Rev . With the cadence and fervor of a Baptist preacher , the charm and folksiness of a country storyteller and the zeal and fury of a maniacal dictator , Jones exhorted his followers to a fever pitch , audiotapes recovered from Jonestown reveal . Jim Jones was charismatic leader of the Peoples Temple . He attracted followers with dynamic preaching style , staged faith healings . He had sex with followers , abused them and cursed at other members . In 1978 , he persuaded followers to kill children first ; then with cyanide - laced punch .
Rev . Jim Jones was charismatic leader of the Peoples Temple . He attracted followers with dynamic preaching style , staged faith healings . He had sex with followers , abused them and cursed at other members . In 1978 , he persuaded followers to kill children first ; then with cyanide - laced punch .