Steven Furtick lives in a mansion that’s sparked more debate than most celebrity homes combined. The Elevation Church founder Steven Furtick’s house sits on 19 wooded acres in Waxhaw, North Carolina. It’s massive, private, and worth roughly $1.7 million—which raises eyebrows when you’re preaching humility every Sunday.
But here’s the thing: Furtick didn’t buy this place with church money. He built it with book royalties and speaking fees. Still, that hasn’t stopped the controversy from bubbling up year after year.
In this post, you’ll get the real specs on the property. We’re talking square footage, amenities, actual construction costs, and why this house became national news back in 2013. No fluff, just facts about one of America’s most talked-about pastor homes.
Where Steven Furtick Actually Lives
The Steven Furtick house is located in Waxhaw, though some sources also mention nearby Weddington. Both are upscale communities south of Charlotte, North Carolina. This isn’t your typical suburban cul-de-sac with friendly neighbors waving from driveways.
The property spans 19 acres of heavily wooded land. You can’t see it from the road because mature trees create natural barriers. “No Trespassing” signs dot the perimeter, and electric gates control access to the property.
The surrounding area features other gated estates and similarly sized mansions. It’s the kind of neighborhood where privacy isn’t just preferred—it’s built into the landscape. Elevation Church has grown from 14 people in 2006 to over 26,000 weekly attendees across multiple campuses, underscoring the need for robust security.
Lake Waxhaw sits nearby, offering scenic views that add to the property’s appeal. The location gives Furtick’s family the seclusion they need while staying close enough to Charlotte for church duties.
The Actual Size of Steven Furtick’s Home
The total property measures 16,000 square feet, but that number needs clarification. Only 8,400 square feet of that space is a heated living area. The rest includes basement areas, attic storage, multiple garages, and extensive covered porches.
This distinction matters because critics often cite the larger number. The livable space is still massive by any standard, but it’s not all luxury bedrooms and marble bathrooms. About 2,188 square feet consists of open porch space, while the garage alone takes up roughly 902 square feet.
The home features five bedrooms and seven bathrooms spread across multiple levels. Each space flows into the next, creating an open layout that’s designed for both family living and entertaining guests who might include church leaders or ministry partners.
The basement totals nearly 5,000 square feet on its own. That’s where you’ll find the home theater, gym equipment, and wet bar—amenities that fuel much of the controversy surrounding the property.
What the Mansion Actually Cost
Furtick paid $325,000 for the 19-acre land parcel before construction began. The building costs brought the total investment to approximately $1.7 million when completed in 2013. Tax records show the property value at around $1.6 million, though current market conditions would likely push that higher today.
Construction wrapped up in 2013, and the home immediately became news. Local media tried getting aerial footage, while church critics questioned the expense. Chunks Corbett, Elevation’s chief financial officer, confirmed the funding sources publicly to address concerns.
The property’s current value probably exceeds $3 million when you factor in Charlotte’s real estate growth. Annual property taxes run approximately $20,000 based on current assessments—a number that would make most homeowners wince.
Furtick responded to critics during a sermon: “I didn’t even build that house with money from the church. I built it with money from my books.” His publishing success includes multiple New York Times bestsellers and a Grammy Award for songwriting with Elevation Worship.
Inside the Luxury Features
The steven furtick house isn’t just big—it’s loaded with amenities that go way beyond standard family living. The chef’s kitchen features professional-grade appliances, custom cabinetry, and massive countertops. It’s built for cooking elaborate meals and hosting gatherings with church leadership.
The primary suite likely includes luxury spa features typical of homes in this price range. Large windows throughout the home maximize natural light while strategic landscaping maintains privacy from any potential sightlines.
The basement entertainment area spans nearly 5,000 square feet. That space houses a full home theater with cinema-quality equipment. There’s also a fully equipped gym with high-end fitness gear and a wet bar for serving drinks during gatherings.
Outside, an infinity-edge pool seems to disappear into the landscape. Multiple jacuzzis offer relaxation with views of Lake Waxhaw. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen lets the family cook and entertain under the stars. A private tennis court adds another recreational option on the sprawling grounds.
Two separate barns sit on the property as well. One features rustic farmhouse styling with terraces and gardens—perfect for outdoor events. The other has been converted into a guest suite with two bedrooms and a full bathroom, giving visitors complete privacy.
