Renowned American pastor and founder of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, Bishop Thomas Dexter Jakes, popularly known as TD Jakes, has officially handed over leadership of the megachurch to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Pastor Touré Roberts.
The transition was announced during a Sunday service on April 27, 2025, marking a historic moment in the life of the 66-year-old preacher, who has been in ministry for nearly five decades.
This decision comes months after Bishop Jakes suffered a heart attack in November 2024 and filed a defamation lawsuit over false accusations of sexual misconduct.
“I have seen too many men build something and stay so long that they kill what they built,” Jakes told the congregation. “I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd.”
In an emotional ceremony streamed by The Potter’s House, Jakes presented his daughter and son-in-law as the new senior pastors. He emphasized that their leadership is not based on familial ties but on their commitment to the church’s mission.
“Not because they’re kin,” he said, “but because they’ve immersed themselves into the DNA of this church for years. Sat quiet, preached… What you didn’t know from November forward, they’ve been running the church anyway.”
Jakes added, “Elevating Pastor Touré and Pastor Sarah as the new senior pastors of The Potter’s House, we will honor our rich history while embracing a future that demands innovative ministry for the coming age. This elevation is not a departure but a rebirth.”
The bishop assured his followers that although he is stepping aside from day-to-day pastoral duties, he will continue to preach and minister occasionally. “This moment isn’t an ending, it’s an expansion. We are not only passing a mantle — we are multiplying impact.”
He also shared his vision to focus more on social and economic initiatives: “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.”
TD Jakes, who will remain as Chairman of the T.D. Jakes Group — which oversees his real estate and social impact ventures — expressed confidence in the new leadership.
“I know the crown is heavy but I also know that if God is for you, who can be against you?” he said while embracing Sarah and Touré on stage.
With tears in her eyes, Sarah Jakes Roberts responded, “I think we can all agree that this isn’t how I saw my legacy play out. But I believe that, collectively, we can turn this city upside down and right side up.”
The formal transition of leadership is expected to be completed before the church’s anniversary later this year.
