T.D. Jakes Passes the Torch: Daughter Takes Historic Leadership Role

Bishop T.D. Jakes Announces Historic Leadership Transition at Potter’s House

In a powerful moment that marks the end of an era, Bishop T.D. Jakes has announced he will transfer leadership of the Potter’s House in Dallas after three decades at its helm. The globally renowned pastor named his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts, as the new senior pastors of the influential megachurch.

The emotional announcement came during Sunday’s service, with Jakes’ wife, Serita Jakes, by his side as he revealed the succession plan that will take effect this July. The decision represents a significant passing of the torch within one of America’s most prominent spiritual families.

Heart Attack Scare Influenced Succession Timeline

The announcement follows a frightening health scare last November when Jakes suffered a heart attack during a morning service at Potter’s House—an incident that was captured on live video, shocking followers worldwide and raising questions about his future ministry.

“I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me, and you be sheep without a shepherd,” Jakes explained candidly to his congregation, highlighting how his medical emergency accelerated succession plans that had apparently been in development for years.

A Daughter’s Emotional Response to the Call

Sarah Jakes Roberts, who has built her own significant ministry platform through Woman Evolve, struggled to contain her emotions during the announcement. “As your pastor-elect, co-senior pastor elect, I’m grateful, I’m honored as your daughter,” she said through tears as she embraced her father.

The moment represents a remarkable evolution for Jakes Roberts, whose personal journey has been marked by early struggles and public redemption. Once a teenage mother who faced significant criticism, she has transformed into a powerful voice for women in ministry, authoring several bestselling books and building a substantial following.

A Carefully Orchestrated Transition Years in the Making

According to a letter released by the Jakes family following the announcement, this succession represents the culmination of “long-held plans” and a “purposeful evolution” for The Potter’s House and its global church family. The transition has apparently been methodically implemented over several years.

“When members of our family moved from LA to Dallas, it was to be more active in the evolution of this growing ministry,” the family letter explained. “In 2022, a handshake between generations took place as we said farewell to Woman, Thou Art Loosed and hello to Woman Evolve.”

The letter also referenced the installation of two new assistant pastors in 2023 as part of this strategic succession plan, showing that Sunday’s announcement was the next step in an orchestrated leadership transition rather than a sudden decision.

T.D. Jakes’ Future Role and Expanded Vision

While stepping down as senior pastor, Jakes will maintain his connection to the church by remaining on the Potter’s House Board of Directors. However, the shift appears designed to free him to focus more intensively on broader social and economic initiatives through the T.D. Jakes Group.

The family’s letter outlined ambitious goals: “The work of the T.D. Jakes Group to bolster job creation and 21st century workforce readiness, investing in the infrastructure of communities nationwide, lifting communities up from the margins to the center and working alongside like-minded partners to create thriving neighborhoods will be able to accelerate rapidly.”

A New Generation Facing Modern Challenges

The succession letter framed this leadership transition within the context of addressing contemporary challenges, particularly for younger generations. It referenced economic hurdles like first-time home ownership, the entrepreneurial landscape, and “a younger generation needing a home for their faith walk in the midst of increasing skepticism.”

This acknowledgment suggests that Pastors Touré and Sarah Jakes Roberts will be tasked with making the church relevant to younger demographics while preserving its foundational values—a delicate balance that many religious institutions struggle to maintain in the modern era.

“As Pastors Touré & Sarah take another step up to further accept the mantle of daily ministry duties at The Potter’s House of Dallas ushering in a new movement and calling,” the letter stated, positioning the couple as bridging traditional church values with contemporary approaches.

The Legacy of T.D. Jakes at Potter’s House

T.D. Jakes founded The Potter’s House in 1996 after relocating from West Virginia, and under his leadership, the church grew from just 50 families to a congregation of more than 30,000 members. The Dallas-based megachurch has become known globally for its dynamic worship services, extensive community outreach, and Jakes’ powerful preaching style.

Throughout his 30-year tenure, Jakes expanded beyond traditional pastoral duties to become a bestselling author, film producer, conference host, and advisor to presidents. His influence has transcended religious boundaries to impact broader cultural conversations around faith, purpose, and social justice.

What This Means for the Future of Potter’s House

The installation of Sarah Jakes Roberts and Touré Roberts represents not just a generational shift but potentially a stylistic one as well. Both bring their own distinct ministerial approaches that may reshape how the Potter’s House engages with its members and the broader community.

Touré Roberts founded One Church LA before marrying Sarah, bringing experience in leading a congregation in the entertainment capital with a focus on reaching cultural influencers. Sarah’s Woman Evolve platform has particularly resonated with younger women seeking faith guidance in modern contexts.

Together, they inherit the challenge of preserving the Potter’s House legacy while adapting to changing cultural landscapes and the increasingly digital nature of ministry—a task made more complex by following in the footsteps of one of Christianity’s most recognizable figures.

The transition will formally begin in July, giving the congregation time to process this significant change while preparing for a new chapter in the storied history of one of America’s most influential churches.