“I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me, and you be sheep without a shepherd.”
Bishop T.D. Jakes announced the transition of his Potter’s House megachurch to daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and son-in-law Touré Roberts during Sunday’s emotional service. The 30-year senior pastor, who suffered a November 2024 heart attack during a live service, stated: “I cannot afford…to risk you being sheep without a shepherd.” The couple will assume leadership in July, while Jakes remains on the board.
Fighting tears, Jakes Roberts accepted the role: “As your pastor-elect…I’m grateful as your daughter.”A church spokesperson confirmed the succession plan was years in development. The 2022 transition from Jakes’ “Woman, Thou Art Loosed” conference to his daughter’s “Woman Evolve” event marked early steps in this generational shift.
In a family letter, the Jakes framed the move as a “purposeful evolution,” noting 2023’s appointment of assistant pastors paved the way. The Dallas-based church, serving 30,000 members, called this *”a sensitive moment in our collective history” requiring fresh leadership.