Steven Furtick is the lead pastor of Elevation Church, a ministry that has expanded from a small launch team into a global, multi-campus organization. Alongside that growth, Furtick’s personal finances and housing choices have been repeatedly scrutinized, particularly following the construction of his private Waxhaw, North Carolina estate.
This article is document-based, not experiential. It does not claim on-site access or interviews. Instead, it synthesizes public records, contemporaneous media reporting, and standard real estate valuation logic, updated for 2026 market conditions. The objective is verification and context, not persuasion.
At the center of discussion is a 16,000-square-foot total-structure residence, built in 2013 and completed in 2014 for an estimated $1.7 million, situated on 19 acres in Union County, North Carolina.
Property Overview and Exterior
The residence sits in Waxhaw, an area characterized by large agricultural-residential parcels, estate zoning, and gated access. Homes of this type are designed for privacy, not visibility.
Location and Land
- Parcel size: 19 acres
- County: Union County, NC
- Access: Gated, long private drive, significant setback from public roads
County tax assessments at the time of construction aligned closely with the reported build cost. No church ownership or institutional exemption appears in publicly referenced filings.
Architecture vs. Living Space: Clearing the Biggest Misconception
One of the most persistent misunderstandings is the “16,000-square-foot mansion” claim.
That number reflects total structural square footage, not heated living space.
Square Footage Breakdown (Conceptual)
- Heated living space: ~8,400 sq ft
- Non-heated areas: ~8,000 sq ft
- Garages
- Covered porches
- Attic and storage
- Bonus/flex areas
In residential permitting and appraisal, this distinction is standard. Omitting it exaggerates perceived interior luxury and fuels misleading comparisons.
Interior Layout and Functional Design
Based on construction disclosures and reporting from the build period, the interior follows a family-oriented estate layout, not an event venue model.
Floor Plan Overview
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 7.5
- Structure: Multi-level, centralized common areas with private bedroom wings
Primary Living Areas
- Main living area: High ceilings, large window spans, light-forward design
- Kitchen: High-end residential appliances, oversized island, direct flow into family dining
- Formal dining room: Seating for 10+ guests
Private Quarters and Amenities
- Primary suite: Oversized bedroom, walk-in closets, en-suite bath with dual vanities and soaking tub
- Additional bedrooms: All with private bathrooms
- Flex spaces: Areas consistent with a home gym, media room, and office/playroom use
These features align with expectations for a custom-built estate on large acreage in this region.
2013 vs. 2026: Why Market Context Matters
A major trust gap in older reporting is the failure to adjust for time.
A $1.7 million build cost in 2013 does not equal a $1.7 million asset in 2026.
Market and Context Update
| Feature | 2013–2014 Data | 2026 Context / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Market Value | ~$1.7M (build cost) | Estimated $4.5M–$5.5M+ based on regional appreciation |
| Ownership | Jumper Drive Revocable Trust | Remains private; no church ownership recorded |
| Primary Income Drivers | Book advances | Music royalties (Grammy-winning work), global speaking, books |
| Church Reach | ~14,000 attendees | 25,000+ weekly across global, online, and multisite platforms |
| Privacy Status | Under construction | Fully gated; no public access or tours |
This appreciation range reflects comparable large-acre estates in Waxhaw and surrounding Union County corridors as of 2026.
Addressing Compensation and Oversight
Board of Overseers Structure
Steven Furtick’s compensation is not set by a local congregational board. It is determined by a Board of Overseers, composed of senior pastors from other megachurches, including figures such as Craig Groeschel and Jack Graham.
- Supporters’ view: Peer-level oversight provides professional accountability and distance from internal pressure.
- Critics’ view: External peers may lack incentives to challenge compensation norms within megachurch culture.
Presenting both perspectives is essential to understanding the debate without editorializing it.
The Housing Allowance (Parsonage) Explained
Any trustworthy discussion of clergy housing must acknowledge Internal Revenue Code Section 107.
As an ordained minister, Furtick is legally eligible for a housing allowance, which allows a portion of income to be used for housing expenses tax-free.
Key clarification:
- This provision applies broadly across U.S. clergy, from small-town pastors to megachurch leaders.
- It is a long-standing IRS rule, not a special exemption unique to Elevation Church.
Including this context replaces speculation with legal reality.
Verification Sources Table
The following entities allow readers to independently cross-check core claims in this report:
| Data Point | Where It Can Be Verified |
|---|---|
| Land size and parcel data | Union County Tax Administrator (Parcel ID / GIS mapping) |
| Ownership structure | NC Secretary of State filings (Jumper Drive Revocable Trust) |
| Construction timeline | Union County building permits (2013–2014) |
| Church growth figures | Elevation Church annual reports and public statements |
| Compensation structure | Public disclosures and church governance explanations |
No single source tells the full story. Credibility comes from cross-referencing all of them.
Conclusion
Steven Furtick’s Waxhaw estate is large, private, and valuable. That much is factual. What often gets lost is context, structure, and time.
When evaluated through:
- documented square footage distinctions,
- standard clergy tax law,
- peer-based compensation oversight, and
- 2026 real estate market realities,
the property aligns with what a high-income public figure could reasonably afford without church ownership or donor funding.
For critics, the home remains a symbol of discomfort with prosperity theology. For supporters, it reflects personal success funded outside church finances.
What this report establishes is not judgment, but verifiability. And in debates where trust is fragile, verifiability is the strongest currency available.
