In what it called a surprise announcement, Steven Furtick’s Elevation Church recently announced that it will launch Elevation College next fall. The venture is a partnership with Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida—the largest Assemblies of God educational institution in the United States.
According to the Nov. 28 announcement on the megachurch’s social media platforms, Elevation College “is for traditional college-aged students who feel called to ministry and want to earn an accredited degree from Southeastern University while gaining hands-on experience at Elevation Church.”
Prospective students for fall 2026 can fill out an interest form and obtain early access to application information. “If you’re a high school junior or senior, or a recent graduate, who feels called to ministry,” the announcement stated, “this could be your next step.”
Elevation College promises to be “a place to grow in your calling, strengthen your leadership, and get equipped for ministry.” The announcement about the new school added, “We can’t wait to see what God can do through YOU!”
Elevation College: A New Venture for Elevation Church
Pastors Steven and Holly Furtick founded Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2006. They are the parents of three children, including teenage son Elijah, who has a budding rap career.
The mission of the nondenominational, multi-site church is “that people far from God will be raised to life in Christ.” Elevation Church has gone global, thanks to television, streaming, and popular praise music from Elevation Worship. Last year, Elevation Worship took the top spot on Billboard’s year-end Top Christian Artists chart for the first time.
Steven Furtick, who has a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has won a Grammy Award for songwriting and producing. He’s also the author of several bestselling books, including his latest title “Do the New You.” Previously, Furtick has faced scrutiny for his expensive attire and large house.
In what it called a surprise announcement, Steven Furtick’s Elevation Church recently announced that it will launch Elevation College next fall.Click to PostAccording to its 2024 annual report, Elevation Church had weekly in-person attendance of 17,373 at its various campuses. In addition, more than 1 million viewers watched worship on TV each week. Across all platforms in 2024, Elevation reported 107 million total sermon streams. Last year, the church celebrated 19,377 decisions for Christ and 4,308 baptisms.
In addition to streaming revenue from Elevation Worship songs, the church took in $91.35 million in tithes and offerings during 2024. Personnel expenses totaled $31.88 million, down from $32.96 million in 2023.
