Bishop Jakes to Lead Think Tank on Islamic Faith During Three-Day Leadership Conference in Orlando

Today’s Christians are exposed to an enormous amount of news, commentary and conjecture related to Islam—often from the context of political views or violent incidents. Understanding the importance of the growing national and global conversations, Bishop T.D. Jakes has assembled a panel of faith scholars and cultural experts at the 2016 International Pastors & Leadership Conference for a session titled Global Think Tank: The Need to Understand the Islamic Faith.

On Friday, April 22, at 4:30 p.m., the panel will offer historical perspectives and insight into Islamic practices and cultural context. Speakers will discuss the basics of Islam and its primary branches, with the aim to help pastors and Christian leaders develop a better understanding of the religion—equipping them to interact positively with members of the Islamic faith.

The Global Think Tank: The Need to Understand the Islamic Faith will be led by Bishop T.D. Jakes and the following speakers:

• Dr. Antipas L. Harris is an associate professor of Practical Theology & Ministry, director of the Youth & Urban Renewal Center and interim director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Regent University. Writer and author with published monographs: Unstoppable Success, Holy Spirit and For Such a Time as This, Harris serves as an op-ed contributor for The Christian Post. In 2012, International Top 100 Magazine named him as a top 100 International Leader for his efforts in global ministry, education and outreach.
• Dr. John Townsend is a New York Times best-selling author, business consultant and psychologist. He has written or co-written 27 books, selling 10 million copies. He is a co-host of the nationally syndicated talk show, New Life Live. Townsend is founder of the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling and is on the board of Mustard Seed Ranch, a residential program for abused children.
• Dr. Amos Yong is a professor of theology and mission, and director of the Center for Missiological Research at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. His graduate education includes degrees in theology, history and religious studies from Western Evangelical Seminary (now George Fox Seminary), Portland State University and Boston University; and an undergraduate degree from Bethany University of the Assemblies of God.
• Brooke Norman has spent 15 years studying Islam and the Middle East and has spent several years living and working in the region. Norman has spent the past 12 years working for the federal government in the national security field as a Middle East analyst and cultural expert, dealing with the most difficult issues emerging from the Middle East. She has lived and worked throughout the Middle East, including multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Dr. Clifton Clarke is the founder and senior pastor of Restoration Christian Fellowship, a thriving church plant in Norfolk, Virginia. He is also a tenured professor at Regent University where he teaches World Religions with a specialty in Islamic studies. As professor and CEO of the Global Empowerment Network, he trains Christian leaders across the globe on how to reach the Muslim world for Christ and to effectively respond to Islamic global Jihad.

Visit PastorsandLeaders.org for more information and the full event schedule. Stay connected via Twitter by following @plconf. B-roll opportunities are available upon request.

About The Potter’s House
Located in Dallas, The Potter’s House is a 30,000-member nondenominational, multicultural church and humanitarian organization led by Bishop T. D. Jakes, featured on the cover of Time magazine as “America’s Best Preacher” and again as one of the nation’s “25 Most Influential Evangelicals.” The Potter’s House has four locations: The Potter’s House of Dallas, The Potter’s House of Fort Worth, The Potter’s House of North Dallas and The Potter’s House of Denver. ThePottersHouse.org.

-30-