4 insights gleaned from the friendship of Bishop T.D. Jakes and Rev. Joel Osteen
After attending my first Woman, Thou Art Loosed Conference at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, here are my perceptions about Bishop T.D. Jakes’ and Rev. Joel Osteen’s collaboration and friendship.
1. Develop solid strategic alliances
In his book Reposition Yourself, Bishop Jakes wrote about the “intense strategy” he implemented to buy a home “…, but eventually I got what I was after because I had learned to align myself strategically for the next phase of life.” Bishop constantly urges us, his members, to think and to act strategically.
I saw the result of his alliance with Rev. Osteen in full swing during WTAL. Having WTAL at Lakewood was absolutely brilliant because it enabled both Texas megachurches to work together, thereby leveraging their brands and resources for similar causes.
2. Demonstrate that diversity matters
This was my first-ever visit to Lakewood Church and the ethnic diversity of its members really shone. Of course, at my home church this is also evident and it was refreshing to experience diversity in such a dynamic way during the conference.
3. Deploy the appropriate resources
Bishop Jakes, from my observations as a member, likes order and efficiency. He touched on some of the planning that had taken place in order for WTAL attendees to be comfortable. Also he praised Lakewood’s members/volunteers for collaborating to pull off the event.
4. Details make the difference
Bishop Jakes as did Rev. Paula White remembered the birthday of Mrs. Dodie Osteen. In fact, Bishop Jakes sang “Happy Birthday” to her on Oct. 22, 2011. Watching Mrs. Osteen’s tearful reaction to the flowers and the birthday song, reminded me of Mrs. Edington, my high school Advanced Placement English teacher’s mantra: “Details students, Hershey bar details.”
My goal is to elevate this positive connection in hopes it generates similar associations among this blog’s readers. Give the 4 insights a try and let me know what happens.
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