Creative Scribble

Meeting with so many pastors and church planters over the past year has been great. But one thing I’ve noticed is that very few of them keep their opinions to themselves when it comes to other churches and pastors. Especially when those other churches are larger or growing faster than their own. Ouch. But it’s true.

One of those churches that I hear criticized far too often is Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. This church and their pastor, Steven Furtick, have been the brunt of much criticism because they started only three years ago and are already running more than 5,000 each Sunday. Pastors have said “They’re only reaching disgruntled church members.” Others have said “Their pastor is a dictator.” I translate it all as “They don’t do it like I think it should be done so I’d rather criticize them than praise God that He is doing something amazing there.”

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I could defend Elevation by telling you that they have baptized nearly 2,000 people in three years and had more than 4,000 people pray to receive Christ. I could tell you all about the 18 community groups in Charlotte that they partner with to impact the “underserved.” I could tell you about the strict accountability that Pastor Steven has in place and the incredible internal leadership structure they have. But much more detail would only intrigue church-nerds like me.

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t agree with every strategy and leadership structure that they have. But do you know why? Because I’m not Steven Furtick. And OneLife Church isn’t Elevation Church. I’ve been given a different vision and dream in a different part of the country for a different group of people. And yes, it’s ok to be different.

Where is this soapbox rant coming from, you ask? I attended a small conference there yesterday with just 150 other pastors called THR3E. I saw for myself that God is truly using that church to reach lost and spiritually stagnant people in Charlotte. As this became clear, I was reminded about the same kind of criticism that NewSpring, North Point, and even the largest church in my own city endure. Even some criticism I'm ashamed to admit that I've thrown out. “They aren’t deep.” “They’re only reaching church people.” “Their pastor has too much control.” “Their pastor doesn’t have enough control.” “People there don’t grow spiritually.” Blah, blah, blah.

Pastors, church members, please. Be careful what you criticize. You just might be criticizing a move of the Holy Spirit. And that’s a scary place to be.