‘I cannot afford to risk something happening to me’ TD Jakes successor named by Dallas megachurch

During a heartfelt Sunday service, Bishop T.D. Jakes, the well-known founder and pastor of The Potter’s House megachurch, shared his decision to leave his leadership role, with the change taking effect in July 2025.

Jakes’ daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts, will be taking over as senior pastors in July, both of whom are already experienced pastors within the church community, per NBC. Sarah Jakes Roberts, who currently leads the church’s women’s ministry, shared her appreciation and dedication to leading the church forward.

This major shift comes five months after Jakes had a “massive heart attack” while delivering a sermon in November 2024. This incident was streamed live and covered widely in the news.

TD Jakes steps down from his position at Megachurch

The 67-year-old bishop, clearly emotional, explained that his health crisis played a role in his choice, stressing the need to protect the church’s future stability. “Especially after what happened in November, I can’t take the chance of something happening to me and leaving you without a leader,” he said.

Jakes, who started The Potter’s House in 1996, has grown the nondenominational, multicultural church into a major religious institution with more than 30,000 members across multiple locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Denver, and other cities, per People. The church’s impact reaches far beyond its physical buildings, as Jakes’ worldwide influence through preaching, writing, and motivational speaking has made him a respected figure in both religious and non-religious circles.

The announcement did not come out of nowhere. Jakes explained that the plan for leadership succession had been in place for six years, showing a careful approach to making sure the transition goes smoothly. However, the seriousness and emotion behind the announcement were clearly heightened by his life-threatening health scare.

Jakes spoke about his heart attack experience during a March 2025 interview on NBC’s Today show, describing how he collapsed onstage without feeling the usual signs of a heart attack, only understanding how serious it was after the adrenaline wore off. Doctors told him he was minutes away from dying.

Even though he is stepping down from his role as pastor, Bishop Jakes will still have an important position at The Potter’s House. He will remain as chairman of the church’s board of directors, ensuring he continues to provide spiritual guidance and oversight. Beyond his work with the church, Jakes will remain CEO of TDJ Enterprises.

This company includes his publishing, film projects, other business ventures, and his charitable foundation, which focuses on community development and social change. This means he will keep his wide-ranging influence in multiple areas, allowing him to continue making an impact beyond his direct pastoral duties.