique with facts well presented. As Christians, we should not be offended by this. The journalist his just doing his job and holding us accountable. That’s also the Lord’s Work.

Furtick is Elevating his bank account.

The man works hard and earns every dime. His sermons are a blessing to many.

Steven Furtick received a Bachelor of Arts in communications, he knows what a gimmick is and he knows who to sell a 'product'. Jesus is not a brand, and shouldn't been worn as one. The pride of this man is not representative of what a godly Pastor should modeling for his sheep. He's no Shepard.

I'm so tired of these wolves. Chasing the luxuries of this life, pretending they are being blessed by God.

This church has grown immensely since this investigation. I think half my town belongs to the church. I would love for WCNC to do a follow up.

I suggest listening to Paul washer, Voddie Bauchem and David Wilkerson. All true men of God who preach the Bible

Jesus was right! The world surely loves it's own...

There should always be financial accountibility in churches. People that support the church with finances should be aware of where all funds are used.

These mega churches should be required to pay taxes just like any other business. Because that’s exactly what it is…a business!

It’s very clarear that Elevation doesn’t follow biblical guidelines. This is not Christianity people. “Give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt.” Juvenal

I delivered to Elevation Church years ago on Independence Blvd in Matthews. I saw some things inside the church that was a little weird. I immediately said to myself, this is a cult

When these evangelists refuse to discuss their earnings their followers should "fl ee to the hills!"

these mega churches are sickening, i speak from experience, we attended Lakewood Church for 15yrs until thank God we got out of it. Please people dont follow these wolves in sheeps clothing, also, S/F needs to get some clothes that really fit him instead of a couple sizes too small, i guess to look more muscular/fit - whatever, enough with all the rock star stuff, your not one.

I disagree with this report but it is just an opinion. I challenge all of you to listen to 3 of his sermons. Yes, 3 of them bc his delivery is unique and may not be what you are used to. That said, his content is incredibly saturated with the spirit. What he does with his own money from books people bought bc they wanted it not bc they were forced. Like him or not.. just be fair in your assessment and ill respect whatever conclusion you arrive at. God bless. Btw.. I live in TX and am not a member of Elevation.

His house was built on Earth, he has his reward. Hes as safe as Kenneth.

There is a difference in seeing the light and being blinded by the light!

I use some of elevations material in my cult awareness training... as examples of how people get coerced and manipulated.

I can’t or won’t judge only God can. I would like for my own ministry to be used by God foremost to point those in need of a savior to Jesus Christ and His soon coming. Secondly, I would like to establish a service to meet their needs from life challenges, based on Biblical principles. And it takes money!! In other words, ministries take money to take care of the flock and in my opinion if the flock isn’t being taken care of, that’s the bigger issue. My prayer for this situation is God’s will be done, who is fair and just to all. Blessings

Please tell me why its so bad for our pastor to have a nice home when he has given literally 10 x that amount to Charity but yet society worships celebrities that do absolutely nothing but live in homes 3x that amount. The truth for me is so easy to see if you actually look 😢

Furtick discovered that religion pays better than rock 'n' roll, plus has more tax breaks.

As a Christian I agree with the atheists who say it’s not fair. If all of the people in your church have to pay taxes, shouldn’t the pastors and elders of a church pay taxes? This is accountability and transparency, I can’t stand the church acting as a corporation, it’s not right and it’s not biblical.

you know what no one forces anyone to buy these books I recently purchased one and its been a great inspiration and tremendous blessing And I put Jesus first and foremost not Furtick

I don’t think pastors should take a vow of poverty but they shouldn’t live above the means of the average congregant. I know There is no way to enforce that

Mark 12:17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s (aka taxes) and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.

I've been a member of a 14,000 member mega church for about 20 years. Everything there is transparent. Senior pastor is hired using a pastor search committee, formed of members. All pastoral staff positions has to be voted on by the membership. All Deacons are voted in by the membership. The annual budget is printed for everyone to see, before it's voted on. Including payroll budget. Our church goes above and beyond to be fully transparent, hiding nothing.

WHEN a church is obviously no longer a church, meaning the worship of the Lord and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ is NOT the main priority? When it’s obviously a business only used to make certain people rich? Maybe they shouldn’t be tax exempt anymore.

May Steven Furtick have an authentic experience of knowing Jesus Christ(the suffering servant).🙏

Pastors, remember this one truth; 'We must ALL appear before the judgement seat of Christ!' In that day, you will be without excuse and your situation will be without remedy.'It's sad how much harm Pastors such as Furtick and Young are bringing to the church. However, there's a judgement coming.

