Who Founded Elevation Church
Elevation Church was founded by Steven Furtick and Holly Furtick in 2006 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Steven Furtick serves as the lead pastor, and the church operates under Elevation Church, a nonprofit religious organization registered in the United States. The church is known for its multi-site model and large weekly attendance across locations in the U.S. and online. For background on Steven Furtick's early career and public ministry, see his profile on Forbes.
The church's founding story emphasizes planting new campuses and leveraging digital platforms to reach new audiences. Elevation Church has expanded to dozens of campuses in multiple states and maintains a strong online presence with live-streamed services. Its growth is often cited in analyses of modern megachurch models and church planting strategies.
Elevation Church Leadership and Structure
Steven Furtick remains the senior pastor and public face of Elevation Church, while Holly Furtick serves as a co-pastor and leads women's ministry initiatives. The church's leadership team includes executive pastors, campus pastors, and ministry directors who oversee local campuses and regional strategies. Leadership decisions are framed around a vision of church multiplication and community engagement.
Elevation Church operates as a multisite church network with a centralized leadership structure and autonomous campus pastors. The organization publishes annual reports, financial summaries, and ministry updates to maintain transparency. Its structure follows a standard evangelical church governance model with a senior pastor, elder board, and staff leadership. Information on church governance and financial reporting can be explored on the Elevation Church official website.
Elevation Church Growth and Current Operations
Elevation Church reports large weekly attendance across its campuses and online platforms, with services held in multiple cities and streaming globally. The church has invested in campus expansions, community outreach programs, and digital ministry tools to sustain its growth trajectory. Its operations include worship teams, small groups, student ministries, and community service initiatives.
The church's financial model relies on tithes, offerings, and donations, with spending directed toward staff compensation, campus operations, outreach, and charitable giving. Elevation Church has been referenced in discussions about megachurch finances and nonprofit operations in the U.S. For an overview of the broader megachurch landscape and financial trends, see the Forbes coverage on religious nonprofits. The church also partners with national and international mission organizations to support humanitarian and faith-based initiatives.