Power Team
The Power Team is a group of Christian evangelists, based in Dallas, Texas. They 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
[edit]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]
In May 2000, original Power Team leader John Jacobs divorced his wife Ruthanne.[5] This was followed by numerous members leaving the Power Team to form a new ministry called Team Impact.[4] In 2002, the Power Team filed for bankruptcy protection.[6]
Todd Keene has been the president since 2003.[7]
TV appearances
[edit]In 1999, The Power Team portrayed themselves in "The Principal" episode of Walker, Texas Ranger (motivating a high school of wayward students).[8][9]
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 into an 8-foot wall of ice head and shoulders first. 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 during The American Bible Challenge on GSN.[citation needed]
An animation Power Team appeared on American Dad! during season 15, in the "Railroaded" episode.[10]
A similar group called the God Squad, which appears in Season 2 of the HBO series The Righteous Gemstones, was based on the Power Team.[11]
Documentary
[edit]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. It details the familial, emotional, spiritual and physical sacrifices they make to preach the gospel. It was 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.[citation needed]
Media
[edit]- 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
[edit]- ^ 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 (2004-06-30). "Coming on strong: Power Team lifts weights and spirits". JournalStar.com. Archived from the original on 2022-07-02. Retrieved 2023-03-02.
- ^ Farthing, Gina (August 26, 2008). "The Power Team has a mighty message for today's students". The News Virginian. Retrieved 2008-09-24.
- ^ a b Butcher, Andy (2000-10-31). "'Power Team' Founder Jacobs Divorces". Charisma. Archived from the original on 2022-12-07. Retrieved 2023-03-02.
- ^ Reynalds, Jeremy (2001-06-30). "Power Team Founder John Jacobs Faces Assault Charge in Dallas". Charisma. Archived from the original on 2022-12-08. Retrieved 2023-03-02.
- ^ "Jon Jacobs Retires From The Power Team". Charisma. 2003-06-30. Archived from the original on 2022-12-02. Retrieved 2023-03-02.
- ^ "Todd Keene - Churches - The Power Team 2.0".
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Music from American Dad! S14E10".
- ^ "Adam DeVine Explains the Real-Life Inspiration for Righteous Gemstones' God Squad". E! Online. 2022-01-19. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
