T.D. Jakes Conference Empowers Pastors on Global Issues

ORLANDO -- The 2016 Pastors and Leadership Conference hosted by Bishop T.D. Jakes of the Potter's House is an event that draws thousands of people from around the world.

The conference takes place April 21-23 in Orlando, Florida. This year's theme is "Think Yourself Clear." Its aim is to help leaders in both ministry and business take those next steps in advancing their organizations.

Organizers expect a crowd of around 8,000 to attend. The attendees CBN News spoke to were elated about the unique learning opportunity.

"I'm excited. This is the first time attending a conference of this magnitude," one pastor said. "The idea and the opportunity to do something different, to bring something fresh back and exciting back to our community is what brings me here."

"It's just wonderful to be a part of this leadership conference and to be able to share with all of our leaders," another pastor said. "It's one thing to teach the people. It's another thing to bring the people into the environment so they can feel the energy and the anointing and the power that goes on with being here at this Pastor's and Leader conference. It's amazing."

Over the course of the next two days, attendees will hear from notable Christian leaders, like Pastor John Hagee of Cornerstone Church and Steven Furtick of Elevation Church.

They will be tackling tough issues facing our country, our churches, and church leaders.

"We have everything from global think tanks this year," Pastor Chris Hill, with the Potter's House of Denver, said.

"Bishop Jakes is doing a really unprecedented global think tank on helping Christians to understand Islam," he continued. "I am really exciting about what God is going to do through that because as our world is shifting and changing we need that information so that we can be relevant to our world."

"There's another global think tank on suffering while serving, which will inspire pastors and leaders to stand even when they're going through tough times and give them the tools to be able to do that," he added.

To keep up with the conference follow CBN's John Jessup on Twitter or watch the some of the sessions that will be live streamed.