The founder and Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, Thomas Dexter (T.D.) Jakes, has announced that he is stepping aside from his pastoral duties and entrusting the megachurch’s leadership to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts.
This major transition was publicly revealed during the Sunday service on April 27, 2025, marking a historic moment in the church’s journey.
Jakes, who has led the ministry for nearly five decades, told 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.”
The November he referenced was when he suffered a heart attack, a personal health scare that clearly influenced his decision.
“There’s some things I want to do in the community before I get too old to do it, and the clock is ticking,” he added. “I cannot afford to let all the work of all the saints, living and dead, to hold this so tight so long that I wither away. So I’m suggesting to you, I’m recommending to you, that you receive Pastor Touré and Pastor Sarah.”
“Not because they’re kin 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.”
A New Chapter in Ministry
Jakes clarified that this handover is not a retirement but a repositioning of his role to allow the church to thrive under new leadership.
“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,” he said.
“This elevation is not a departure but a rebirth. I will never stop preaching and will continue to minister. This moment isn’t an ending, it’s an 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.”
As Jakes reflected on his 50-year journey in public ministry, he shared his broader vision beyond the pulpit.
“As I enter my 50th year in the public spotlight, I recognize the urgent need to address more challenges of our time, particularly the looming threat of a disappearing middle class, social unrest and closing opportunity gaps.”
“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.”
When his daughter and son-in-law approached the stage during the announcement, he warmly embraced them, saying: “I know the crown is heavy but I also know that if God is for you, who can be against you?”
Sarah Jakes Roberts Shares Her Heart
Sarah Jakes Roberts, overwhelmed with emotion, responded to the occasion with tears and gratitude.
“I think we can all agree that this isn’t how I saw my legacy play out,” she said. “I believe that, collectively, we can turn this city upside down and right side up.”
According to reports, their official appointment will take place later in the year, aligning with the church’s anniversary celebrations. Jakes expressed hope that the leadership transition would be fully formalized by then so he can shift focus to other areas of service.
Following this transition, he will remain active as the chairman of the T.D. Jakes Group, which encompasses his real estate ventures, his social impact holding company, and the T.D. Jakes Foundation.
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