Renowned preacher and founder of The Potter’s House, Dallas, Bishop T.D. Jakes, has officially stepped down as the church’s Senior Pastor after 30 years of impactful leadership. He has named his daughter, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Pastor Touré Roberts, as his successors.
The announcement was made during Sunday’s service with Bishop Jakes’ wife, Serita Jakes, standing beside him. According to the church, Sarah and Touré Roberts will formally assume their new roles as co-senior pastors starting from July 2025. Bishop Jakes, however, will continue to serve on the Board of Directors of The Potter’s House.
In an emotional moment during the service, Sarah Jakes Roberts, fighting back tears, expressed her gratitude. “As your pastor-elect, co-senior pastor-elect, I’m grateful, I’m honored as your daughter,” she said while embracing her father.
The transition comes months after Bishop Jakes suffered a heart attack during a morning service in November 2024 a moment which was captured live and raised concerns over his future at the helm of affairs.
Reflecting on that incident during Sunday’s service, Jakes stated:
“I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me, and you be sheep without a shepherd.”
Following the announcement, the Jakes family released a letter to members of the church and the general public, stating:
“Today we shared with the world our long-held plans of purposeful evolution for The Potter’s House and our global church family.
Preparing for this announcement over the past several years has allowed us, as a family and as a church, to carefully balance the needs of our global community with the pace at which we executed each step of our plan.”
The family noted that the relocation of some members from Los Angeles to Dallas was part of this planned transition, and highlighted key milestones, including the transition from Woman, Thou Art Loosed to Woman Evolve in 2022, and the installation of two new assistant pastors in 2023.
They further stated:
“Today marks the continuation of our willingness to evolve as a church and step into broader roles to ensure we continue to meet the needs of this sensitive moment in our collective history.”
Bishop T.D. Jakes, a global voice in ministry and humanitarian works, leaves behind a legacy that has inspired millions worldwide. His decision to hand over leadership to the next generation reflects a deliberate move to ensure continuity, innovation, and sustained growth of The Potter’s House ministry.