Bishop T.D. Jakes Steps Down as Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House, Passing Leadership to His Daughter and Son-in-Law

Bishop T.D. Jakes is stepping down as senior pastor of The Potter’s House after nearly three decades of leading the Dallas megachurch.

He made the announcement on Sunday, revealing that his daughter, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Pastor Touré Roberts, will take over leadership in July, marking a significant generational shift for the congregation.

The transition follows a serious health scare in November 2024 when Jakes suffered a massive heart attack while preaching.

Doctors warned that if he had arrived at the hospital five minutes later, he may not have survived.

In an emotional address to the congregation, Jakes stressed the urgency of ensuring the church remains spiritually guided.

“I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd,” he said, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the future.

Jakes, who founded The Potter’s House in 1996, has spent years laying the groundwork for this leadership transition.

His daughter and son-in-law moved to Dallas in 2022 to become more involved in the ministry, and in 2023, they were installed as assistant pastors.

NBC News reported that while the change is emotional for many church members, it is viewed as a necessary step toward the future of the church’s mission.

Sarah Jakes Roberts expressed gratitude for her father’s leadership and the opportunity to continue his legacy.

“I’m grateful, I’m honored, as your daughter. I’m so happy you’re going to get some rest.”

Although stepping down from day-to-day pastoral duties, Jakes will remain actively involved as chairman of the church’s board and spiritual overseer.