Starting Sunday, Elevation Church will be in six locations -- including, for the first time, Rock Hill and University City.
The two new satellite sites for the fast-growing Southern Baptist church:
- Northwestern High School, 2503 W. Main St., in Rock Hill, S.C.
- YMCA University City, 8100 Old Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte.
Sunday services at both will begin at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Live worship teams will be at all six sites every Sunday. And Pastor Steven Furtick's sermon will either be delivered in person or shown live on a big screen, via simulcast technology.
Besides the new sites, the church's four current ones are at Blakeney and Matthews and, on Sundays only, at Providence High School and McGlohon Theatre in uptown Charlotte.
Elevation had earlier announced that its University City site would be Vance High School. But that was premature, said Elevation spokeswoman Tonia Bendickson. "The YMCA turns out to be a better location for us than Vance," she said in an email. "We're super-excited about it!"
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54 comments:
.......and that's just that many more folks who can have that sticker on their car!
I'm not a Southern Baptist, but "good for them!"
Are they an official cult yet?
Time for churches to lose their tax-free status.
Live worship teams....just like in the Bible
Knock it all you want, but Elevation is doing great things in Charlotte.
The article is incorrect. Elevation is not a southern baptist church. Its not affiliated with any defined faith.
Are the simulcast screenings in HD? Cause it would be pretty cool to see Brotha' Fred....oops, I mean Pastor Steve in HD.
signed,
super-excited in uptown
i love me some elevation. haters can suck it! elevators rule this town people need to stop being so jealous!
when was the last time Pastor Steve talked about the soon coming of Jesus?
This guy is killing it. He drive's an $80,000 Mecerdes, and the two times I've been to his service he has showed pictures of himself on mission trips wearing nothing but "True Religion" clothing. To feed malnourished children in a third world country he needs to wear at least $400 worth of clothing! How much are they charging for those stickers?!?!?
@anonymous 4:05 I really hope and pray that you're not indicative of most people that go to Elevation because that would be very discouraging. I've seen some others like you that go to Elevation that post on articles having to do with them though so I'm not too hopeful.
Have the "elevators" already started demonizing outsiders?
"Haters", eh?
Sounds like the cult is coming along quite nicely.
So, when are y'all planning to build the "compound"?
This is a scary "cult like" church. I went once and never again.
Just curious, but who is Steven Furtick accountable to if he's not affiliated to any denomination or church? Himself? Also, what happens if something drastic ever happens to Mr. Furtick? Will all these churches survive? Been in Charlotte and have been watching them grow, grow, grow ... but I have this gut feeling that the people love him so much they would be lost without him. In my observations, that is very close to what a cult can be like. Doesn't matter how much good you are doing (like one of the posters said above), God does not care about our "works" as much as he does the condition of our hearts.
Whatever works for you I guess. As an outside looking in, it seems to me the members are really there for a bang-up multimedia presentation entertainment/feel good time.
Not sure how the economies of renting time at schools and the Y works vs the upkeep of a perm. Church campus, but it does seem a bit much to rent TW Cable Arena for a spectacular production.
Elevation Church purposely concealed its Southern Baptist backing initially because they were after seekers and seekers don't do denominational church. When will the people of Charlotte learn? The story of religious leaders living in excess seems to keep repeating itself. Stop looking for the next big thing and start looking in the mirror. God wants to do a work in you. He doesn't need groupies.
4:18
show us where it is proven the guy drives an $80K car?
he makes some great points
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmU563aqnOQ&feature=related
Excellent. More chances to win a Playstation 3.
I could make a fortune if I didn't have a moral compass. Man, those sheep will follow anything. Wow.
This is nothing more than a cult and a money racket! Soon they will be flying away on a spaceship or drinking kool aid. Isn't this the church that kicked the kid out cause he has MS or something? Real Christian!
Oh, I DO hope I get to see him in person!!!!
Elevation is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. It even says so on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elevation-Church/112160608800637.
Elevation IS a Southern Baptist Church; in fact, they are an SBC plant. Sly, aren't they?
