Bishop T.D. Jakes steps down, names daughter and son-in-law as successors

Bishop T.D. Jakes, a renowned American pastor, has announced his retirement. He is stepping down as senior pastor of The Potter’s House. His daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts, will take over leadership. This change comes after three decades of service.

Jakes made the emotional announcement during Sunday’s service in Dallas, Texas. The 67-year-old pastor fought back tears while addressing his congregation. Sarah and Touré will officially assume their roles in July 2025.

Jakes founded The Potter’s House in 1996. Under his leadership, it grew into a global ministry with over 30,000 members. There are campuses in Dallas, North Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denver. He will remain on the church’s Board of Directors to help with the transition.

During the announcement, he expressed gratitude to his congregation. “You have been faithful to God and to me,” he said. This drew applause and emotional reactions from those present.

The decision follows a serious health scare in November 2024. Bishop Jakes suffered a major heart attack while preaching. He later shared that he collapsed during the service and realized how severe his condition was only after being hospitalized.

“The right side of my heart had completely stopped giving blood,” he explained. He felt fine while preaching but struggled when sitting down due to adrenaline dropping.

Reflecting on this experience, Jakes stated he could no longer risk leading the church at the expense of his health. “I cannot afford…to risk something happening to me,” he said.

Since recovering, Jakes has received support and prayers from around the world. He described this outpouring as miraculous.

In a social media statement following his announcement, Jakes emphasized that he is stepping back from daily ministry leadership but not from his broader mission. His organization will focus on job creation and community development across the U.S.

“As Pastors Touré and Sarah take another step up… the work of the T.D. Jakes Group will accelerate rapidly,” he wrote.

Sarah Jakes Roberts and Touré Roberts are already well-known figures in Christian ministry. They lead The Potter’s House branches in Denver and Los Angeles and are respected for their vibrant preaching style.

Their appointment signifies a generational shift at one of America’s most influential Black churches. It marks a new chapter in Bishop Jakes’ legacy after shaping modern Christian ministry for 30 years.