The $61 Million Question: Unpacking Pastor Steven Furtick's Net Worth And Controversial Income Streams

The financial success of megachurch leaders often sparks intense public curiosity, and Pastor Steven Furtick is no exception. As of the current date, December 13, 2025, the lead pastor of the multi-site Elevation Church has an estimated net worth hovering around the $60 to $61 million mark, placing him among the wealthiest and youngest figures in American televangelism. This massive wealth is the result of nearly two decades of ministry, best-selling book deals, and a highly successful music career, though the exact breakdown remains a subject of considerable debate and scrutiny. The figure of $61 million is derived from a combination of his pastoral salary (which is not publicly disclosed by the church), substantial royalties from his New York Times best-selling books, and his role as a songwriter and producer for the GRAMMY® Award-winning musical collective, Elevation Worship. Understanding this net worth requires a deep dive into the financial ecosystem of Elevation Church and Furtick's personal ventures, which have frequently drawn media attention and criticism for their lack of financial transparency.

Pastor Steven Furtick: A Comprehensive Biography

Steven Furtick Jr. is an American pastor, author, and speaker who founded Elevation Church, a Southern Baptist megachurch based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His rapid rise to prominence and significant wealth have made him one of the most talked-about figures in modern evangelicalism.

• Full Name: Steven Furtick Jr.
• Date of Birth: February 19, 1980
• Age: 45 (as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Moncks Corner, South Carolina
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communications from North Greenville University; Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Occupation: Lead Pastor, Author, Speaker, Songwriter, Producer.
• Church: Elevation Church (Founded 2006)
• Wife: Holly Furtick
• Children: Elijah, Graham, and Abbey
• Notable Works: New York Times best-selling author of books like *Crash the Chatterbox* and *Greater*.
• Music Career: Member of the GRAMMY® Award-winning collective Elevation Worship.

Furtick began Elevation Church in 2006 with just fourteen families, and it has since grown into a multi-site, multi-million dollar organization with a global reach through its online streaming services.

The Three Pillars of Furtick's $61 Million Fortune

Steven Furtick’s wealth is notably diverse, stemming from three primary, high-earning sources that operate largely outside the typical salary structure of a local pastor. This diversified income model is a key factor in his significant net worth compared to other church leaders.

1. Book Royalties and Publishing Deals

Furtick is a prolific writer and a New York Times best-selling author, which is widely considered his most substantial source of personal income. While Elevation Church has stated that Furtick does not profit from the sales of his books *through the church* itself, this disclaimer does not account for the massive royalties from his publisher, speaking fees, and external sales. The success of titles like *Sun Stand Still* and *Seven-Mile Miracle* translates into millions of dollars in personal royalties, separate from church funds. The lack of transparency regarding the exact amount of his book earnings has been a major point of criticism, with many believing this income is the primary engine behind his lavish lifestyle.

2. Elevation Worship and Music Production

Another major, and less scrutinized, revenue stream comes from his involvement with Elevation Worship, the church’s highly successful musical collective. Furtick is credited as a GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter and producer for the group. Elevation Worship has produced numerous chart-topping albums and singles, including "O Come to the Altar" and "Graves into Gardens," generating significant global revenue through music sales, streaming royalties, and licensing. As a founding member and key creative force, Furtick receives a substantial portion of these royalties, which are distinct from the church's tithes and offerings. Some analysts suggest that most of Furtick’s wealth comes from this music group.

3. Pastoral Salary and Elevation Church Revenue

The most controversial component of Furtick’s finances is his pastoral salary from Elevation Church. The church’s financial structure is opaque regarding his specific compensation, leading to wide speculation. * Church Revenue: Elevation Church is a financial powerhouse. Its total revenue from tithes and offerings has consistently been over $100 million in recent years, with the 2022 total revenue reaching approximately $141.9 million and 2023 revenue exceeding $108 million. * Personnel Costs: The church’s expense reports show tens of millions of dollars in personnel costs, with one report listing over $31 million. * Salary Estimates: While some sources suggest a conservative salary, others estimate his annual compensation is well over $545,000, not including housing allowances or other benefits. The church's board of overseers determines his salary, but the details are not public, which fuels the ongoing debate about megachurch financial accountability.

The Controversy: Steven Furtick’s $1.7 Million to $5 Million Mansion

The most visible symbol of Furtick's wealth and the source of his most intense public scrutiny is his luxurious home. In 2013, it was widely reported that Pastor Furtick was building a massive, custom-built estate in Waxhaw, North Carolina. The details of the property are staggering:

• Location: Waxhaw, North Carolina.
• Initial Cost: The home cost approximately $1.7 million to build, with the land purchased for $325,000.
• Current Estimated Value: Some recent estimates place the value of the 16,000-square-foot mansion, which sits on 19 acres, closer to $5 million.
• Financial Source: The church clarified that the home was purchased with income from Furtick's book deals and not from church tithes.

This purchase, made without public knowledge, sparked a national discussion about the wealth of megachurch pastors and the appropriateness of such a lavish lifestyle. Critics argue that regardless of the income source, a pastor's lifestyle should reflect humility and stewardship, while supporters maintain that the income is legitimate and separate from the church's offerings.

Topical Authority: The Financial Structure of Elevation Church

To fully appreciate Furtick's net worth, one must understand the financial scale of Elevation Church. The church has a unique governance structure designed to separate Furtick’s personal finances from the church’s operations, though this has not quelled the controversy. Elevation Church is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), which provides a degree of oversight. However, the ECFA standards do not require the disclosure of individual staff salaries, including the lead pastor's. The church’s annual reports show a strong financial position, with a total revenue of over $141 million in 2022. The church’s massive budget is allocated to various ministries, including: * Personnel costs (over $31 million). * Global missions and outreach. * The production of Elevation Worship music and media. * The maintenance and expansion of its multiple campuses. This financial engine creates the platform for Furtick's global ministry, which in turn drives the sales of his books and the success of Elevation Worship, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of influence and wealth that defines his current $61 million net worth.