T.D. Jakes Came ‘Minutes’ Away from Dying During a Church Service. Now He’s Making Another Life-Changing Decision

Bishop T.D. Jakes steps down to allow daughter and son-in-law to take over pastor duties at Potter’s House

In a significant leadership transition, Bishop T.D. Jakes has made the decision to hand over the day-to-day pastoral responsibilities of his megachurch to his daughter and son-in-law on Sunday, July 6. This move, years in the making, signifies a changing of the guard at the Dallas-based Potter’s House Church, which boasts a congregation of over 30,000 members, making it one of the largest and most influential churches in the nation.

The motivation behind Jakes’ decision stems from a life-altering event he experienced back in November—a massive heart attack that almost took his life during a church service. Recalling the harrowing experience, Jakes emphasises the fragile nature of life, highlighting how he was mere minutes away from death according to medical professionals. This close call served as a wake-up call for the 69-year-old preacher, prompting him to make a decision that will have a profound impact on his congregation and online followers.

After founding the Potter’s House Church in 1996, with additional campuses in Fort Worth, Texas, and Los Angeles, Jakes has been a central figure in the spiritual community. However, following his health scare, he felt compelled to ensure the church’s future stability without him at the helm. By entrusting his daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and son-in-law Touré Roberts with the day-to-day leadership, Jakes aims to guarantee a seamless transition of power, avoiding any potential struggles or uncertainties for the church.

Despite the weight of responsibility that comes with leading a church of such magnitude and influence, Sarah and Touré are embracing the challenge with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Sarah, at 36 years old, acknowledges the daunting task ahead but remains optimistic about the future. Their blended family of six children adds another layer of complexity to their new roles, but their shared faith and commitment to their community drive them forward.

The transition process has been gradual, with Sarah and Touré actively involved in the church for the past four years, familiarising themselves with its inner workings and values. According to Jakes, this hands-on approach to training and mentoring has been instrumental in preparing the couple for their new roles. As they step into leadership positions, they bring with them both personal and professional experiences that resonate with their congregation.

For Sarah, reconnecting with her faith during a challenging period in her life paved the way for her to embrace ministry in an authentic and relatable manner. Touré, on the other hand, discovered his calling to serve through a tech entrepreneurial background and a profound spiritual awakening. Their unique journeys bring a sense of authenticity and empathy to their pastoral roles, making them more accessible and approachable to their followers.

As the baton is passed from father to daughter and son-in-law, Jakes reassures his congregation that he will still play a significant role within the church, albeit in a different capacity. While he may no longer handle the day-to-day operations, his guidance and wisdom will continue to guide the church’s path forward. The legacy of leadership and service that Jakes has cultivated over the years will live on through the next generation, ensuring a seamless continuity for the Potter’s House Church.