When public records exposed the massive private residence of Elevation Church founder Steven Furtick in late 2013, it touched off a national debate about megachurch finances, pastoral wealth, and accountability. Located in the affluent suburbs south of Charlotte, North Carolina, the property remains a frequent subject of public curiosity. Understanding the facts behind the estate requires looking past internet rumors to examine building permits, financial disclosures, and local real estate context.
The estate sits tucked away behind a wooded lot in Waxhaw, North Carolina, within Union County. Built in 2013, the sprawling property spans roughly 19 acres of dense trees designed to shield the home completely from public view. Construction permits from the era indicate a total initial cost of roughly $1.7 million—including $325,000 for the land purchase and about $1.4 million for the primary structure. Over a decade later, regional real estate appreciation places the estimated market value of the property closer to $5 million.
Property Layout and Specifications
The compound features a substantial footprint designed for privacy and family life. While total structural square footage under roof reaches approximately 16,000 square feet, the heated living space spans around 8,400 square feet, with the remaining footage dedicated to expansive covered porches, multi-car garages, and structural overhangs.
The architectural blueprint includes five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, providing ample room for the Furtick family. The exterior utilizes natural wood siding, stone accents, and heavy landscaping to blend into the surrounding southern woodland rather than project urban ostentation.
Security and privacy measures are heavy. The property is accessed via gated entries, monitored by private security systems, and buffered by thick groves of trees that prevent any line of sight from nearby public roads.
Financing, Book Royalties, and Controversy
The primary source of public friction surrounding the home involves how it was financed. Critics questioned whether tithe money from Elevation Church congregants funded the multi-million dollar construction.
Church leadership and financial transparency boards addressed the concerns by noting that Furtick's personal income is derived largely from independent streams outside his church salary. Furtick is a New York Times bestselling author who has penned multiple successful books, including Greater, Sun Stand Still, and Crash the Chatterbox. Additionally, as a primary songwriter and leader for Elevation Worship, he receives substantial publishing and licensing royalties from Grammy-winning Christian music distributed globally.
Elevation Church officials maintained at the time of construction that the home was financed through a combination of advance payments from book publishing contracts and a conventional bank mortgage, asserting that no direct church tithes were used to build the residence.
Location and Neighborhood Context
Waxhaw and neighboring Weddington represent some of the most desirable residential enclaves in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. Known for rolling hills, horse farms, and high-net-worth privacy, the region attracts executives, professional athletes, and religious leaders seeking low-profile acreage within a 30-minute commute of downtown Charlotte.
The property's proximity to Elevation Church's main operational hubs allows the leadership team to manage multi-site church campuses efficiently while maintaining a secluded home life away from public thoroughfares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Steven Furtick house located?
The property is located in the Waxhaw and Weddington area of Union County, North Carolina, approximately 25 miles south of Charlotte. The exact address is private, protected by gates and heavy tree lines.
How much is the property worth today?
While the initial land purchase and construction totaled roughly $1.7 million in 2013, local real estate appreciation and market growth in Union County put the property's estimated value at approximately $5 million.
Did Elevation Church pay for the mansion?
No. Church representatives and independent financial oversight groups have stated that the home was purchased and built using personal funds generated from Furtick's book sales, publishing royalties, and personal loans, rather than church tithes or general ministry funds.
How large is the estate?
The entire plot spans roughly 19 acres of wooded land. The main house features 8,400 square feet of heated indoor living space, alongside large covered porches, garages, and outdoor recreational areas.
