Investigative reporter Pablo Torre has new targets in his sights: former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow and Life Surge, a Christian conference he speaks at frequently.
Torre talked with Mother Jones' Kiera Butler, who discussed the organization's predatory tactics at their Life Surge event, a day of Christian celebrity speakers, worship music, and financial advice. Victims of these tactics call the whole thing a “scam.”
Tim Tebow is on pace to headline more than 20 Life Surge events this year. But current and former employees tell PTFO and @MotherJones that the faith-based conference uses predatory tactics and high-pressure sales to upsell attendees. Victims call it a “scam.”
“If you are a… pic.twitter.com/lga76WrUrc
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) September 24, 2026
According to their reporting, audience members are asked about enrolling in three days of “impact classes” for $97 throughout the day. Anyone who attends will then have a chance to enroll in “SurgeU,” which is a series of courses that promise to “surge your resources and influence through real estate and trade — for Kingdom impact.”
“Kingdom impact” is a mindset that “the more money you make, the more good works you can do, whether through tithing or Christian charity.”
Article Continues BelowIt is a hefty investment ranging from $10,000 to $40,000. The responses to the events are mixed, as Mother Jones shows in its report. One person complained, saying, “I am so devastated that Christians like Tim Tebow made me trust in something that has taken so much money from me. This is evil, especially because I'm disabled on a limited income.”
Life Surge's Richard Lorenzen claims that the company “does not train its representatives to pressure customers into borrowing or taking on debt they cannot afford.” At the event, the company warns potential customers that its products carry risk. Some ended up borrowing on credit cards in order to pay for the classes.
Perhaps the biggest red flag is that they don't allow people to think about the decision. One woman said that she and her husband wanted to go home and “pray” about the decision, but “they don't give you that.” This was not a one-off occurrence either.
Tebow is not the only notable name associated with the Life Surge events. Other former and current NFL players, such as Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, Calvin Johnson, Nick Foles, and Russell Wilson, are on the website's list of speakers and artists. Musicians including Crowder, Chris Tomlin, and Jeremy Camp are listed as well. Other celebrities, ranging from actor Dennis Quaid to Patricia Heaton, are also on the list of speakers and artists associated with the company.

