A Major Change at The Potter's House: T.D. Jakes Steps Down as Pastor
Prominent pastor T.D. Jakes relinquishing leadership role at Dallas's megachurch, The Potter's House.
Get ready for a shakeup* at one of the largest churches in Dallas, as Bishop T.D. Jakes announced a major change in leadership during Sunday's service. He's handing over the reins of The Potter's House to his daughter and son-in-law.
Emotions ran high as Jakes delivered the news, just months after a near-tragedy: a massive heart attack on stage in November.
"You've been faithful to God, and you've been faithful to me," Bishop T.D. Jakes told the congregation. "And I'm so grateful."
With tears in his eyes, he thanked his church family and announced his decision to step down as head pastor, effective as soon as July. His daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Toure Roberts, will take the helm.
"I'm grateful, I'm honored, as your daughter," Sarah Jakes Roberts said, visibly moved. "I'm so happy you're going to get some rest."
Founded by Jakes in 1996, The Potter's House is well-known for its impact on the Dallas community. This move, though years in the making, comes after his recent health scare.
During a sermon in November, Jakes suffered a massive heart attack on stage. Fortunately, he arrived at the hospital in time and managed to survive, but the incident served as a wake-up call.
"I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd," said Jakes.
Congregation members expressed a mix of feelings after the announcement: some were sad at the prospect of losing an icon like Jakes, while others saw it as an opportunity for the church to move forward into a new era.
"Transition is always tough, in anything we do, it's a tough thing," said congregant Patrick Moore. "So I have trepidation about it, but it's still an exciting time too."
Bishop Jakes will remain the Chairman of the church's board and spiritual overseer, ensuring a smooth transition for The Potter's House as it enters a new chapter. More details about the transition can be found here.
- The forthcoming leadership transition at The Potter's House is likely to instigate a shakeup, with Bishop T.D. Jakes announcing his decision to step down as head pastor.
- In the aftermath of a health scare, Jakes handed over the reins to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Toure Roberts.
- Recognizing the potential risks to the congregation's well-being, Jakes emphasized the need for a more balanced approach to health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and even mental health.
- Moving forward, Bishop Jakes will continue to serve as the Chairman of the church's board and spiritual overseer, ensuring a seamless integration of the old guard with the new leadership.