I thought they were initiating a space program, but I see it's just more "churches". So what?
They are making money under the table with their music business. They make PTL look like amateurs. Hundreds of thousands are changing hands.
The people who go there are being used.
Why is this business not taxed?
This "church" is so money hungry that Furtick figures out a way to pump the congregation for money whenever possible. DON'T give these people a dime!! It's not about spreading the word, it's about asking for a buck in HIS name.
This is a classic example of a cult run amok.
This has happened time and time again not only in Charlotte but all over the country.
It will come crashing down very soon.
The "elevators" will wonder what happened. The "smart" ones will say they saw it coming.
Before long, the cycle will begin to repeat itself, as it always does.
Why aren't we taxing the bejesus out of these carny acts?
Beware of Elevation Church. It is turning quickly into a Word of Faith Church. Terrible discernment by Furtick. He calls heretic Joel Osteen a "Great man of God" and has invited T.D. Jakes, another heretic teacher, to speak at Elevation's revival in 2012. You can read all about the dangers of Elevation and a steven Furtick at Apprising Ministries at www.Apprising.com
Sorry, that's www.Apprising.org
Every time I see an Elevation sticker I think of the PTL stickers so prevalent on cars around here about 25 years ago. My mother followed Jim and Tammy Bakker as well as all the other kooks. She sent what little money she had to these scammers. I saw right through them then and what Elevation is doing now is no different. It will fall too someday, just watch and see. The Elevation people I see on TV have that same crazy gleam in their eye that Jim Jones' followers had. Truly scary.
I don't know Steven Furtick, never met him, never attended a service at Elevation, but I'm assuming that some/most of the commenters don't either. I have no idea what sort of car he drives, but he lives in a very modest home in Matthews (under $200K I'd estimate). From everything I've read and heard... yes... this is NOT a traditional church - but neither was Jesus'. He's reaching out and impacting people - especially younger people - with a message of love, Jesus, and God. He's found a way to bring younger people into a church - something that most other churches - especially the fire and brimstone 'traditional' churches haven't been able to do successfully for several generations. For that alone... the guy - the church and his ministry - deserve to at least be given a fair shot before you decide that the way they're doing things isn't the right way for you.
I like this bumper sticker better.
http://i.imgur.com/IlGTP.jpg
See you at cult!
Jim Jones? Jim Bakker? some of you anon posters are sadly distorted. As another poster said, this church does some amazing things, you may not like some style elements, but the good service and works going on there are 100 fold more than what some of you guys have done in a lifetime.
i recently started attending Elevation with some friends and it is a great place to worship. Who are you (Naysayers) to comment on Elevation. Opinions are just that....Opinions.
I'll tell you we are to comment.
First of all, it's an opinion posting board. All are free to comment.
Further, we've seen it all before. Unlike the wild-eyed 25-year-old Guns,Jocks n Jesus types, we were here when Jim & Tammy Fay Bakker were running amok with PTL. We were here when Ross Rhoads and Jack Hudson held sway, then watched as their congregations staggered when those cults of personality faded away.
If your education in US history weren't so completely lacking, you'd know there are many other such examples, reaching all the way back to Aimee Semple McPherson and the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the early part of the 20th century.
So don't presume to lecture us. You're just not up to it. Enjoy all the "elevation" you want, we'll continue to comment.
I have been to Elevation on a couple of occasions and it appears that they buy/have the best of everything which indicates a significant (more than normal) cash flow in. I mean the audio systems alone for each location are over $100K each and that does not include lighting, projection, cases, trailers/trucks to store and haul it all in... Not sure where God fits into the significantly theatrical "worship" experience of the church... more focus on flash than Christ and that is unfortunate when they have such an opportunity to use their resources more positively.
You don't have to go to his church to see Furtick. He's all over Youtube.
But most of what I've seen is him preaching about either himself or his rapidly growing church.
As in this clip someone posted earlier:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmU563aqnOQ&feature=related
He seems to talk about himself a lot, doesn't he?
