DALLAS – Bishop TD Jakes has announced that he is stepping down as the senior pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, a few months after he suffered a debilitating heart attack.
On Sunday, Jakes announced that his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and son-in-law, Touré Roberts, will take over the church, which he founded in 1996.
The 67-year-old founded the megachurch in the 6700 block of Kiest Boulevard near Dallas Baptist University in 1996. It now has over 30,000 members.
“For nearly 50 years, I’ve had the honor of connecting with and serving the local and global community as a pastor, global faith leader and unwavering truth teller”, Jakes said.
“As I enter my 50th year in the public spotlight, I recognize the urgent need to address more challenges of our time, particularly the looming threat of a disappearing middle class, social unrest and closing opportunity gaps.
“This pivotal moment calls me to focus on a legacy of economic empowerment, serving as a bridge between community, culture, and corporate alliances to help position our nation for a stronger future,” he added.
BREAKING NEWS: Bishop T.D. Jakes Announces Plan to Install Touré Roberts and Sarah
Jakes Roberts as Next Senior Pastors of The Potter’s House. @TPHDallas @ABC @wfaa @CityOfDallas @BishopJakes @toureroberts @FirstLadyJakes @SJakesRoberts pic.twitter.com/W56lpw0uTW— Scoop Jefferson (@scoopjefferson) April 27, 2025
Jakes said handing the leadership reigns to his son-in-law and daughter signaled a rebirth of the church.
“Elevating Pastor Touré and Pastor Sarah as the new senior pastors of The Potter’s House, we will honor our rich history while embracing a future that demands innovative ministry for the coming age. This elevation is not a departure but a rebirth.
“I will never stop preaching and will continue to minister. This moment isn’t an ending, it’s an expansion. We are not only passing a mantle we are multiplying impact. Leadership is not static, it is dynamic. It demands the courage to evolve,” TD Jakes said.
In November 2024, Jakes suffered a heart attack during a morning service at Potter’s House, which was captured live on video. It was questioned whether he’d return.
“I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me, and you be sheep without a shepherd,” Jakes said during the announcement Sunday.
A spokesperson for the Potter’s House told CBS News Texas that the plan for Jakes Roberts to take over has been in the works for years.
“As your pastor-elect, co-senior pastor elect, I’m grateful, I’m honored as your daughter,” Jakes Roberts said, fighting through tears as she embraced her father.
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