A major shakeup is coming to one of the biggest churches in Dallas, as Bishop T.D. Jakes announced Sunday heâs handing over leadership of The Potterâs House congregation to his daughter and son-in-law.
The emotional announcement comes months after Jakes had a massive heart attack while delivering a sermon on stage at the church.
âYou have been faithful to God, and you have been faithful to me,â T.D. Jakes told the congregation during Sunday morningâs service at The Potterâs House. âAnd Iâm so grateful.â
Holding back tears, Bishop T.D. Jakes thanked his church family and announced heâs stepping down as head pastor of The Potterâs House. His daughter and son-in-law, pastors Sarah Jakes Roberts and Toure Roberts, will take over as soon as July.
âIâm grateful, Iâm honored, as your daughter,â said Sarah Jakes Roberts. âIâm so happy youâre going to get some rest.â
T.D. Jakes founded The Potterâs House in 1996. The church said this move had been years in the making, but it came just months after a near-tragedy.
During a sermon in November, Jakes was hospitalized after having a massive heart attack on stage. He told NBCâs TODAY show that doctors said if heâd arrived five minutes later, he would have died.
âI cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd,â said Jakes.
Members of the congregation said they were left feeling a mix of emotions after the announcement.
âI was sad, itâs hard to replace an icon like Bishop, I mean, itâs just hard to do that,â said Patrick Moore. âItâs actually impossible to do that, so very sad.â
Church members told NBC 5 that although losing a pastor whoâs impacted the community for years hurt, they hoped the change would help The Potterâs House into the next generation.
âTransition is always tough, in anything we do, itâs a tough thing,â said Moore. âSo I have trepidation about it, but itâs still an exciting time too.â
The Potterâs House says T.D. Jakes will remain chairman of the churchâs board and spiritual overseer.