Bishop T.D. Jakes Inspires Audience in West Virginia Hometown

After three days of high-energy praise, worship and preaching, Bishop T.D. Jakes, pastor of The Potter's House church in Dallas, leaves audiences motivated in Charleston, W. Va., as he closes out the conference on a high note.

"God's getting ready to do something for you," Jakes told the thousands of attendees as they stood to their feet. "You are gifted because you were created by a creative God who has a purpose for you and a plan for your life."

The pastor, who was named TIME magazine's pick as "America's Best Preacher," returned home to West Virginia to host The Birthing Place conference Aug. 13-15 at the Charleston Civic Center, which featured acclaimed speakers: Bishop Noel Jones, pastor of City of Refuge, Gardena, Calif.; Pastor Sheryl Brady, pastor of River, Durham, N.C.; and Bishop Glen A. Staples, pastor of The Temple Praise, Washington, D.C. The event also included performances from legendary gospel group The Clark Sisters, The Temple Praise Mass Choir, Power House of Deliverance Cathedral Choir and GRAMMY((R)) award-winning Israel Houghton and New Breed.

People traveled from as far as London, Texas, Mississippi, New York, Ohio and other regions of the country to attend the conference.

"My family and I are here because we love Bishop T.D. Jakes and his ministry," said Denise Queen, of Holden, W.Va., who attended the conference with her husband Kelly Vance, their children, niece and friends. "This is our first time hearing him in person and we're happy to be revived and uplifted!"

Another highlight of the event was The Small Beginnings Tour, a guided shuttle trip that featured significant places that birthed and transformed the ministry of Bishop Jakes.

About The Potter's House of Dallas

A globally recognized church of more than 30,000 members located in Dallas, The Potter's House strives to be the voice and the hand that encourages people of all creeds and cultures to change their lives with hope, comfort and peace. The church is led by Bishop T. D. Jakes, twice featured on the cover of TIME magazine as "America's Best Preacher" and as one of this nation's "25 most influential evangelicals." Jakes was recently honored in New Orleans at the Essence Music Festival All-Star Tribute.