T.D. Jakes It’s the end of an era — and a new beginning.
Bishop Thomas Dexter “T.D.” Jakes’ April 27 announcement to his congregation at The Potter’s House in Dallas wasn’t unexpected. He is “stepping back” from the ministry as his daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Touré Roberts become the senior pastors.
Jakes said in a statement that this is not a retirement. “This elevation is not a departure but a rebirth. I will never stop preaching and will continue to minister. This moment isn’t an ending, it’s an expansion,” he said.
Jakes said they are multiplying impact.
“Leadership is not static. It is dynamic. It demands the courage to evolve.”
He’s in his 50th year in the public spotlight and said he sees other areas that need his attention and energy.
“I recognize the urgent need to address more challenges of our time, particularly the looming threat of a disappearing middle class, social unrest, and closing opportunity gaps. This pivotal moment calls me to focus on a legacy of economic empowerment, serving as a bridge between community, culture, and corporate alliances to help position our nation for a stronger future,” he announced.
He will remain as chair of the board and spiritual overseer of the church’s ministry.
Jakes’ announcement was expected in light of the massive heart attack he experienced in November 2024, as he ministered in front of the nation. Calling himself a miracle, in late March, he explained on the Today Show that he had a massive heart attack.
“I had none of the usual symptoms; my mind, I was in a quiet, peaceful, serene, white enveloped space,” he explained. “I was on my way out, and it was a privilege to stand on the other side and get a glimpse.” The same day, he underwent heart surgery while he was completely awake.
Touré Roberts is the founder of ONE/A Potter’s House Church, and Sarah Roberts is the founder of Woman Evolve. Together, they represent leadership that encompasses generations and moves forward with the strength of the past.
“We are committed to building a ministry that carries the heart of Bishop Jakes into a future that is both faithful and forward-thinking,” Touré Roberts said in a press release. Sarah Roberts added, “This is not just a call to serve. It’s a mandate to lead with compassion, clarity, and courage.”
More faith leaders arrested at Capitol
Rev. Dr. Hanna Broome, director of religious affairs for Repairers of the Breach, was among the faith leaders arrested in the rotunda of the United States Capitol on “Moral Monday,” May 5, 2025, while reading from the Bible and praying for a moral budget.
The Moral Monday movement is opposed to a proposed federal budget that would cut Medicaid, food assistance, and housing support.
“We will not bow, we will not be bought, nor will we back down. Silence is not an option,” one of the faith leaders,” said Broome.
“Faith does not belong only in the sanctuary…righteousness is not partisan. “[We] stand as guardians of the soul of this democracy.”
Calling President Trump’s proposed budget, a “shameful story,” Broome said, “it bleeds blood.”
“Bombs are funded, but babies are deported. Child tax credit rolled back,” Broome said.
Broome also implored other faith leaders to act.
“Do your job. This is not a time for quiet pulpits. Cry out aloud and spare not. When prophets pray, empires crumble,” she said.
Also arrested was retired pastor Rev. Alvin Jackson, who shared from a recent report published by Repairers of the Breach, the Institute for Policy Studies, and the Economic Policy Institute.
It predicts dire consequences the $1.5 trillion in cuts will have on the Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Head Start.
Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune of the National Council of Churches called the budget “violence in its own way,” emerging like a phoenix from the very pit of hell. She urged accountability, noting that when there is no shame, there must be resistance.
This story originally appeared here.