Is Steven Furtick a False Teacher?

TL;DR

Steven Furtick’s teachings focus excessively on human achievement and lack emphasis on sin and repentance.
His association with controversial preachers like Joel Osteen and T.D. Jakes raises doctrinal concerns.
Furtick’s teachings often miss the core message of the Gospel, focusing instead on personal prosperity and success.
Due to these issues, Christians are advised to approach his teachings with discernment and caution.

The Nature of Steven Furtick’s Teachings

Steven Furtick, the lead pastor of Elevation Church, has gained substantial attention in the Christian world for his dynamic preaching style. However, his teachings have been criticized for being overly man-centered, often focusing on self-help and personal empowerment rather than traditional biblical doctrines. This approach contrasts with the Bible’s teachings, which emphasize God’s sovereignty and human dependence on divine grace (Jeremiah 17:7-8, Philippians 4:13).

A significant critique of Furtick’s sermons is their apparent lack of focus on sin, repentance, and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. The Bible consistently emphasizes the fallen state of humanity (Romans 3:23) and the need for repentance (Luke 13:3). By not addressing these fundamental concepts, Furtick’s teachings may offer a diluted version of Christianity that lacks the transformative power of the true Gospel.

Association with Controversial Christian Figures

Furtick’s association with figures such as Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, and Joyce Meyer, known for their prosperity gospel teachings, has been a point of contention. The prosperity gospel, which often emphasizes wealth and health as indicators of God’s favor, is considered by many to be at odds with biblical teachings about suffering, sacrifice, and the nature of Christ’s kingdom (Matthew 6:19-21, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10). By aligning with such figures, Furtick has drawn criticism for seemingly endorsing a gospel that prioritizes earthly success over spiritual truths.

The Absence of a Clear Gospel Message

The core message of Christianity is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Critics argue that this central theme is often absent or overshadowed in Furtick’s messages by a focus on personal achievement and emotional experience. Such an approach can lead to a misunderstanding of the Christian faith, which is fundamentally about Christ’s sacrifice and the redemption of sinners, not human self-improvement.

Theological and Doctrinal Concerns

Furtick’s teachings have also been scrutinized for potential theological and doctrinal errors. His interpretation of certain biblical passages, as well as his approach to faith and spirituality, have raised concerns about their alignment with orthodox Christian beliefs. In particular, the lack of emphasis on orthodox doctrines such as the Trinity, the nature of Christ, and salvation through faith alone suggests a departure from key Christian tenets as outlined in Scripture (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8-9).

Impact on Christian Believers and the Church

The influence of Steven Furtick’s teachings on individual believers and the wider Christian community cannot be overlooked. While his messages may offer inspiration and motivation, the potential for doctrinal confusion and a shift away from core biblical principles is a significant concern. This impact underscores the need for discernment in evaluating any spiritual teaching, especially those that gain widespread popularity.

Conclusion

In light of these concerns, it is advised that Christians exercise caution and discernment when engaging with Steven Furtick’s teachings. While they may contain elements of truth and encouragement, the potential deviations from core biblical doctrines necessitate a careful and critical evaluation against the teachings of Scripture.

“The Gospel According to Jesus” by John MacArthur – A thorough exploration of Jesus’ teachings and their implications for salvation and Christian living.
“Dangerous Doctrines: Probing the Problems of Prosperity Theology” by Michael Horton – An in-depth critique of the prosperity gospel and its departure from biblical Christianity.