Evangelist’s Second Marriage is Annulled

Evangelist John Jacobs, founder of the Power Team ministry, recently ended his brief marriage to his second wife. According to Jacobs, who was divorced from his first wife, Ruthanne, in May 2000, his latest marriage to Sara Jacobs has now been annulled by a Dallas judge.

According to Jacobs, the second marriage “was obviously a case of people who moved too quickly.” Jacobs told Charisma that the judge sealed the order for annulment, and neither Jacobs nor his second ex-wife are allowed to comment publicly about it or give the exact date. He said the annulment arose as a result of events that occurred before the marriage and from a situation beyond his control and that no moral issues were involved.

“I was in a long, lonely situation and sometimes in a situation like that you move too [fast]. But I have nothing negative to say about anyone. It was a mistake I take responsibility for,” the evangelist said. Jacobs was married to his first wife for 16 years.

Attempting to explain the annulment, Jacobs said a judge can grant such a procedure “if there was any type of fraud before the marriage.” In other words, Jacobs said, the judge can say, “Because of the facts
that weren’t known beforehand I deem this marriage fraudulent and as if it never was.”

Sara Jacobs did not return phone calls from Charisma. Jacobs said he admits full responsibility for the failed marriage and advised caution to others in a similar situation.

“Someone who has gone through a long and difficult relationship and gets a divorce should wait six months to a year before they start dating seriously. It’s not fair to either party,” he said.

Despite his personal troubles, Jacobs said the Power Team is doing well and in January enjoyed its largest crusade in the organization’s history. Jacobs said that over a five-day period, some 30,000 people attended six Power Team crusades, and 15,205 answered altar calls.

Angela Gelante, business manager for Faith Landmark Ministries, which sponsored the events, confirmed Jacobs’ report and added: “It was the most powerful thing I have ever been exposed to locally.”

In 2000, several members of Jacobs’ team broke away to form their own strongman ministry called Team Impact. They perform feats of strength in front of large crowds at churches and schools.
Jeremy Reynalds