After three decades of preaching, mentoring, and leading one of the largest churches in the United States, Bishop T.D. Jakes has announced his upcoming resignation as Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. The 67-year-old spiritual leader made the emotional declaration during a recent Sunday service, revealing that his daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband, Touré Roberts, will succeed him in July 2025.
Picture: Photo of Bishop T.D Jakes, founder of The Potters House, Dallas, Texas
Addressing a packed congregation, Bishop Jakes held back tears as he spoke of the faithfulness of his spiritual family and his confidence in the next generation of leadership. He emphasized the importance of the moment, not just as a transition, but as a continuation of purpose. While stepping down from the pulpit, he will retain a seat on the church’s Board of Directors to ensure ongoing counsel and continuity.
This transition comes just months after a health scare that deeply impacted Jakes and accelerated his decision. In November 2024, the bishop suffered a heart attack while delivering a sermon. Recalling the incident in a March interview on NBC’s Today show, he shared how the adrenaline of preaching had masked the severity of the condition until he collapsed shortly after stepping away from the stage.
Photo: New Senior pastors of The Potters House, Sarah Jakes Roberts (left) and her husband, Toure Roberts (right)
Medical professionals later confirmed that a major clot had completely blocked blood flow to the right side of his heart. He credited his survival to divine intervention and swift emergency response, and called the overwhelming support he received from around the globe a source of strength during his recovery.
Jakes described the ordeal as a turning point. “I can’t afford for something to happen to me and leave you without a shepherd,” he told the congregation. His remarks highlighted both his dedication to the church and the urgency behind a well-planned succession.
Picture: Bishop T.D Jakes handing over senior pastor role to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts (middle) & Toure Roberts (right)
Following his announcement, Bishop Jakes shared a statement on social media, reaffirming his commitment to broader initiatives. He expressed optimism that the next chapter for The Potter’s House will thrive under the leadership of Pastors Sarah and Touré. At the same time, he plans to deepen his focus on national efforts through the T.D. Jakes Group — an organization dedicated to job creation, workforce development, and revitalizing marginalized communities.
The leadership handover marks not just the end of an era, but the beginning of a new movement within The Potter’s House, rooted in legacy and purpose.