God has blessed him and will continue to bless him because he’s preaching His word.❤

This was posted 8 years ago. In the intervening time Elevation Church has continued to grow at a remarkable rate. They give away 12% of their tithes and offerings. They have small groups (or more) in every state and 120 or so countries. I could go on and on, mentioning the hundreds of baptisms performed annually and much more. Pastor Furtick has written several books along with hundreds of songs. He has an idependent income that he has no need to apologize for and can do what he wants to with. The Bible says it's by the fruit that we know people. Obviously there is much much good fruit here.

steven furtick is an amazing man. He brings people closer to God and is making the world a better place. Haters gonna hate though I suppose

It's not about how much money he has its about what he's preaching

Had to go halfway across the country to find a radio host that has issues with furtick. Interesting.

Oh wow. Thats right. That IS money changing. One of the one and only times Jesus actually showed holy anger. Sad...

1.7 million isn't that much on a custom house with land. People should read the Bible. Some very rich men are in there. Abraham, David, Solomon...etc. God has no problem with money, just those who love it.

They worship the pastor, not god.

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." 2nd Peter 2:1-2

If they only knew that he gave up his house in order to even start the church originally you don’t see anyone willing to do the same so I feel whether he got the money through church or not he deserves every bit of what God has blessed him. Guys need to mind your business if he is still serving the community and doing what he needs to do I don’t see where the problem is.

I like how he preaches, I mean don't get me wrong, he is making a ton of money but if he helps people then really what does it hurt, he's the only one who knows if he is doing the correct things with his money. He is the only one who will have to answer to God oneday 💔 I pray he is doing right ❤

I think people need to be more concerned with their own house of cards instead of someone else's, in this case Pastor Furtick's. I will guarantee everyone has shaky foundational cards in their personal and family lives but because everyone is so enthralled in trying to correct someone else's house of cards because of jealousy their own house of cards fall on them. Ever stop to think to kick out that sin of jealousy and just maybe God might open up that door of blessing on your life, something is always blocking that door but everyone gets mad and jealous at somebody else when that person turns things over to the Lord and then the Lord turns beauty from ashes. Don't you all know that the Lord wants the same in your life too? Just a thought not a sermon.

The point is this.... why do they do what they do in darkness? Look at what Jesus said about darkness in John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. These "pastors" love darkness... and Jesus' very words indict them.

Excellent news special! Epic 👏👏👏👏

1 Timothy 5:18 Amplified Bible 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating],” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation].” Enjoy your well deserved crib(house)Pastor sreven and Holly....God loves you and so do i.....PETERCHILDGOD

Does he preach Jesus Christ Crucified and Resurrected? Does he preach The Cross? Does he preach the strait path and narrow gate? Does he preach The Blood? Does he preach God the same yesterday today and tomorrow? Beware of preaching the contains new age ways to salvation, because salvation only comes one way it has never changed and never will. 1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

If we are biblical the only judge is GOD not us! If being apart of the church blesses you and you choose to exercise the principle of tithing that’s a personal choice and God will recognise and bless that act on a personal basis. The bible doesn’t say Christian’s have to be poor he blessed many people of God with wealth. If any Pastor has bad intentions that’s a matter of the heart, God sees what people don’t, the heart that’s y only God can judge. I personally feel if I speak against a religious leader I will have to answer to God about that, and I rather not put myself in that position. Do Pastors have to answer to us or God? Are Pastors humans too? Don’t they make mistakes and only those without sin themselves should cast the first stone. Abusing your position as a leader comes with more repercussions than us, so if we have faith in God should we not leave it to God and not try to dethrone God by taking his rightful place to judge.

Birds have nests, foxes have dens, but The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. I came across Furtick over a decade a go. He was a 26 year old senior pastor of a Mega Church. He was getting criticized back then and he posted a KZfaq video that was so arrogant and immature. . .sadly I can't find it.

Good report Wcnc Newsroom

So we're the judges now. Things aren't always as they seen. If you really did some research, most often the home is given to the Pastor, but when a Pastor wants to buy his own house, there's an issue and he's judged before knowing the facts. It sounds familiar, doesn't it!

Something to think about..... Why is the church is so secretive about its financial situation? Why threaten the volunteers and members with lawsuits if they speak out? Just saying....

In fairness to Furtick, $1.7 million is pretty conservative for a mega church preacher. You should see Joyce Meyer’s house.

Here we go again...:( So sad. Will we ever learn.

I loved Pastor Steve since COVID. However I just seen him in a 500$ sweatshirt so I went down a rabbit hole. And landed here.

if Steven preched on how wicked and sinful we are and are deserving of hell. Also preaching the truth about sexual immorality then this church wouldn't be so popular. Never in the history of the church of Christ has sexual immorality and homosexuality been accepted the way it is by christians and the church. wherever you see a great amount of people gathered that way in this generation than there's something to draw them besides the truth of Gods word. it's more entertainment

Time to put a limit on exemption.This has to stop

This is none of non church members business. We are accountable to God not non Christians. Let the members of the church sort out their own business.

