Bishop T.D. Jakes, one of the most influential pastors in America, announced Sunday he is stepping aside as senior pastor of The Potter’s House megachurch, passing leadership to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Toure Roberts.
The emotional moment unfolded during Sunday morning’s service, just months after Jakes suffered a massive heart attack while preaching. Fighting back tears, the 67-year-old thanked his congregation for decades of love and loyalty.
“You have been faithful to God, and you have been faithful to me,” Jakes told the packed church. “And I’m so grateful.”
Sarah Jakes Roberts, herself a popular pastor and author, expressed her gratitude and excitement. “I’m grateful, I’m honored, as your daughter,” she said. “I’m so happy you’re going to get some rest.”
Jakes, who founded The Potter’s House in 1996, has grown the Dallas-based church into one of the largest and most impactful ministries in the world.
Though he’s stepping away from the pulpit, he’s not disappearing entirely—he’ll continue mentoring and guiding the church in a behind-the-scenes role.
The transition has been in the works for years, but the heart attack in November accelerated the timeline.
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Jakes later revealed in an interview that if he had arrived at the hospital just five minutes later, he might not have survived.
“I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd,” Jakes said.
Reactions from church members were emotional. “I was sad,” said Patrick Moore, a longtime member.
“It’s hard to replace an icon like Bishop. It’s actually impossible.”
Still, many expressed hope that the next generation of leadership could usher in new growth. “Transition is always tough,” Moore added. “But it’s an exciting time too.”
Sarah and Toure Roberts are expected to officially take over in July, continuing the legacy of a church that has shaped millions of lives.
