Faith

Tim Tebow Draws Massive Crowd to Celebration Church on Easter Sunday

Tim Tebow Draws Massive Crowd to Celebration Church on Easter Sunday

(The Blaze/AP) — Tim Tebow drew a crowd of about 15,000 to an outdoor Easter church service Sunday, telling the gathering it’s important to be outspoken about faith while admonishing athletes about not being better role models.

“In Christianity, it’s the Pope and Tebow right now,” Celebration Church pastor Joe Champion he said. “We didn’t have enough room to handle the Pope.”

Tebow — devout Christian, backup NFL quarterback and cultural phenomenon — has a flock of admirers drawn as much to his religious leanings as his Heisman Trophy skills.

Tebow told them he welcomed the attention on his convictions as well as the “Tebowing” prayer pose he often strikes on the field because it puts his faith and prayer in the public conversation.

“It’s being talked about,” he said. “That’s exciting.”

Some at the “Easter on the Hill” morning service under sunny skies about 20 miles north of Austin drove more 100 miles to hear Tebow speak. The service took on the feel of a rock concert with more than a 100 school buses shuttling people to the sprawling mega-church campus from local shopping centers and the nearby college.

The service was peppered with lively Christian rock songs and Tebow took the large stage to cheers from those who could see him while others toward the back watched on massive video screens. He sat for a 20-minute interview with Champion to talk about his faith and its role in his public life.

Tim Tebow Draws Massive Crowd to Celebration Church on Easter Sunday

Tebow fans await Celebration Church's Easter service

“It’s OK to be outspoken about your faith,” Tebow remarked.

He also took a shot at professional athletes who insist they are not role models.

“Yes you are. You’re just not a good one,” he joked.

Champion asked Tebow what he thought needed to change culturally in America.

“First and foremost is what this country was based on: one nation under God. The more that we can get back to that,” Tebow said to applause.

Although church officials had said they typically get their biggest crowds on Easter, Tebow was clearly the big draw Sunday. Several hundred started heading toward the exits after Tebow spoke, not waiting for Champion’s main Sunday sermon so they could avoid the 80-degree heat and beat the traffic.

Some couldn’t wait for the official 8 a.m. opening to the church grounds and showed up hours early.

Debbie Sandoval and her husband and two sons arrived before sunrise. They wore Tebow’s Jets jerseys and set up camp close the large soundstage with a row of chairs.

“I love that boy. … He’s like my third son,” said Sandoval, who is not a regular member of the church but wasn’t going to miss a chance to hear Tebow speak. A self-described “lifelong Broncos fan,” Sandoval said she became a Jets fan because of Tebow. The quarterback led the Broncos to the playoffs last season and was acquired by the Jets in a trade March 21.

“Everything about this young man’s extraordinary life is special,” Sandoval said.

Amanda O’Hara drove about 100 miles from San Antonio on Saturday and got to the church about 4:30 a.m. “to be one of the first ones here.”

“I only got about four hours sleep, I was so excited,” O’Hara said. “He doesn’t hide who he is. Parents should see him as a role model.”

The crow included people dressed in Easter bunny costumes and one person dressed as the Sesame Street character Elmo. About an hour before the service, Elmo dropped to a knee with a toddler boy to mimic Tebow’s prayer pose.

Media access to the event was tightly controlled inside the roped off field. Reporters and photographers were required to have an escort when walking through the crowd before the service. Television cameras were allowed to record only a portion of Tebow’s speech and no live video streaming of the service was permitted.

Church officials initially expected up to 20,000 and said Tebow’s appearance on Easter Sunday was coincidental. Church spokeswoman Tara Wall said it was Tebow who reached out to Champion with a request to appear and Sunday was the best date available.

Mike Benaglio and his wife, Debbie, sat on a blanket.

“I’m a fan of any pro athlete who stands up for his faith,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be part of this. It’s not about football. Whatever gets more people over to the cross, I’m in favor of.”

Comments (75)

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  • Robert-CA
    Posted on April 9, 2012 at 1:55am

    GOD Bless you Mr Tebow .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • db321
      Posted on April 9, 2012 at 2:24am

      Thank you Tim and may God Bless you and may he keep you safe!

      Report Post » db321  
    • rangerp
      Posted on April 9, 2012 at 9:27am

      watcg yourself their Mr Tebow. The left hates you, and they look to bring you down. They will lay traps for you, and would love to see you fall.

      Keep yourself in the word, and keep up a strong prayer life.

