T.D. Jakes to step down as Potter's House Head Pastor

The renowned American pastor and leader of Potter's House Church, Bishop T.D. Jakes has announced he would be stepping down and handing leadership of the non-denominational Christian church to his daughter and her husband.

On Sunday, April 27, 2025, during church service, Jakes, who is currently 67 years old, announced that his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and son-in-law, Touré Roberts, would take over the church, which he founded in 1996.

He made the announcement during an emotional sermon, where he asked the congregation to welcome their new pastors with open arms.

"This is legacy," Jakes said. "Not because they are kin, but because they are the kind. They have immersed themselves into the DNA of this church for years."

The pastor said that while he is stepping down from his current role, he wants to continue doing work with the community.

However, Jakes disclosed afterwards, on his social media handle, that he would remain part of the Church’s Board of Directors after handing over to his daughter and her spouse, which is billed to officially take place in July, 2025.

"I'm grateful, I'm honoured," Jakes daughter said as she was called on to the stage. "As your daughter, I'm so happy you're going to get some rest."

The change comes after Jakes suffered from a heart attack on stage in November, 2024.

T.D. Jakes and wife

In a video posted online, Jakes was seen pausing during his hour-long sermon, before shaking suddenly as other church members gathered around him. He was then rushed to an intensive care unit.

A week after the "slight health incident," he spoke to his congregation remotely and told them that they were "looking at a miracle."

Jakes has been in the ministry for 47 years, and has reportedly advised many high-profile individuals, including the last three presidents. He is also a best-selling author and award-winning filmmaker.

He has been happily married with his wife, Serita Jakes, for over 40 years. The couple is blessed with five children.

The bishop has made headlines having being a longtime spiritual mentor to Sean "Diddy" Combs, the record executive who was indicted for sex trafficking and other federal charges.

Sarah Jakes Roberts and spouse

Her daughter, the incoming Head pastor, Sarah Jakes Roberts, is a New York Times best-selling author and CEO of Women Evolve, where she hosts a conference each year that focuses on women's empowerment through faith and draws thousands of people across the globe. The event this year will be held in Atlanta in July and is already sold out.

She and her husband, Touré Roberts, are both co-pastors at ONE: a Potter's House Church in Los Angeles and Potter's House of Denver.

Roberts is also a bestselling author, entrepreneur, investor, producer, humanitarian, and podcast host.

The couple has been married since November 2014, which marks their second marriage. They both reportedly have previous failed marriages.

Together, the two have five children from their previous marriages and a sixth child together.

FN Blog