Dear Steven,
Let me start out by saying that this space is usually full of fun and light heartedness. I don’t troll the internet looking for Pastors to bash or criticize, but today this is a place for accountability. This is meant in love; the type of love shown in Galatians 6:1-2.
I’ve stewed over this for the last week, ever since the news broke about the million dollar home you’re building in our community. I’ve fought over writing this — going back and forth over whether I should or shouldn’t. I’m sure I’ll receive much scrutiny from this, especially from those who attend your church and are backing your decisions. But, I’ve come to realize that Christ’s name is more important than mine.
As a pastor’s wife, I fully understand the weight your title carries. I fully understand that our lives are more scrutinized than most, and I realize how maddening that can be at times. I realize that the last week has probably been one of the hardest weeks ever for you and Holly. I realize that you’ve had to defend your decisions and I pray that those decisions were done with Christ and his honor and glory at the forefront of your mind. Your name has been thrown around many circles this week; good and bad. I can only imagine how hard that must be.
You see, my husband and I don’t serve a mega church, we don’t have money for million dollar homes, and our names aren’t thrown around every social circle in this city.
But, I also realize that when we attach our names to the name of Jesus, our names mean nothing.
When the Lord called us out, His name became greater than ours. His name became the basis for the way in which we lived our lives; His name became front and center for the world to see Him through us.
When He called us into ministry, He placed us on a higher platform than the rest of the world. He gave us a spotlight for His name, not ours. And this week, Steven, your name (and your possessions) has overshadowed His.
This week we’ve seen a million dollar home, a worldly possession, turn people away from the truth of the Gospel. Because what we do with the calling we’ve been given (and the “blessings” we receive from that calling) affects the faith of those around us.
What does your million dollar home say to those Christians in persecuted countries who are serving the Lord under fear of death? What does your home say to those Christians living in the poorest countries in the world; those Christians who have absolutely nothing? Are we leading them to the Truth or are we leading them to a false gospel that they’ll never be able to attain?
We all know that Elevation Church has done great things in our community, and for that we applaud you. There are many things that your church does well. There are many things that the churches in the surrounding area could take some pointers from, and for that we applaud you.
I’m not claiming to know your heart, Steven. But, the bible tells us that we know them by their fruit (Matthew 7:16). As a member of the faith community, I think the Lord calls us all to transparency and accountability. I would hope that if I was doing something that threatened to not bring honor and glory to the Lord, that a brother or sister in the faith would hold me accountable for my actions. That is what I call love. Meeting someone in their sin and loving them through biblical accountability.
This isn’t really about you, me, or anyone else on this earth. This is about Jesus. This is about the Gospel. This is about bringing people to the Lord, not turning them away in the name of “blessing”. This is about living lifestyles that are worthy to be called a follower of Christ. This is about transparent lives that are no longer our own.
Because people are watching, Steven. And people’s faith in a holy God is being affected by your actions and mine. It’s time we start being aware of the way our lives affect the people that we’re called to minister to. Especially when you claim to be called to reach the unchurched. This doesn’t increase their faith, it makes them question the validity of it all.
I’m pretty sure you’ll never read this, but if so, I pray that you’ll take it in love. I pray that you’ll see the need for your church members to know the truth about your finances (book royalties and all) and that you’ll give them an explanation for the need for a 16,000 square foot home for a family of five.
Most importantly, I pray that the name of Jesus would always be your first priority.
Because your name is not your own!
Blessings,
Christie