If I was tithing at this church I would want to know what his yearly salary is.And as a tithe payer i think I have the the right to know.

ALL a bunch of evil hypocrites! So what I am hearing is because he's not suffering and hes gaining money off of the books that he sells he is evil? I don't even know the man but this is so messed up how many people are collaboratively coming together to find something to demonise this man for because he good at what he does. Also, shouldn't be in invasion of privacy that ask for people's account information because you don't think they should have the money that they have? Why be mad that you don't know how much money is going in-and-out of Stephen's pocket or the church? It's not your business! If some stranger off the street ask you to look in your wallet and show him your Cheque book so we could see how your spending your money would you give that stranger your wallet? NO! I would like to see them put the same energy into the top 1% of the world that are systematiclly robbing people for only the purpose of their own personal gain and without giving ANYTHING back. They don't do that though because those people have so much money they could destroy these people and take their jobs without even being seen. Where is that same energy? These religious men that claim to be Christian know good and well that if they had the same support they would not complain. They don't look like their suffering for Christ sitting in their middle class homes toasting to their friends and the other one behind his nice cosy little homemade office. How come they didn't tell us how much their homes cost? How much are their assets while they talking about this other pastor? Being poor in suffering does not mean that your holy! Next thing you know they will be saying Joseph, David and Solomon were evil because they were kings and high ranking officials. The Bible calls them men of God and they had money. Plus people gave them gifts to show graciousness. They were rich; however, they were obviously labelled men of God in The Bible alongside people like the disciples that did not have a whole Kingdom of followers. Also, suffering extends outside of being poor or rich. Read The Bible yourself if you want to compare.🤷🏾‍♀️ This is shameful prejudiced persecution against men of God that they do not want to be successful. They need to focus on their day job. In the so called religious men need to repent their hypocrisy. This is just sad! P.S. Ask the top 1% how much there getting taxed? This man is not even close to being as riche as them however your mad because his churches aren't being taxed? Lol

The Word of Faith, the Emergent church, the Elevation church, Hillsong or whatever they call themselves nowadays....if their so-called pastors, evangelists, preachers or whatever they are called, were to preach on salvation, repentance, hell, wickedness, sin, then I can assure you they won't have big mega-churches like this. But they choose to preach ear-tickling sermons, won't call sin by it's name, won't preach against homosexual abomination, won't preach on hell, damnation and wickedness because they will offend and lose members and thereby the money flow will become a trickle. These churches are no longer what God intended them to be...a place to save souls, but rather it has become businesses where Jesus is no longer Lord of all. It is all about the celebrity-pastors and how much mammon they can earn.

Wow, I look at him so different 😢

23:00 Church doesn't have to tell you anything. God already knows everything. If he's in the wrong, God will deal with him. Also, God gave him the ability to create wealth. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

7 bathrooms? that's a shit ton of Comet....just sayin....

21:55 AC/DC Songs?

Absolutely disgusting. JESUS rebuke Steven and all those who are accountable who attend there. What a mess

He elevated himself and cash is his God !

How is it that the atheist is more honorable and ethical than the pastor? Greedy men of corrupt minds supposing the gospel is a means of gain, the Bible says.

lol the "Jumper Drive Trust"... Does no one get that pun?? Furtick is laughing all the way to the bank.

Galatians 1:6-9King James Version (KJV) 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

I don't see how it is anyone's business how much money another person has really.

Just look at him, who could fall for this nonsense

There's a lack of transparency in selfishness in every false teacher in the prosperity gospel nowadays.

I dont see how this is a story. He gave money from the books. He made money from his books. The bible doesnt bash job or abraham or soloman for being wealthy. They probably wouldnt be satisfied until he and his family live in a tent and skateboard everywhere

What the heck they said he's generous to the church what does that supposed to mean?

This is disgusting there are people struggling, and hungry and living on the streets. He will answer to God for this abuse of these funds

Yet no one has a problem with the sinner's profitting and building multi million dollar homes. Pastor Steven has worked hard in his life not only worked but worked to glorify God. As Christians we are to love that is all. So do not recite the word without obeying the whole word. Those who condemn are the ones who have fooled themselves. Those who are not Christian, we pray for and love them to Christ. If we spent more time focused on the will of God, we wouldnt have time to focus on condemning the world. Choose your mountains wisely friends.

It's all about the money with these mega-churches and pastors. For them to live like rock-stars....and become untouchable!!

Matthew 16:26 KJV For what is a man profited, it he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Chris always gets it spot on for sure.

This video is on point.

Actually, "In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." Chill broskis.

This guy is very obvious to me and we should know what we're looking at.

