Elevation Megachurch Withdraws from the Southern Baptist Convention
The multi-campus church led by Steven Furtick did not give a reason for the exit
North Carolina megachurch Elevation—known for its popular music and charismatic pastor—is withdrawing its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention effective immediately, according to a letter sent to the SBC’s Executive Committee and the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
“We would like to thank the Southern Baptists for the privilege of partnering with you, especially through the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina for nearly two decades,” says the letter, which was published by the official SBC publication Baptist Press. It goes on to thank the Conference for “the privilege of having been affiliated with the SBC all these years” but did not give a specific reason for the exit.
“We have no plans to make a public announcement on this decision — we have too much to do in reaching a world that needs the love of Jesus,” the letter reads. “Should your Credentials Committee decide to make this decision by Elevation public, we will only respond with a copy of this letter to anyone inquiring about the notification.”
Elevation went on to say that despite leaving the SBC, it would still follow the Conference’s fundamental teachings.
“You will find that our Statement of Beliefs on our website is very much in line with the Baptist Faith and Message – we have no intention of changing those core beliefs” the letter said.
Earlier this year, five congregations—including Saddleback Church, which was one of the largest SBC churches in the country—were expelled from the SBC for having women pastors.
The SBC’s statement of faith says only men can hold that office.
At the SBC annual meeting last month, Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, argued that ordaining women pastors “is an issue of fundamental biblical authority that does violate both the doctrine and the order of the Southern Baptist Convention.”
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At the meeting, Southern Baptists also passed a proposed constitutional amendment that would bar churches that have women pastors of any kind. That amendment must be ratified in 2024.
By some estimates, about 2,000 SBC churches have women serving in pastoral roles— including supporting roles like associate pastors, children’s pastors and music ministers.
Elevation founding pastor Steven Furtick’s wife, Holly Furtick, preaches at the church, and some of her sermons are posted on the church’s website. The most recent is from two months ago. She is also described as one of the church’s co-founders.
“Occasionally, I get to take the stage at Elevation Church and preach,” Holly Furtick is quoted as saying.
Elevation has headquarters in Matthews, N.C., a suburb of Charlotte, with 19 total campuses in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, and Ontario, Canada.
According to data submitted by the church to the SBC, Elevation averaged 10,185 attendees each week and had $103 million in donations for 2021. The church gave $10,000 to the SBC’s Cooperative Program.
A recent study found that Elevation is one of four megachurches whose songs dominate the market for contemporary worship music.
Elevation’s letter reiterates that it holds no ill will towards the SBC and hopes to continue to “work alongside many SBC churches in the coming years.”
“We know there is much we can do more effectively in partnership than we can do alone,” it says.
“Please know that our withdrawal from affiliation in no way means that we will withdraw from praying for you and your ministries and mission work in the future – we are all on the same side!” the letter concludes. “May God bless the SBC and her churches in the years ahead.”
Bob Smietana contributed to this report.
Main photo: Pastor Steven Furtick preaches at Elevation Church in North Carolina (Video screen grab)
