Bishop T.D. Jakes Passes Leadership to Children Amid Health Concerns

Dallas, Texas — Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder of The Potter’s House, announced on April 27, 2025, during a Sunday service that he will be passing the leadership of the Dallas megachurch to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and son-in-law, Touré Roberts. Jakes, who has led the church for nearly 30 years, emphasized the importance of addressing modern challenges, including social unrest and economic gaps.

“As I enter my 50th year in the public spotlight, I recognize the urgent need to address more challenges of our time,” Jakes said in a prepared statement. “Elevating Pastor Touré and Pastor Sarah as the new senior pastors, we will honor our rich history while embracing a future that demands innovative ministry for the coming age.”

The transition is set to happen later this year. After stepping down, Jakes will retain his role as chairman of the T.D. Jakes Group, which includes various ventures such as a real estate company and the T.D. Jakes Foundation. His announcement comes nearly six months after a serious health scare—a massive heart attack that occurred while he was preaching last November.

During the recent service, Jakes delivered a sermon titled “Whatever God commands,” focusing on unity. He encouraged congregants to prioritize community over egos, prompting cheers and applause from the audience. “I have seen too many men build something and stay so long that they kill what they built,” he explained, underscoring the need for a planned leadership transition.

Jakes shared his aspirations for community work and reflected on the significance of introducing new leaders to the congregation. “I know the crown is heavy,” he said, addressing his daughter and son-in-law as they joined him on stage amid applause.

Since founding The Potter’s House in 1996, Jakes has built a congregation of over 30,000 members with locations in Dallas, Frisco, Fort Worth, and Los Angeles. Known for his media presence, he gained national attention with his book “Woman, Thou Art Loosed” and has hosted various successful conferences.

Jakes also faced controversy in recent years. He filed a lawsuit against a former minister who accused him of attempted sexual assault; allegations Jakes denied, claiming they were part of a conspiracy to tarnish his reputation. He stated that this situation contributed to the stress that impacted his health.

Despite challenges, Jakes has continued his philanthropic efforts, leading the T.D. Jakes Foundation to award millions in grants focused on economic advancement. Additionally, The Potter’s House served as a COVID-19 vaccination site, administering nearly 54,000 doses during the pandemic.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson praised Jakes and The Potter’s House for their community contributions, ensuring their ongoing presence in addressing local needs.