The Security Setup
Given Furtick’s public profile, security measures run deep. Electric gates control property access, and surveillance systems monitor the perimeter. A guardhouse sits near the entrance, though it’s unclear whether it’s staffed full-time or just built for future use.
The 19-acre buffer of mature trees provides natural protection from curious fans or critics. You’d need a helicopter to get close enough for clear photos—which is exactly how some media outlets captured aerial footage when the home first made news.
“When you’re a public figure, it’s a different thing,” Chunks Corbett explained when addressing security concerns. The setup protects not just Furtick but also his wife Holly and their three children: Elijah, Graham, and Abbey.
Why This House Sparked Controversy
The steven furtick house became national news in 2013 when construction details leaked. Critics immediately questioned whether such luxury aligned with pastoral life. The Charlotte Observer first broke the story, and it spread across Christian media outlets within days.
Some church members left Elevation over the lifestyle concerns. Others defended their pastor, pointing to his book income and speaking fees as legitimate funding sources. The debate split not just the congregation but the broader Christian community.
Social media amplified everything. Photos spread instantly, and opinions formed before complete facts emerged. People expected spiritual leaders to live modestly—a $1.7 million mansion challenged those expectations head-on.
Furtick addressed critics directly during sermons, maintaining that the home came from personal income. He emphasized that it wasn’t a church parsonage or gift from Elevation. Still, the optics remain challenging for many observers.
Celebrity Visits and Public Attention
High-profile guests have visited the estate over the years. Reports mention Chris Pratt, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, and NBA superstar LeBron James. These visits underscore Furtick’s influence beyond traditional church circles—he’s built a personal brand that attracts celebrities.
The Steven Furtick House serves dual purposes: as a family residence and a ministry hub. Church leadership meetings happen there occasionally, blending personal and professional use. This dual function complicates the narrative around whether the home is “too much” for a pastor.
Furtick has never posted interior photos on social media. The family shares moments and experiences but keeps mansion tours private. That decision maintains some boundaries between his public ministry and private life.
The Furtick Family’s Private Life
Steven and Holly Furtick raise their three children on the property. They’ve worked hard to keep family life out of the spotlight despite Steven’s public role. The 19 acres provide essential space for kids to grow up away from constant attention.
Holly Furtick occasionally shares family content on social media, but never showcases the home’s luxury features. Their approach focuses on ministry and family rather than material displays, which helps counter some criticism about the estate.
The property functions as a refuge from ministry pressures. Leading a megachurch brings constant demands, and the secluded location offers breathing room. Whether that justifies the scale remains a personal judgment call for each observer.
What This Tells Us About Modern Ministry
The Steven Furtick house represents a shift in pastoral culture. Traditional pastors lived in modest parsonages provided by churches. Modern ministry leaders often build personal brands through books, speaking tours, and media presence—creating income streams beyond church salaries.
Furtick’s approach combines traditional pastoral roles with entrepreneurial ventures. His success in publishing created revenue that funded personal investments. This model works financially but challenges long-held expectations about how spiritual leaders should live.
Elevation Church has donated millions to charities and global missions under Furtick’s leadership. Supporters point to this generosity as evidence that personal wealth and ministry impact aren’t mutually exclusive. Critics still question whether such visible luxury undermines the gospel message.
The Bottom Line on Steven Furtick’s Estate
The Steven Furtick house costs approximately $1.7 million and sits on 19 acres in Waxhaw, North Carolina. It features 16,000 total square feet with 8,400 heated living space, five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and luxury amenities including a pool, tennis court, and indoor basketball court.
Funding came from book royalties and speaking fees, not church salary or donations. The property sparked controversy when details emerged in 2013, raising questions about pastoral lifestyle and modern ministry leadership.
Whether this level of luxury fits a spiritual leader depends on your perspective. Some celebrate earned success through legitimate income streams. Others question the example it sets, regardless of funding sources.
The debate isn’t going away anytime soon. As long as Furtick leads one of America’s fastest-growing churches while living in a multi-million-dollar mansion, people will form strong opinions. What matters is understanding the complete picture—not just headlines or social media reactions, but documented details that let you draw your own conclusions.