Bishop T.D. Jakes Steps Down as Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House, Passing the Mantle to a New Generation

In a historic and heartfelt moment, Bishop T.D. Jakes announced on Sunday, April 27, 2025, that he is stepping down as the senior pastor of The Potter’s House, the Dallas-based megachurch he founded nearly three decades ago. The leadership mantle will be passed to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts, who will assume the roles of co-senior pastors later this year .

“You have been faithful to God, and you have been faithful to me,” Jakes told the congregation, his voice thick with emotion. “And I’m so grateful.” Sarah Jakes Roberts tearfully responded, “I’m grateful, I’m honored, as your daughter. I’m so happy you’re going to get some rest” .

This transition comes just months after Bishop Jakes suffered a massive heart attack during a sermon in November 2024. He later revealed that doctors told him if he had arrived at the hospital five minutes later, he would have died . Reflecting on this health scare, Jakes expressed the urgency of ensuring the church’s continuity: “I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd” .

While stepping away from daily pastoral duties, Bishop Jakes will remain as Chairman of the Board and spiritual overseer of The Potter’s House. He also plans to focus on broader societal issues, including economic empowerment and social justice, and will continue his work through the T.D. Jakes Group and a forthcoming podcast with iHeartMedia .

The succession plan has been years in the making, with Sarah and Touré Roberts already serving in leadership roles within the church. Their appointment signifies a commitment to honoring the church’s rich history while embracing a future that demands innovative ministry for the coming age .

As The Potter’s House enters this new chapter, the congregation and broader faith community reflect on Bishop Jakes’ profound impact and look forward to the continued growth and evolution of the ministry under new leadership.