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Scandalous affairs, misappropriation of
ministry finances, sexual misconduct, and
crisis management in the face of media
scrutiny wasn't a main item on the
leadership training agenda 10 years ago.
But nowadays, with the debauchery that
goes on in many churches, from the pulpit
to the pews, pastors (many of which are
committing foul and egregious acts) are
concerned with how to protect their public
image.
Then there are also the innocents, who are
attacked by sources that don't look
favorably upon the Christian faith. Leaders
who have done nothing wrong have been
known to be raked over the coals publicly,
only to be found blameless after open
humiliation.
Whatever the case, innocent or guilty,
Bishop TD Jakes believes leaders need to
ministry finances, sexual misconduct, and
crisis management in the face of media
scrutiny wasn't a main item on the
leadership training agenda 10 years ago.
But nowadays, with the debauchery that
goes on in many churches, from the pulpit
to the pews, pastors (many of which are
committing foul and egregious acts) are
concerned with how to protect their public
image.
Then there are also the innocents, who are
attacked by sources that don't look
favorably upon the Christian faith. Leaders
who have done nothing wrong have been
known to be raked over the coals publicly,
only to be found blameless after open
humiliation.
Whatever the case, innocent or guilty,
Bishop TD Jakes believes leaders need to
| Megapastor TD Jakes talks Scandal & Crisis Management Popular Preacher Says"What you Don't Know Can Hurt You" |
be properly equipped for effective crisis management, otherwise, they run the risk of losing their
credibility and the ministries they have worked so hard to build. The need for media training and
effective communication strategies is more real now than ever. With the 24-hour news cycle and
the potentially huge payday for those who can produce juicy stories and celebrity photos, and sell
them to prominent media outlets, the snooping and spying is endless.
Remember in 2007, Senator Charles Grassley launched an investigation into six megachurches
which claimed tax exempt status? Among the African American pastors investigated were Creflo
Dollar and Eddie Long. During the height of the investigation, the media was all over the story,
creating a cloud of suspicion around these leaders. Although Eddie Long was cleared of any
wrongdoing in that case, his most recent legal battle surrounding allegations against him of
homosexual coercion are not going away. Thus far, the public speculation has cost Long members,
credibility, and has severely damaged his reputation.
Jakes is also no stranger to scandal. The influential leader found himself and his family under a
media microscope last year when his stepson, Jermaine Jakes, was arrested for exposing himself to
an undercover male police officer during a sex sting operation in a Dallas public park. With prayer,
professionalism, and transparency, the Potter's House pastor was able to weather the storm and
emerge virtually unscathed.
These days, the Bishop is adamant about being crisis-ready. He plans to share strategies and
helpful insights during his Pastors and Leaders conference in Dallas, Texas March 31-April 2, 2011
at The Potter's House. The theme, "What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You," reminds leaders that
not having the proper knowledge to protect their ministries is unacceptable in this day and age.
"It's time to stop fighting today's battles with yesterday's weapons. It's time to put a crisis
management plan in place...It's time to arm yourself with the right lawyers to help you triumph
over a scandal," says Jakes via his conference website.
Even with a crisis management plan in place, however, the best defense against scandal remains
honesty, integrity, and righteous living.
credibility and the ministries they have worked so hard to build. The need for media training and
effective communication strategies is more real now than ever. With the 24-hour news cycle and
the potentially huge payday for those who can produce juicy stories and celebrity photos, and sell
them to prominent media outlets, the snooping and spying is endless.
Remember in 2007, Senator Charles Grassley launched an investigation into six megachurches
which claimed tax exempt status? Among the African American pastors investigated were Creflo
Dollar and Eddie Long. During the height of the investigation, the media was all over the story,
creating a cloud of suspicion around these leaders. Although Eddie Long was cleared of any
wrongdoing in that case, his most recent legal battle surrounding allegations against him of
homosexual coercion are not going away. Thus far, the public speculation has cost Long members,
credibility, and has severely damaged his reputation.
Jakes is also no stranger to scandal. The influential leader found himself and his family under a
media microscope last year when his stepson, Jermaine Jakes, was arrested for exposing himself to
an undercover male police officer during a sex sting operation in a Dallas public park. With prayer,
professionalism, and transparency, the Potter's House pastor was able to weather the storm and
emerge virtually unscathed.
These days, the Bishop is adamant about being crisis-ready. He plans to share strategies and
helpful insights during his Pastors and Leaders conference in Dallas, Texas March 31-April 2, 2011
at The Potter's House. The theme, "What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You," reminds leaders that
not having the proper knowledge to protect their ministries is unacceptable in this day and age.
"It's time to stop fighting today's battles with yesterday's weapons. It's time to put a crisis
management plan in place...It's time to arm yourself with the right lawyers to help you triumph
over a scandal," says Jakes via his conference website.
Even with a crisis management plan in place, however, the best defense against scandal remains
honesty, integrity, and righteous living.
By EEW Magazine News & Entertainment Editors
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