Bishop Thomas Dexter Jakes, Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, announced on Sunday that he is stepping back from day-to-day church leadership and passing the mantle to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Pastor Touré Roberts.
The announcement follows a series of major personal developments for the renowned pastor, including a heart attack in November and a defamation lawsuit filed against a man who accused him of sexual assault.
According to The Christian Post, Jakes shared the news during a service, telling his congregation:“I have seen too many men build something and stay so long that they kill what they built. I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd.”
He expressed a desire to pursue community-focused initiatives before age or health concerns prevent him from doing so: “There’s some things I want to do in the community before I get too old to do it, and the clock is ticking. I cannot afford to let all the work of all the saints, living and dead, be lost by holding on too long.”
Jakes emphasized that the leadership transition was not based on family ties alone, but on years of commitment and spiritual alignment.
“Not because they’re kin, but because they’ve immersed themselves into the DNA of this church for years… What you didn’t know from November forward, they’ve been running the church anyway.”
While making it clear that he will continue to preach and serve in ministry, Jakes described this moment not as a departure but a “rebirth” and “expansion.”
“We are not only passing a mantle—we are multiplying impact. Leadership is not static; it is dynamic. It demands the courage to evolve.”
Reflecting on his nearly 50 years in ministry, Jakes said his next chapter will focus on broader societal issues, such as economic empowerment and bridging opportunity gaps
According to The Dallas Morning News, Jakes embraced his daughter and son-in-law as they joined him on stage and said, “I know the crown is heavy, but I also know that if God is for you, who can be against you?”
“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.”
Fighting back tears, Sarah Jakes Roberts addressed the congregation:
“I think we can all agree that this isn’t how I saw my legacy play out… I believe that, collectively, we can turn this city upside down and right side up.”
The formal transition of leadership is expected to take place later this year, aligning with the church’s upcoming anniversary celebrations. Following the handover, Bishop Jakes will continue his work as Chairman of the T.D. Jakes Group, which oversees ventures in real estate, social impact, and philanthropy, including the T.D. Jakes Foundation.
