Joe Johnson, CEO of Life Surge, envisions a world where Christian principles and entrepreneurial spirit coexist harmoniously. His rapidly growing organization aims to equip believers with practical business skills while nurturing a strong sense of community. It’s Johnson’s method of merging faith and commerce that has attracted thousands of attendees to Life Surge’s live events across the nation.
However, Johnson’s journey began far from the primarily sold-out gatherings his vision has led to. Raised in Brazil as a missionary’s child, he experienced firsthand the challenges of limited resources.
“I was just wired differently than my family,” Johnson explains. “My family, they’re a bunch of pastors and missionaries. I thought more about money because I didn’t have any.”
This mindset led a young Johnson to start his first business at age 13, mowing lawns and employing friends. His enterprising spirit was evident early on, as he managed to run a successful operation before even obtaining a driver’s license.
How Life Surge Changes Lives
Johnson’s path took a significant turn when he gave his life to Christ at 18. Initially, he believed this meant abandoning his business pursuits for full-time ministry. This led to a period where he neglected his growing lawn care enterprise, resulting in bankruptcy by age 21.
That hurdle in Johnson’s life forced him to look at business in a whole new light — and the seed for Life Surge was planted. The organization’s mission is clear: to inspire, transform, and encourage people to serve God through their professional endeavors. Life Surge events blend worship, wisdom from renowned speakers, and practical business strategies.
“If you look at our mission statement, our goal to inspire, transform, and equip, that word ‘equip’ is very important,” Johnson emphasizes. “We believe you’re not going to have true transformation unless you can really equip people with true practical strategies.”
His faith has long been the pillar of strength Johnson has leaned on and based his life on.
“My faith really drives everything. My faith drives how I look at business, how we do hiring, how we do marketing, it drives everything,” Johnson says.
His focus on faith has led him to recognize the value of community-building.
“We believe in the power of a local community that fellowships together, worships together, and encourages each other,” Johnson said. “Because of John 10:10, we believe that there are always opportunities to live a better life, and that can happen suddenly and powerfully.”
While many organizations pivoted to virtual platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, Life Surge doubled down on in-person gatherings. This commitment sets it apart in an increasingly digital world.
Life Surge events go beyond inspiration, offering attendees concrete tools for success. Jeremy Nosek, chief strategy officer, explains its approach to educating those who come to Life Surge seeking to strengthen their financial know-how and faith. “These are real-life skills,” Nosek explains. “It’s much more of a subject to be mastered than a topic to be studied. We’re big believers in what we’re teaching.”
The enterprise provides resources for various aspects of business, including real estate, trading, and entrepreneurship. Its goal is to empower Christians to create wealth not for personal gain, but for kingdom impact. Worship, wisdom, work, and wealth are four factors of Life Surge’s foundation.
This success has attracted high-profile speakers, including former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, author and motivational speaker Priscilla Shirer, and Robert Herjavec from Shark Tank. Johnson notes there’s no shortage of celebrities who want to speak in support of Life Surge’s platform.
“In the last three years, we have grown over 46,000%,” Johnson points out. “ If you look at that growth rate and compare it to high growth, it is just insane. It’s bonkers.”
The Need for Life Surge in 2024
With the hopes of building a better future for all through faith and wiser wealth management, Johnson remains focused on the impact they can have on individual lives and families. “It’s not about Life Surge,” he insists. “It’s really about the people who are attending Life Surge and having the opportunity to really change the direction that their family’s headed.”
Johnson and his team at Life Surge are creating a space where faith and business not only coexist, but thrive together. Their vision of empowering Christians to be effective shepherds of their resources while maintaining a strong spiritual foundation resonates with thousands across the country.
As the movement grows, Life Surge stands ready to prepare the next generation of Christian entrepreneurs with the tools, community, and inspiration they need to make a lasting impact in both the marketplace and the kingdom of God. “We want to lead a global movement of people surging their lives God’s way,” Johnson emphasized.