Oh, and there was one clip where he was kinda rapping while preaching about nothing in particular.
But it sounded good. And he looked good doing it.
That along with his slightly quirky mannerisms and facial tics (when mixed with his slightly sarcastic superiority complex) make him an interesting person to watch.
There is some question about his spending habits, i.e., $80K cars.
Someone wanted proof that he drives an $80K car.
Well I'd like to know how much money he makes.
Does anyone know how much money he makes?
Don't most "pastors" report this?
Does he have anything to hide?
How about this guy?
Wow, I didn't know I had joined a "cult" when my family started attending Elevation 6 months ago. First of all, a cult tries to coerce people to stay in the church. Elevation doesn't even care if you join as members or not, they only ask you try to serve in some capacity. Elevation has made more of an impact on my life than any church I've ever attended. Before you throw stones, I would at least visit the church once yourself.
Elevation is great for a laugh.. What's their fundraising program called? 'Dominate'? That's about the last word that comes to mind for Jesus' ministry of mercy. Funny.
If you are curious about the financial end of Elevation Church, anyone is welcome to go to the office and ask to see the reports.
Pastor Furtick's salary is decided by an outside board of church leaders from other churches.
And if you want to know how God moves through Elevation Church, read below. Everything is for the Glory of God, not one person or one church.
Elevation Church has formed a partnership with Mayor Anthony Foxx, establishing a strategic relationship to eradicate homelessness in Charlotte; invest in our schools, teachers and students in Mecklenburg County; and improve the quality of life for all people in our city. Elevation is honored to join forces with Mayor Foxx's impactful efforts to:
•Champion improvements in public housing by working with the Charlotte City Council to implement the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness
•Push for the creation of a new housing board that will, for the first time in the city's history, bring City, County, faith, philanthropic and private sector leaders together to focus on leveraging scarce housing resources
•Urge City Council to increase the affordable housing bond on the November 2010 ballot from $10 million to $15 million
•Lead the effort to return $4.7 million in city funds to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System to keep effective educators working
Elevation Church has already established its ability to make a difference:
•In five years alone, we have given over $3 million in financial resources to our strategic outreach partners
•Started Love Week and served over 44,000 volunteer hours in two, one-week periods
•In Love Week 2011, Elevation rallied 25 churches across Charlotte to serve over 34,000 combined volunteer hours
•Created dynamic partnerships with 26 impactful organizations (20 local and 6 global)
PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL:
In this partnership, Elevation Church will provide following:
•Commitment to serving 100,000 volunteer hours in one year
•Provide over $750,000 in financial resources to partnering organizations
•Partner with 20 organizations in our city dedicated to the initiative
•Provide quarterly updates to Mayor Foxx
We are glad to serve our Lord and our community. He is where we give all the glory.
I attended Elevation and even stood in the baptism pool a couple of weeks ago, baptised by Furtick. Approximately 2 weeks later, at rock bottom, and in desperate need of counsel, I called Elevation to ask for help and to speak with someone. The receptionist told me to go to the "orange tent" next Sunday and speak with someone then. When I explained my need for counsel, if I could speak with Furtick, she replied NOBODY speaks to him, you have to make an appointment months in advance. She dropped me into someone's voice mail, I tearfully left a message that I needed counsel, got a call exactly 10 days later!!! If that is the support system elevation shows to its members, I will pass. But I got several glossy post cards in the mail reminding me to "Follow". They want your number for their statistics count, they want your cash, but they don't want your cries for help or hands held out in need of something from them. I'm so disappointed, disillusioned and truly sad, because I thought I had found a place where I could be me.
He actually drives a Nissan Maxima, hardly an $80,000 car, and lives in a regular, un-gated subdivision in Mint Hill. Not sure where all these crazy facts are coming from...
Elevation is interesting. They like statistics about themselves a lot and it's a huge focus of pride; it's bragged about in their sermons as much as the Gospel is preached. And the sermons, if you can hear past the noise and presentation, aren't simply watered-down and seeker-friendly, they're bad, i.e. bad like a 1st year seminary student struggling with theology and failing to know the material.
