Power Team
![Power Team logo](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/de/PowerTeam.jpg/220px-PowerTeam.jpg)
The Power Team is a group of Christian Evangelists, based in Dallas, Texas, who incorporate their preaching with displays of strength and martial arts skills. They were founded in the late 1970s by John Jacobs.[1] Their performances, usually taped at large megachurches, were broadcast on TBN and other Christian television stations in the United States in the late 1980s.
History[]
The Power Team often conducts performances in churches and venues such as schools, to encourage audiences from outside church communities.[2] When performing in public schools, they are not permitted to discuss religion, instead promoting social responsibility and abstention from drugs and alcohol.[3] The group's promotional material indicated that it presented a "message that strengthens and restores the family".[4]
Power Team leader John Jacobs divorced his wife, Ruthanne, in May 2000, which was followed by numerous members leaving the Power Team to form a new ministry, Team Impact.[4] In 2002, the Power Team filed for bankruptcy protection.[5]
Power Team is still in operation as of July 2021.
TV appearances[]
In 1999, The Power Team portrayed themselves in "The Principal" episode of Walker, Texas Ranger to motivate a high school of wayward students.[6][7]
The Power Team briefly appeared in a July 22, 2008 episode of America's Got Talent performing stunts including running through 2x4s bursting into flames and running head and shoulders first into an 8-foot wall of ice. Host Piers Morgan remarked, "You must be bonkers." The team was not selected to go on to the semi-finals.[citation needed] They also appeared on The American Bible Challenge on GSN.
Documentary[]
In 2004, an independent team of documentary filmmakers began filming The Power Team. The film, titled "Born Again: The Power Team Story", chronicles the 30-year history of the team, as well as the familial, emotional, spiritual and physical sacrifices they make to preach the gospel. Directed by Matthew Luem, produced by James L Reid & Scarlett Lam, filmed by Chaz Zelus, and written by Greg Fiering, the feature-length documentary was slated for release in 2015. However, as of May 2018, the film has not yet been released.
Media[]
- John Jacobs & The Power Team – 1990 Frontline Records, 1 hour VHS video (V09085)
- John Jacobs & The Power Team – 1990 Frontline Records, CD (CD09085) & Cassette (C09085)
References[]
- ^ Higgs, Robert J. (1995). God in the Stadium: Sports and Religion in America. University Press of Kentucky. p. 10. ISBN 0-8131-0853-5.
- ^ reeves, bob. "Coming on strong: Power Team lifts weights and spirits". JournalStar.com.
- ^ Farthing, Gina (August 26, 2008). "The Power Team has a mighty message for today's students". The News Virginian. Retrieved 2008-09-24.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Butcher, Andy (2000-10-31). "'Power Team' Founder Jacobs Divorces". Charisma. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
- ^ "Charisma Magazine". Charisma Magazine.
- ^ "Walker, Texas Ranger: The Principal". TV.com. Retrieved 2008-09-24.
- ^ "Power Team Invading PHS For Two Shows". Nevada County Picayune. April 12, 2000. Archived from the original on March 21, 2005. Retrieved 2008-09-24.
External links[]
- Organizations based in Dallas
- Evangelical organizations
- America's Got Talent contestants
- American artist groups and collectives
- 1970s establishments in Texas
- Christianity in Texas