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 | edit source]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 | edit source]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.[10]
They also appeared during The American Bible Challenge on GSN.[11]
An animation Power Team appeared on American Dad! during season 15, in the "Railroaded" episode.[12]
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.[13]
Documentary
[edit | edit source]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 released in 2015.[14]
Media
[edit | edit source]- 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)
See also
[edit | edit source]References
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External links
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- Official documentary website