      Take note of Bobby Petrino. The left would love to see you in a similar situation.

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • JRook
      Posted on April 9, 2012 at 2:00pm

      “In Christianity, it’s the Pope and Tebow right now,” Celebration Church pastor Joe Champion he said. …. This statement in and of itself reflects the stupidity of the desired, promoted view of Tebow. He is a mediocre football player who has a professed faith. Nothing more. To make even a remote comparison to the Pope conveys the limited, arrogant position of many evangelicals.

      Report Post »  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on April 9, 2012 at 1:39am

    Go Tim Go

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on April 9, 2012 at 12:07am

    …
    Wish we had a few hundred million people like Tim Tebow, in America.
    God bless him. He’s such a great role model.

    Report Post »  
  • hogtrashhd
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 11:56pm

    It sure is a wonderful turn around for the NFL-National Felons League.. hopefully that trash is on it’s way out along with Obama.. everyone is tired of the phony trash talking..

    Report Post »  
  • Return2Republic
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 11:41pm

    “In Christianity, it’s the Pope and Tebow right now,” Celebration Church pastor Joe Champion he said. “We didn’t have enough room to handle the Pope.”

    I’m sorry Mr. Champion, but in Christianity we have Jesus. That is all. I’m done.

    Report Post »  
  • Ohio4Tea
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 11:13pm

    Tim Tebow / Jeremy Lin for President in 2012 !

    Report Post » Ohio4Tea  
    • Restored One
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 11:26pm

      Mr. Tebow- Dallas Cowboy Stadium July 26th- 28th 2012, Restoring Love. I am sure that you already have been Officially invited by Mr. Beck. But just in case, you are invited by his fans.

      Report Post »  
  • kcinco
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:48pm

    I love him! What a great role model, for a change. I am so glad he’s still focusing on what is his true calling.

    Report Post » kcinco  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:44pm

    Too bad……..It’s not about Tebow, it’s about Jesus.
    Although I do like Mr. Tebow. But his celebrity means little to me. He is a good Christian and a good man. Thats all that counts to me. Personally, I hate football…………..

    Report Post » Rational Man  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:29pm

    Love ya Tim…but I can’t root for the Jets. Rex Ryan is a blankety blank.

    Report Post »  
  • GIDEON612
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:17pm

    Tim is the MVP of 2012 and looks like 2013 too. In a league that is full of bad examples he is a shinning city on a hill, so to speak. It takes knowing God to be able to do what he is doing and not get a big head or discouraged. Keep up the good work Tim, God has much more for you to do.

    Report Post » GIDEON612  
  • Brem
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:08pm

    Tim, don’t back down from the media elites. I just love it when they make fools of themselves, trying to demean you.

    Report Post »  
  • Dde13
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:58pm

    What a breath of fresh air. He understands his mission and football is his platform. What a great role model for our youth today. God Bless him

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:48pm

    I like Tim. I like what he stands for. I like that he unashamedly talks about his love of God. I’ll even watch the Jets if he is playing.

    Report Post »  
  • SPOT_OF_TEA
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:44pm

    I Really admire Tebow.Its a disgrace the way he’s been treated by Elway and the NFL….I bought a Tebow Bronco jersey but i wont support the NFL by purchasing a Jets jersey…I’ll be buying a Florida Gators jersey…the donkeys in the NFL cant take that away from him.

    Report Post » SPOT_OF_TEA  
    • voodoolife
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 11:19pm

      Exactly. I’m a Charger fan and the Broncos are our rivals, but, I loved watching him play. All heart! That’s the kind of sports person I want my son to look up to.

      Report Post » voodoolife  
  • s0ck_monkey
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:36pm

    Okay so, he bows on the field when he does something great – what does he do on a play that goes wrong,like if he throws an interception or fumbles the ball behind the line of scrimage? Is it because God was favoring the opposing team for a moment, or did the Devil make him mess up?

    Report Post »  
    • SPOT_OF_TEA
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:47pm

      Football is a side attraction…the real objective is to get the attention of donkeys like you….mission accomplished.

      Report Post » SPOT_OF_TEA  
    • DesdemonasCrew
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:49pm

      Go put your monkey in your sock. Your post makes no sense unless you are obama. Only he would look for an excuse for failure…blame Bush. A real man gives thanks when things go right. When they go wrong, he tries harder.

