Bishop T.D. Jakes stepping down as Potter’s House senior pastor

Shockwaves went through the faith community this weekend when Bishop T.D. Jakes announced his resignation as senior pastor of the Potter’s House during Sunday service. Although based in the Dallas area with a membership of more than 30,000, the ministry and global brand he founded has a reach that impacts millions. 

His daughter, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Pastor Touré Roberts, were standing nearby when he asked the congregation to accept them as the new leaders. They have served as assistant pastors of the church since 2023.

The official appointment of the new co-senior pastors is expected later this year, and Jakes said it could occur by the church’s 29^th anniversary in July.

During the transition announcement, Jakes also told his daughter and son-in-law he is confident in their leadership, though he acknowledged it won’t be easy.

“I know you might feel the weight sliding from my head to you,” he said before citing a verse from the New Testament book of Romans. “I know the crown is heavy, but also know that if God is for you, who can be against you?”

The announcement came six months after Jakes experienced a health crisis while delivering his sermon. Several outlets reported that Jakes suffered a massive heart attack. A week after he was rushed to the hospital, he told his congregation they were “looking at a miracle.”