Bishop T.D. Jakes: Be an entrepreneur

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - Bishop T.D. Jakes is bringing his spiritual teachings to the business world. He wants readers of his new book "Soar" to have faith in their ability to be an entrepreneur. The tools he suggests in the book mirror what he preaches in his ministry.

Eager and excited fans waited in line outside a Barnes and Noble bookstore in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday for their inspiration to sign a copy of his new book.

Jakes is a bestselling author, motivational speaker, televangelist, filmmaker, talk show host, preacher, and entrepreneur. In "Soar," he wants to encourage people to have faith in themselves and their ability to build a secure financial and professional future.

He talked about the new book on Good Day New York.

"The first thing I think you need to do is start projecting where you to be 10 years from now – think in decades not days," he said. "Then you want to build all your efforts and energies around becoming what you're out to do."

Themes in his new book mirror sermons in his ministry. He advises readers to identify a passion but to be practical and make sure the idea is marketable. Write down a business plan, be persistent and committed, and more than anything take action.

"It's a step-by-step narrative to help them accomplish their goals," Jakes said. "You don't have to have everything you need to build your dream. You can start small and scale up."

He says too many of his faithful remain on sidelines without taking a risk that could better their lives.

"It's really to encourage people not to procrastinate but to go ahead and go out to the best of what god has for them and the best of what they envision for themselves in business, in particular, but also in life, too," Jakes said.

Jakes says too many people stay on the sidelines or say it is "too late." He meets many retired people at his church who think their lives are over. He says it is never too late but you have to take action -- even if it is a small step.