Bishop Passes Torch To Daughter, Son-In-Law

By Rosaland Tyler
Associate Editor
New Journal and Guide

Bishop T.D. Jakes recently handed the reins of the Potter’s House to his daughter and son-in-law, months after he publicly experienced a heart attack on stage in November.

His daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, New York Times best-selling author and CEO of Women Evolve, and her husband Touré Roberts, will take over the Dallas megachurch, which was founded in 1996. Jakes, age 67, announced his decision to step down on April 27 during service. Jakes’ new successors have served as assistant pastors of the 30,000-member nondenominational church since 2023 and will assume their new roles as senior pastors in July.

“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,” Jakes said in a recent statement.

“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.

“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. 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.”

Roberts, age 36, said after her Dad’s announcement, as tears slipped down her face, “If I’m honest, I’ve been wondering if I have what it takes to do it the way you guys have done it or to take it even further. God then showed me you all didn’t know if you had what it took either. But God gave you the GPS to find what it took to [do] the assignment.”

“I believe the same God that has ordered your steps … is going to order our steps,” she said, telling her father that she is happy he will finally get some rest.

According to the press release, Jakes will remain chairman of the board and spiritual overseer of the Potter’s House. He’ll also be stepping fully into the new partnership with iHeartMedia in which he’ll launch his own slate of podcasts. His first podcast is titled, “My Next Chapter.”