      Report Post » DesdemonasCrew  
    • froggy19510
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:14pm

      Just because someone is a Christian doesn’t mean that everything will go their way. Infact the same good and bad things happen to Christians as anyone else. That doesn‘t mean God doesn’t love us
      it just means it’s our turn to have a bad day or whatever. “So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45

      Report Post » froggy19510  
    • s0ck_monkey
      Posted on April 9, 2012 at 11:38am

      LOL wow

      I was just poking a little fun…something I like to do when people take themselves a little too seriously, it‘s funny to see people’s reactions. So yep, mission accomplished.

      And no, I’m not Obama, nor am I for Obama, or any other high level politician. This country was bought, sold and paid for a long time ago – the crap that gets shuffled around every four years is smoke and mirrors so people will think they have some sort of control. Have fun with your elections.

      Report Post »  
  • BetterInformed
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:33pm

    Tim, I have four daughters, you pick.

    Report Post »  
  • ct-lady
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:33pm

    God Bless Tebow for preaching his beliefs to the public and not being ashamed or intimidated by the media and it’s ilk.

    Report Post » ct-lady  
  • OhSuzieQ
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:17pm

    I just love Tom!

    Report Post » OhSuzieQ  
  • Small World
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:10pm

    Love this guy.

    Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:00pm

    Thank God for TBow. I am a “T” partier and patriot so that “T” in TBow is special. Especially it is like a cross. These are times when we need young men who stand for what is right.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • dealer@678
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 8:57pm

    I’m confused. What message do i want my child to embrace. Tim Tebows or the Black Panthers. Hmm

    Report Post »  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:11pm

      the bible has a good message. i think every boy should be themselves and not take their ques from athletes or politicians

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:19pm

      Right on SoyBomb

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on April 9, 2012 at 1:21am

      Confused, for you, is an understatement………………….

      Report Post » Rational Man  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 8:56pm

    A man among boys.

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
  • soybomb315
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 8:44pm

    i find the whole thing a bit strange

    some christians are called to be “do-ers” of the word rather than speakers, i dont think there is anything wrong with that. You can be a good christian football player and not want the national spotlight – some people are humble like that

    Report Post » soybomb315  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:09pm

      I’d rather take this guy in the “spotlight” maybe being not so “humble” (as you state)… talking about God and showing/sharing his appreciation for the same. He may not have super extraordinary talent like some who waste it, squander it, but he sure does get my vote for the way he approaches life and how he is sharing that approach.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:13pm

      i agree that he is filling a much needed gap in our society. i am naturally a bit suspicious of anyone who puts themselves in that kind of position. For instance, he is about as popular in this country as billy graham ever was. Has tebow done anything that can compare to graham? Seems like the youth and dads of this country are pushing tebow into this position and i dont know if he is ready for it

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:15pm

      by the way, i see you took my advice on the icon….but what is it, i cant read the letters

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:22pm

      SoyBomb I totally agree with you on this.
      I like TT, but I’m not sure what the craze is about him.
      I understand people want to be fans and connect with him as football fans and as Christians, but why pack a place out just because he is in town speaking? I am a bit skeptical of this.
      People often lose sight of WHO we’re supposed to be following.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:32pm

      Don’t you think that if God elevates a guy to be able to be
      in the spotlight..
      It would be his duty as a follower of Christ,
      to use that position to its fullest.?

      To speak to the lost ,to witness to as many that will listen.
      We all have a Job to do , in the Body of Christ .
      We should be an open book for the world to see ,
      as we walk trough this life .So we too can say at the end of our life ,
      that we fought the good fight, that we are Christians and
      our whole existence is to be like the one We serve …He has risen..
      Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:34pm

      There was a child born against the odds because of mother with faith..She was a missionary who became pregnant while having been exposed to antibiotics known for causing birth defects..She was warned she should abort..She chose not to and covered her child in prayer promising God she would make her son a preacher…hence..Tim Tebow.. Billy Graham didn’t stay out of the spotlight..He helped bring great numbers to salvation.. Blessings to each who walks his or her walk with YHVH May He increase your territory..

      Report Post »  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:35pm

      @JJ
      i feel its part of the “pack mentality” or something along those lines. the bible warns us over and over about trusting ‘men’ and history is full of jews and christians wanting to be ruled rather than be individuals and making their own choices.

      it seems like the dads of this country are encouaging their kids to admire and mimic tebow, but the reality is that the boys should be emulating their fathers. i have a 1 year old boy, it breaks my heart to think about it

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:40pm

      Sawbuck.. I think God has elevated Tim to where he should be.
      He is a public figure and all he needs to do now is continue to lead by example.
      Isn’t that enough?