Youse are all wrong for trying to tear down this man of God he's a great pastor. Smh why do you push on a man who gave his life to God??? What are you getting out of coming after God's men

He isn't living above his means so idk. Seems like he helps a lot of people maybe he uses the home to help.

They care about the money

What have we come to people my pastor Steven Furtick has a right to have a home like you do. I know what is behinde the scenes. He's not a bad guy. I am a elevator! An proud. He is anointed. I am a volunteer at our church elevation 'Nuff said. Your opinions I know my facts. And also the funny thing is these reporters go to our church.

I don't know about Stephen Ferdic but Housing allowance is not tax free--he still must pay taxes but not as much but it will be alot for $250,000. So this news station got it wrong or is not honest.

Secularists only get mad when pastors buy big houses, but anyone else its okay? God never said don't be rich, in fact the story of Job shows God's way of blessing someone can be with earlthy riches. We were made to thrive

This was a non story! NBC is an embarrassment! They say his home cost millions and then admit they were lying to make it sound worse. $1.7 Million is not millions. In fact, it is not even that much of a home for a guy that has accomplished as much and contributed as much to people and charities as Steven has. It is too bad they could not find any one that people actually know and respect to join in on their hit piece. NBC is the worst of the worst. People who have any sense at all would never slow down their giving based on the garbage mentioned in this story!

Listen, I don’t support this Pastor and I wouldn’t encourage what he’s doing but to use the money changer scripture as a reason to go after him is just using the scripture out of context, learn in the Bible before you start attacking elders also understand what the Bible says about attacking elders. I can see the loss doing this, but other people calling themselves Christians have no business being in the press fighting against another pastor in the church.

Wow...I don't even go to that church and I can see a bunch of haters. Everyone is judge sooner or later by God. Don't hate another person for what he has or what he is doing. Worry about yourself and what you are doing; for one day you will be judge and on that day I prey that he does not look at your hate for another person and what he is doing. In other words, keep your eyes on yourself and stop preaching hate. Steven, keep on what you are doing because haters will be haters.

William Cook, you speak against someone you've never heard speak? I could go run with that, all kinds of different places, I could get into my testimony, how I've left my miserable past behind me, how Elevation church has been an integral part of my reconnecting again with the world, about how I have agoraphobia but for the last 3 weeks in a row I have ventured out on Sunday morning to attend church - this church. I could do all that but you won't hear any of it because you've already made up your closed mind. He's calling a VERY LOST, WARPED generation to a life of morality, service, and get-your-act-together behavior. Yeah, what an awful guy. If he can pull that off, with God's help, I say he's worth every penny and more. The world around us, our own country, is going down the toilet, he's trying to make a difference, and all the naysayers can pull from it is....MONEY ISSUES. Figures. Well, news flash, he won't ever stop. He will fight. I wont ever stop. I will fight. People I've never even met yet at Elevation bc of my condition, but I know they wont stop. They will fight. So carry on, sir, carry on. Because that's what you're doing - carrying on. One more thing, all us kool aid drinking sheep know he's pulling in some cash. We still give. Because we believe in his mission to fulfill God's mission. I encourage you to attend one service and then REPLY. If you can't at least do that before coming back at me, then don't bother because you can make no point if you only see and hear one side of a story from an "investigative reporter" looking for his next story, a breaking story, that just might save his years-long career or maybe get him some gig attention himself.

I used to like to watch Ed Young, Sr., but like Charles Stanley, at least one of their sons went into another direction.

THEY GAVE 1O MILLION to the community...what is the tax payer getting? You get a bunch of homeless and hungry people fed, you get a bunch of people who would participate in crime, rob you for food, able to go to the place that received money. No one said that you or I would directly benefit.

These people are being conned

Oh, I almost forgot, 22 people got saved last week and each week I've been there I've seen multiple baptisms happening. I saw people all around me moved to ACTION and COMPASSION. I haven't EVER seen that happen in any other church I've ever attended in my 48 year life. So, yeah, you got that wrong, too.

If I don’t give, if I don’t buy; I don’t say anything.

this is so stupid, if rappers who make money off of treating women like animals, talking about violence and gang banging can buy million dollar homes, id prefer the man who has brought a church like elevation to the public and who donates millions of dollars a year to have an even bigger home than what he already has.

Jesus was known as a "man of no reputation" He wasn't wanting glory from man He only saught to obey His Father.He had no permanent home!! He NEVER BUILT HIMSELF A MANSION ON EARTH HE KNEW HIS MANSION WAS IN HEAVEN WITH GOD THE FATHER!! This is soo wrong for ANY pastor to live in disgusting luxury!! That kind of lifestyle is NOT OF GOD!! Stephen Furtick shows no evidence of being humble anymore! Generosity doesn't make up for his extravagance!!

It’s wrong these people don’t pay taxes when they are making this kind of money

Having money is NOT sin. Jealousy is. Envy is.