Elevation Church, a multisite megachurch founded by Steven Furtick in North Carolina, announced the launch of Elevation College, set to begin classes in fall 2026. The hybrid program is designed for students pursuing ministry, combining academic coursework with hands-on training at the church. Degrees will be granted through Southeastern University (SEU), an Assemblies of God–affiliated institution.
The college will offer two- and four-year degrees in areas such as ministerial leadership, worship ministries, biblical studies, and production ministry. Students may live on campus and participate in practicum experiences, with annual costs exceeding $19,000. Steve Saccone of SEU said, “We believe that there’s nothing like hands-on experience. If you want to be a leader, you have to lead something.”
The partnership reflects ongoing collaboration between the two organizations and highlights broader cooperation across denominational lines. Elevation Church, known for its significant influence in worship music and large national reach, provides a context for experiential ministry training. SEU continues to expand similar partnerships with churches nationwide, offering lower-cost, church-based theological education alongside traditional academic instruction.
