DALLAS  More than 6,000 pastors and leaders from all over the globe attended Bishop T.D. Jakes' 8th annual Pastors' and Leadership Conference, where they studied ways to become commanding communicators in their local churches.
According to a news release, Jakes admonished them to better know their congregations in order to more effectively communicate God's Word to them.
"Before you speak, you must know your audience," Jakes said. "Until you sit where the people sit, feel what they feel, do not speak a word. Every time you open your mouth to speak, something should happen."
The conference, Oct. 8-11, included sessions on "Motivating Your Staff," "Speaking to the Media," "When Women Speak," "Ministering to the Hearing Impaired," and "The Multilingual Ministry." Attendees were challenged to become better communicators by using principles biblical principles.
Jakes, pastor of 28,000-member Potter's House church, also stressed the importance of building a team of godly members who are accountable and have a vision for the local church to help accomplish God's plan for their congregation.
"Someone has what you need. You must exhaust every measure before the vision and dream are affected," Jakes said. "Failure is not an option because the original instructions come from God, who supplies all of your needs."
