Tim Tebow Dropped Out of Life Surge. Then Came the Celebrity Exodus.
Last month, in collaboration with the investigative sports podcast Pablo Torre Finds Out, Mother Jones published a months-long investigation into Life Surge, the Christian wealth seminar company that has attracted large crowds with celebrity speakers including college football legend Tim Tebow, NBA icon Magic Johnson, and Red Sox great David Ortiz. We detailed how the […]
Last month, Mother Jones and Pablo Torre Finds Out published a lengthy investigation into Life Surge, a Christian wealth seminar company. Life Surge lured audiences with celebrity speakers like Tim Tebow, Magic Johnson, and David Ortiz, who delivered worship music, Christian testimonies, and investment strategies. Attendees could join three-day impact classes for $97, but former attendees reported being sold more expensive $10,000-$40,000 investment education packages called SurgeU.
Some attendees reported becoming tens of thousands of dollars in debt after paying for these programs via a third-party financing company contracted by Life Surge.
The investigation prompted a mass departure of celebrities from upcoming Life Surge events. In the days following the Mother Jones story, Tim Tebow paused his involvement, followed by Craig Groeschel and Joe Mazzulla. Promotional materials for future events showed fewer speakers, including Magic Johnson, Nick Vujicic, Ed Mylett, Candace Cameron Bure, Natalie Grant, Maverick City Music, and Tony Dungy.
It remains unclear how much these celebrities knew about Life Surge's business practices. A former employee revealed that speakers were briefed on the three-day impact classes but not the pricier SurgeU packages. Life Surge CEO Jeremy Nosek denied allegations of misleading audiences, stating that speakers were not asked to promote or endorse Impact Classes or advanced training programs.
Written by urgent.news from Mother Jones's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
