After nearly five decades in ministry, Bishop T.D. Jakes announced he is stepping down as senior pastor of The Potter’s House and passing the leadership torch to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts.
The announcement came during an emotional sermon on Sunday, where the 67-year-old bishop praised the couple’s dedication and asked April 27 the congregation to embrace them as the next leaders of the Dallas-based megachurch.
To The Next Generation
“This is legacy,” Jakes told the congregation. “Not because they’re kin, but because they’re the kind.”
The news somes at a time when T.D. Jakes’ “Fort Mac Village One” redevelopment has effectively stalled. In April T.D. Jakes Enterprises informed the McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority that negotiations over key partnerships and the overall project vision had reached a stalemate, halting progress on the mixed-use community at the former Fort McPherson army base near Tyler Perry‘s film studio. In fact, in 2021, T.D. Jakes Enterprises and Perry joined forces on the Fort McPherson redevelopment, acquiring roughly 130 acres between them.
The 94-acre site was slated to include affordable housing, retail, green space, and cultural facilities. Despite a $1 billion capital commitment from Wells Fargo and initial excitement, TDJE’s letter warned it could not move forward until all stakeholders aligned on a unified plan, according to Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Jakes, who suffered a heart attack while preaching in November, said he’s stepping back to prioritize his health but will remain active in community work. “As your daughter, I’m so happy you’re going to get some rest,” Sarah said as she joined him on stage.
Jakes founded The Potter’s House in 1996 with minimal resources. Today, it boasts over 30,000 members and a staff of 400. According to Zippia, the church generated $5.2 million in revenue in 2023 and has 73 employees, with a revenue-per-employee ratio of $71,233.
Beyond the pulpit, Jakes has built a financial empire. His estimated net worth ranges between $20 million and $30 million, earned through bestselling books like “Woman, Thou Art Loosed!” film production, speaking engagements, and business ventures.
His daughter and son-in-law are also well-known. Sarah is a New York Times best-selling author, having authored several books, and the founder of Women Evolve, a popular women’s empowerment conference. Together, the couple pastors ONE: A Potter’s House Church in Los Angeles and another location in Denver.
He has worked harder than any person I know. He deserves rest not speculation. I fear this generation who make money off of attempting to exploit People of God
It’s unfortunate he let Diddy bring him down. God blessed him and he stopped appreciating it.
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