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:45pm

      My point is simply this: There wouldn‘t have been 10 or 15 thousand people at that church today if Tim wasn’t there. So what were the people there for, on this Easter Sunday?
      I think his heart has good intentions and I don’t think what he is doing is bad. It’s the people that get caught up in the Tebow-mania that I think are the ones that lose their focus.
      Too many people tend to quickly follow “man”.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:47pm

      Why would you be “suspicious” of Tim Tebow? And what position is he putting himself into other than being on the side of God and using his notoriety for good? I‘ll take a guy like this and all the attraction he seems to get over the attention that the Rearend Wright’s, Sharpton‘s and Jackson’s of the world get, the supposed Godly messages that they send… while having the title of… Reverends.

      I’ll take this non-Reverend for God Football player over them any day, or the Westboro Baptist nuts etc… who spread nothing but hate and divisiveness.

      I wish him nothing but success, and If he makes others feel good about themselves whatever the venue and maybe takes some God with them in the process… well then, he’s a good man… humble or not.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:05pm

      and If he makes others feel good about themselves….
      _____________

      Huh?
      That’s a Joel Osteen mentality.
      When I go to church, I don’t want someone to make me feel good. I want to be convicted. I screw up ALL THE TIME. I need to be reminded of that. I’m not talking about condemnation— I want truth.
      I don’t know what Tim spoke about today. For all I know it was a good message. I’m not harping on the guy. All I’m saying is that Christians need to lose the “hey it’s a celebrity, let’s go see him” mentality. We’re not of this world, and we shouldn’t be acting like it.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:21pm

      JJ. I don’t know what to tell you, but you have your need that gets you into that Church for the truth you seek and others may have been in Church for the first time all because of Tim Tebow being there.

      Either way I hope you feel better when you leave with that slap of Jesus you need, and anyone who may have experienced God in a Church for maybe the first time feels so good they want to go back.

      If you’re talking about cult of personality…. people can do far worse than Tim Tebow in who they pick for whatever it is that motivates them.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:33pm

      Sorry BOMB… didn’t see your other comment regarding my avatar. It’s my original Class-A uniform “Jungle Expert” patch awarded in Panama when I was went throught the “Jungle Operations Training Course” in the Mid ‘70’s. Awarded at Ft. Sherman (Atlantic side of Canal). I put something up there at your request. Figured this was appropriate as this place can be a jungle at times, lol.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:34pm

      if history is any guide – there is a really really good chance tebow will disappoint a lot of people at some point. thats all we’re saying – put your trust in God and the bible and not men.

      same goes with the constitution, and time2, you know what im talking about

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:44pm

      Awwwwww SOY…. don’t get me started on the Ron Paul cult of personality… Constitution aside, lol.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:57pm

      lol, yea you got it

      lets leave politics out – its still easter after all

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 11:12pm

      JJ COOLAY
      We always are to be an example, though sometime we stumble.
      But some are called to do more.
      There are many Christians that are called to do more ,
      but are “not willing to commit” to it. For many of reasons.

      One being the stigma society places on a person ,
      for showing such a outward appearance (not acceptable).
      The enemy of the cross ,comes in many forms .
      And pressure to abstain from such behavior ,
      is due to peer pressure . In this case.
      don’t wear that faith on that sleeve mentality
      And I’m not saying to go around and baptize everyone either.
      There a time and place for everything.

      But as Christians we’re called to do ..So much more.
      To preach to all the nations, to all the people “the good news” .

      This is no easy Thing to do..
      For “the ones”.. God elevates in these positions…
      One must constantly keep their eyes on Jesus Christ ..
      or they will sink like a stone. The flesh is weak.

      That’s why in .. 1 peter 5:8 (KJV) tells us to…
      Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil,
      as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

      And we have Many examples to choose from there as well.

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on April 9, 2012 at 12:08am

      TIME TO END..Better the Ron Paul Constitution personality rather than the Rothchild New World Order dopes.

      Report Post »  
  • FloridaFarmGirl
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 8:32pm

    We need more young men like Tim Tebow. Keep up the good work Tim!! I am not a fan of anything northern but I will try to catch Tim’s games whenever they are on TV. What a great job his parents did!!

    Report Post »  
  • BOGOTSTOGO
    Posted on April 8, 2012 at 8:27pm

    God Bless you Tim.

    Report Post » BOGOTSTOGO  
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