Generational shift in leadership signals new era for influential Dallas megachurch
Bishop T.D. Jakes, renowned spiritual leader and founder of The Potter’s House megachurch, has officially announced his retirement from senior pastoral duties, passing the mantle to his daughter, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Pastor Touré Roberts.
The emotional announcement came during a Sunday service, just weeks after Jakes suffered a massive heart attack while preaching. The incident, which he later described as nearly fatal, prompted a period of reflection that led to his decision to step away from day-to-day leadership.
“You have been faithful to God, and you have been faithful to me,” Jakes told a visibly moved congregation. “I’m so grateful. I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd.”
The transition of leadership is expected to take full effect in July, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential faith leaders in modern American Christianity.
A Brush with Death
In a televised interview with Craig Melvin on NBC’s TODAY show, Jakes recounted the shocking nature of his health scare. Contrary to common signs of cardiac arrest, Jakes said he experienced no chest pain, numbness, or sharp discomfort. Instead, he simply “drifted off to sleep” mid-sermon, unaware he was experiencing a major heart attack.
“The doctor leaned over and said, ‘You had a massive heart attack,’” Jakes shared. “Five minutes later, I’d have been dead on arrival. The right side of my heart had completely stopped getting blood.”
He described the experience as a turning point—a signal to prioritize his health and ensure that the church is well-prepared for the future.
A Family Legacy Continues
Sarah Jakes Roberts, already a prominent voice in contemporary Christian ministry, spoke with heartfelt gratitude following her father’s announcement.
“I’m grateful, I’m honored, as your daughter,” she said to Jakes in front of the congregation. “I’m so happy you’re going to get some rest.”
Sarah and her husband, Touré Roberts, are expected to bring a fresh, dynamic approach to The Potter’s House, building on Jakes’s legacy while steering the church into a new chapter of growth and outreach.
A Legacy of Leadership
Since founding The Potter’s House in 1996, Jakes has built it into a 30,000-member global ministry, known not only for its spiritual impact but also for its outreach programs, conferences, and media presence. His decision to pass leadership to the next generation comes as part of a carefully considered succession plan rather than a sudden departure.
Jakes’s influence spans faith, business, and social commentary. His books, sermons, and international conferences have inspired millions across denominational and cultural lines. Though stepping down from active pastoral leadership, he is expected to remain involved in mentorship and broader ministry initiatives.
The July transition will mark a defining moment for The Potter’s House, as a historic pulpit passes from father to daughter—ushering in a new generation of leadership rooted in legacy, vision, and resilience.
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