Bishop T.D. Jakes has shared that he is stepping away from his leadership position at the Potter’s House Church and handing over the reins to his daughter and her husband.
It was during the church service on Sunday that the 67-year-old leader declared that his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, along with her husband, Touré Roberts, would be taking up leadership of the church, which he started back in 1996.
His announcement came during a sermon filled with emotion, where he asked the congregation to receive their new leaders with love and acceptance.
Jakes expressed that this moment represents legacy. “It is not simply because they are family, but because they carry the same spirit. They’ve been part of the heart of this church for a long time,” he explained.
Although he is leaving his current position, the pastor made it clear that he still plans to remain active in helping people in the wider community.
As she stepped onto the stage, Sarah Jakes Roberts expressed deep emotion. “I feel grateful and honored to stand here as your co-pastor elect,” she said. “As your daughter, I’m glad you will now have the chance to rest.”
Jakes Experienced a Health Emergency on Stage
This change in leadership follows a health scare Jakes experienced in November, when he had a heart attack while preaching.
A video that was shared online captured the moment he stopped during a lengthy sermon and then began to shake. Several members of the church came forward to support him before he was taken to the hospital and placed in the intensive care unit, as earlier reports from USA TODAY mentioned.
Just a week after the incident, which he referred to as a “slight health incident,” Jakes addressed the congregation virtually. During the broadcast, he told them they were “looking at a miracle.”
Background of Bishop T.D. Jakes
For 47 years, Jakes has been active in Christian ministry. According to the biography on his official website, he has provided spiritual guidance to many highly visible individuals, including what the site refers to as the “last three presidents,” although it does not mention them by name.
He was also invited to speak during Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration. Apart from ministry, Jakes has found success as a writer and filmmaker. His biography states that he launched the Potter’s House in 1996 with very limited resources.
He has been married to Serita Jakes for more than 40 years, and together they have five children. Jakes has also been in the news recently due to his long-standing spiritual connection with Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music executive who is currently facing sex trafficking and other federal charges.
