charlotte resident warren cole smith, writing about furtick for world magazine, said "people were willing to excuse his flamboyance and extravagant lifestyle by saying but ‘he’s doing such great work.’ now, this new controversy calls into serious question the legitimacy of conversion rates the church have been claiming." in response to the initial coverage, elevation released a statement, which reads in part: "we are confident that those who attend elevation church know and understand our mission and vision for reaching people for jesus christ. as attendees, they are provided, through weekly teachings, biblical context for everything we do and practice, such as baptism, giving, serving and inviting friends to church."