T.D. Jakes hands over leadership mantle to daughter, son-in-law

Bishop T.D. Jakes

Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, has declared he is stepping down from leading the megachurch, handing over the reins to his daughter, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Pastor Toure Roberts.

The declaration was made during a Sunday morning service on April 27, 2025, just weeks after Jakes suffered a massive heart attack while preaching.

Speaking to the congregation, Jakes said his recent health scare played a major role in his decision to transition leadership.

“You have been faithful to God, and you have been faithful to me,” Jakes told the church. “And I’m so grateful. I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd.”

The leadership transition is scheduled to officially take place in July.

Speaking after her father’s announcement, Sarah Jakes Roberts expressed her deep appreciation.

However, in an interview with Craig Melvin on NBC’s TODAY show, Jakes recounted the moment he suffered the heart attack. He explained that he had not experienced the typical symptoms associated with cardiac arrest and only realised the severity of his condition after being taken to the hospital.

“I didn’t really realise what was happening to me onstage until I got to the hospital in an ambulance and fussing that it happened onstage, by the way, because I didn’t want it to happen,” he said. “And the doctor leaned over my ear and said, ‘You had a massive heart attack.'”

Jakes submitted that he had felt none of the usual warning signs.

“No numbness, no sharp pain, no anything. I just kind of drifted off to sleep. I didn’t know what it was, but I almost died,” he recalled. “(The doctor) said five minutes later, I’d have been dead on arrival. The right side of my heart had completely stopped getting blood at all.”

Bishop T.D. Jakes, born Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr. in 1957, is a renowned American pastor, author, and filmmaker. He was the senior pastor of The Potter’s House, a non-denominational megachurch in Dallas, Texas, which he founded in 1996. His sermons and teachings have reached millions through television broadcasts, books, and conferences.

Jakes has advised high-profile individuals, including U.S. presidents, and was a featured speaker at Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration. He is also known for his work in film production and motivational speaking.

Jakes has assured his congregation that he will remain active in ministry and community outreach.