Bishop T.D. Jakes Steps Down as Lead Pastor of Potter’s House, Passes Leadership to Daughter and Son-in-Law

Bishop T.D. Jakes, the renowned pastor and founder of The Potter’s House in Dallas, has announced his decision to step down as the lead pastor after three decades of leadership. The role will be passed on to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Pastor Touré Roberts. The transition was revealed during a Sunday service, where Jakes, alongside his wife Serita, made the announcement. Sarah and Touré Roberts will officially begin their new positions in July. Bishop Jakes will continue to serve on the church’s Board of Directors.

With deep emotion, Sarah Jakes Roberts expressed her gratitude and honor in being chosen as the next leader of the church, as she embraced her father while fighting back tears. The announcement comes after a challenging period for Bishop Jakes, who suffered a heart attack last November during a service at The Potter’s House. The health scare raised questions about his future, but Bishop Jakes assured the congregation that the decision to step down was a necessary step to ensure the church’s continued growth and stability. “I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me, and you be sheep without a shepherd,” Jakes explained during the service.

In a letter shared with the congregation following the announcement, the Jakes family expressed their commitment to the ongoing evolution of The Potter’s House and their global church community. The family emphasized that the transition was part of a long-term plan to ensure the church’s continued success. The letter also highlighted significant changes made over the past few years, including the introduction of new leadership roles and the evolution of major church events.

The family acknowledged the challenges faced by communities across the country, from economic hardships to the growing need for faith guidance in a time of skepticism. They expressed hope that this new leadership team, alongside their ongoing efforts in workforce development and community upliftment, would accelerate positive change and create a thriving environment for future generations. The Jakes family’s vision is focused on uniting people to tackle societal issues and strengthen the foundation of faith and community across the nation.