Steven Furtick

Steven Furtick is an American pastor, songwriter, record producer and New York Times bestselling author.He is widely known as the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church, a megachurch based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Through his pastoral ministry, he has become a leading figure in modern evangelicalism and a deeply influential voice in contemporary Christian music.

Born Larry Stevens Furtick Jr., he serves as a core songwriter and founding member of the Grammy Award winning music collective Elevation Worship. His lyrical contributions have helped pen some of the most widely sung worship anthems of the modern era. While he is primarily recognized for his dynamic preaching style and church leadership, his musical abilities have significantly shaped the sound of congregational worship globally.

His ability to merge profound spiritual insights with accessible, anthemic music has made him a household name in the Christian music industry. By bridging the gap between local pastoral ministry and global music production, Furtick has established a legacy that extends far beyond the pulpit.

Early Life and Background

Born in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, he grew up in a traditional Southern environment. The trajectory of his life shifted significantly when he was sixteen years old. After reading “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cymbala, a book detailing the transformational power of the Holy Spirit in a Brooklyn church, Furtick felt a profound calling to pastor a church in a major city. This teenage revelation ignited a passion for ministry and music that would dictate his future educational and professional pursuits.

Education

Furtick began his formal education at Berkeley High School in his hometown of Moncks Corner.Following his graduation, he pursued his undergraduate studies at North Greenville University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.To further equip himself for his pastoral calling, he went on to attend the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, eventually graduating with a Master of Divinity degree.

How His Music Career Started

Before launching onto the global stage, Furtick started his career serving in local church ministry. In 2004, he worked as a worship leader at Christ Covenant Church, a Baptist congregation in Shelby, North Carolina. During this time, he refined his skills in music direction and congregational leading. Driven by the calling he received as a teenager, he relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2006. Alongside his own family and seven other families, he planted Elevation Church.The church held its first service in February 2006, and just a year later, Furtick helped form the church’s own music group, Elevation Worship, serving as a primary songwriter and visionary for their sound.

Career and Breakthrough

Elevation Church grew at an unprecedented rate, quickly becoming one of the fastest growing congregations in the United States. As the church expanded, so did the reach of Elevation Worship. Furtick’s breakthrough in the music industry came as the songs he co-wrote began moving beyond the walls of his local church and into global circulation. By consistently releasing live worship albums that captured the energy of their weekend services, the collective gained massive traction. Furtick transitioned from a local worship leader to a globally recognized songwriter and producer, effectively establishing Elevation Worship as a powerhouse in contemporary Christian music.

Musical Style and Influences

As a primary songwriter for Elevation Worship, Furtick’s musical style is deeply rooted in contemporary praise and worship. His writing often blends anthemic pop and rock elements with profound scriptural themes. Influenced by his theological background, his lyrics focus on themes of grace, redemption and the nature of God. His ability to craft memorable, emotionally resonant melodies has allowed his music to transcend denominational boundaries, making his songs highly accessible for both massive stadium gatherings and intimate local church services.

Notable Songs and Albums

Furtick’s discography as a songwriter is extensive and highly decorated. He has co-written numerous chart topping anthems that have become staples in Sunday morning services around the world. Some of his most notable lyrical contributions include the massive hit “O Come to the Altar,” the sweeping ballad “Graves into Gardens” and the global phenomenon “The Blessing”.He has also been a central creative force behind highly successful albums such as “Hallelujah Here Below” and the collaborative project “Old Church Basement,” recorded alongside Maverick City Music.

Awards and Recognition

The music industry has widely recognized Furtick’s contributions as a songwriter and producer. His work with Elevation Worship has resulted in numerous accolades, including multiple GMA Dove Awards for Songwriter of the Year and Worship Recorded Song of the Year.In 2022, he achieved one of the highest honors in music when the collaborative album “Old Church Basement” won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.Furthermore, his hit track “The Blessing” has received numerous nominations for its global impact.

Personal Life

Steven Furtick married his wife, Holly, in 2002. They have built their life and ministry together, with Holly also serving as an author, speaker and co-founder of Elevation Church.The couple resides in the Charlotte, North Carolina area and has three children: two sons, Elijah and Graham, and a daughter, Abbey. Despite his massive public platform, Furtick often speaks about the importance of his family and frequently integrates lessons from his role as a father and husband into his sermons and writings.