Craig Groeschel and Joe Mazzulla Cut Ties With Life Surge After Tim Tebow Leads Exodus From Faith-Based Wealth Seminar
Megachurch pastor Craig Groeschel and Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla have suspended their involvement with Life Surge, a touring faith-based wealth-building seminar, following similar moves by former NFL star Tim Tebow. The seminar faces allegations of pressuring attendees to invest large sums in real estate and stock courses.
Craig Groeschel, senior pastor of Life.Church, and Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla have both announced they are stepping back from Life Surge, a touring Christian wealth-building seminar that has come under scrutiny for its sales practices.
Their decisions follow a similar move by Tim Tebow, the former NFL quarterback and Christian public figure, who distanced himself from the organization earlier this month.
Life Surge events feature prominent Christian speakers and athletes who share messages about faith and financial success. Critics and former attendees have alleged that the events use high-pressure tactics to push participants toward purchasing expensive real estate and stock trading courses, sometimes costing thousands of dollars.
Groeschel, whose Life.Church operates dozens of campuses across the United States, said in a statement that he was suspending his participation while the concerns are reviewed. Mazzulla, who has been open about his Catholic faith and has spoken at Life Surge events, issued a similar statement.
The Christian Post first reported on the growing controversy, noting that several speakers had quietly removed Life Surge from their public profiles before making formal announcements.
Life Surge has not issued a detailed public response to the specific allegations. The organization has previously described its events as opportunities for Christians to learn about building wealth in alignment with biblical principles.
The departures of Groeschel, Mazzulla, and Tebow represent a significant blow to the organization's credibility within evangelical circles. Several other speakers are reportedly reviewing their involvement.