It's ok that they're bad, but it's curious how something so bad can be so aggregately good for the community.
I wonder what the statistic is for people leaving Elevation and continuing their passion for a relationship with Jesus. That's a better measure of church success than metrics of doing 'good' things for the community, which any agency can strive for.
All the people that go to another church and are posting all the nasty comments should ask yourselves: What is your church doing to reach people far from God, and what are they doing for the local community?
I can proudly say Elevation is doing both these things to the fullest.
For those that don't go to church, well, not much I can say for you. You would probably make these comments about any type of successful church.
Me and my family are former 'Elevators'. We moved way from Charlotte about a year ago and have since found a new church home at Seacoast.
To all of you who comment on the bumper stickers. First, anyone who lives in Charlotte knows how rapidly the city grows. People are moving into the city all the time. And if you ask 10 people at Elevation how they first heard about the church or what made them decide to come, I bet you that at least half of those people will say "Well, I kept seeing these bumper stickers so..." When i first starte attending Elevation I was agnostic and I had hit the lowest point in my life. I was new in town and saw an Elevation sticker on the back of a 1986 Volvo. Something told me to go and the next Sunday I went to the Matthews campus. That was the beginning of my new life. With Christ. In my opinion, if even just ONE person checks out Elevation because of my bumper sticker, and later gives his/her life to Christ... Even just that ONE person... then that is worth wearing a little bumper sticker.
To the commenter who mentioned they were at a low point and were disappointed with the inaccessibility of Pastor Steven. First off, I am sorry that you are struggling and I pray that you find the peace that you are seeking. Second, I know it can be frustrating that you are not able to speak directly with your Pastor. However, just consider for a moment that his congregation is over 10,000. I imagine that number can be hard to keep up with. I personally have needed assistance in the past and left a message for a campus pastor to call me back. Usually I recieved that call within the day. I'm sorry that you had a bad experience. Please don't give up on the church, but most importantly, God is there for you 24 hours a day. He will always listen to you. And His comfort is beyond measure. Congratulations on your baptism.
In regards to Elevation being a 'cult'. Perhaps we (they) are a cult. A cult of Jesusfreaks who are filled with the Holy Spirit and on fire for God. For those who are not filled wig the Holy Spirit, it can appear silly see someone totally in love with Christ. I know, I was agnostic. And I remember thinking the same thing.
And finally, about Pastor Stevens income and his finances. Although I personally do not know his income, I do know that the entire financial report is available to anyone who wants to see it. If you called the office I'm sure they would send you a copy. I know that he drives a Nissan Altima and he, his wife, and their 3 children live in a modest home that is valued between 175k-200k in Mint Hill. As Christians, it is important to remember that the reason you give, tithe, and live sacrificially is to give to JESUS. if you happen to give to a church that mishandled your money then that is THEIR sin, not yours. At the end of the day, God knows that your heart was in the right place when you gave. And that is what is most important.
Lebron James, Yoa Ming, 50 cents, Eminem and many others make 3 and 4 times as this pastor and nobody questions it. They ride around in Mercedes' and Rolls royces and nobody says a word....but if a church gets big and the preacher is wearing nice, living nice...then something is wrong with that. Get out of here. So christians should live mediocre, secondary lifestyles to appease a few folk who don't go to church Anyway. Who cares if he's wearing "true religion" or not...most people complaining aren't and haven't ever contributed to the church or the man anyway.
Lebron James and the others arent trying to brainwash their fans into giving them money and doing whatever they say!
The person who needed counsel, pretty much sums it up. Not only is a church to seek the lost, the church is to minister to the saints. If this church was setup like the New Testament defines churches, then they would have associate pastors, elders and deacons who could counsel people. Also, their small groups, if they are scriptural and biblical based they may have been able to counsel as well. There is more to the Church of Jesus, than just reaching the lost.
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