“Do you think that living by faith means you always know the next step?” It would be easy to assume that football legend Tim Tebow lives with unshakable certainty, given that he has transitioned from national championships to successful business ventures, seemingly without breaking a sweat. But the Heisman-winning athlete, bestselling author and founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation dove headlong into a message about trusting God during times of doubt, particularly when faced with life’s biggest decisions.
Tebow’s visit was part of the annual Createur Conference, a multi-day gathering hosted by Olivet’s McGraw School of Business that focuses on faith-informed entrepreneurship. “We believe society better flourishes when entrepreneurs deliver on their dreams from a Christian worldview.” said President Gregg Chenoweth in his introduction.
And Tebow? He knows a thing or two about purpose-driven impact.
Beyond his football fame—two-time national champion, first-round NFL pick, College Football Hall of Fame inductee—Tebow has carved a unique path in business, media and philanthropy. As founder of The Tebow Group, he leads a creative agency, technology accelerator and talent management firm alongside his wife, Demi-Leigh. He’s also a partner at GOVO Venture Partners, helping launch and scale ventures in healthcare, cybersecurity and tech. His investments include infant care startup Harbor and a pediatric dental chain.
But his most passionate work is deeply personal.
“My favorite night of the year is Night to Shine,” he told a packed Centennial Chapel, referencing the global prom night for individuals with special needs hosted by churches around the world. Through his foundation, Tebow now helps serve vulnerable populations in over 90 countries. “There’s only one thing the King died for—and that’s people.”
Despite the smash success of Tebow’s business and philanthropic ventures, clear direction hasn’t always come so easily for the standout athlete. This was particularly when he was choosing the college to attend and play football. After narrowing his choices to the University of Alabama or the University of Florida, Tebow did not feel a clear direction from God.
Adding to the pressure was the fact that Tebow was scheduled to share the news on national TV, but hadn’t made up his mind. “If we serve a God that loves us so much and has a great plan for us, why would he not make it clear?” Tebow questioned. “Well, if you’re someone like me, maybe he didn’t make it clear because you would trust more in the plan more than the Planner.”
Throughout his message, Tebow circled back to one key idea: obedience matters more than clarity, emphasizing that the goal isn’t to be comfortable, but to be faithful.
He shared another pivotal moment: hearing God’s call while visiting the Philippines as a teenager. “I met a little boy born with his feet on backward,” Tebow said. “He was seen as cursed and thrown away. But I knew in that moment—he wasn’t a throwaway to God. And he couldn’t be a throwaway to me.”
To the students, many of whom are still discerning their path, he offered both encouragement and conviction. “You don’t need a five-year plan. You need a willing heart,” Tebow said. “You have no idea what God can do with someone who just says yes.”
He emphasized that faith isn’t just private—it’s active and urgent. “We are lifeguards in the boat, and the world is drowning,” he said. “You’ve got the buoy. You know the greatest story of all time. The question is—will you throw it?”
He didn’t shy away from personal shortcomings either. “There were so many times I knew I was supposed to share Jesus—and I stayed silent,” he admitted. “Because I cared more about their relationship with me than their relationship with Christ.” 
His message struck a chord. “Some of you think God hasn’t spoken clearly because He doesn’t care. But maybe it’s because He wants you to trust Him more than a plan, more than a goal, more than even your own gifts.”
Closing out the service, Tebow encouraged the Olivet community to passionately live out lives of faith. “I want you to know, I’m proud of you,” he said. “I can’t wait to have a conversation in heaven and see what God did in your life.”
To view the full chapel message, click here.
To learn more about the Createur Conference & Pitch Competition, click here.
