Bishop T.D. Jakes, the renowned founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, has announced his decision to step down from his role as senior pastor and transfer leadership to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and son-in-law, Touré Roberts.

This significant transition, announced on April 27, 2025, marks a new chapter for the megachurch, which Jakes founded nearly three decades ago.

The announcement, shared by Jakes himself on X, described the transition as a “long-held plan of purposeful evolution” for The Potter’s House and its global church family.

Jakes emphasized that the decision was carefully planned over several years to balance the needs of the church and its community. This deliberate approach underscores Jakes’ commitment to ensuring the church’s continued growth and stability under new leadership.

Multiple news sources, including CBS News Texas and The Dallas Morning News, reported that Jakes’ decision comes months after a medical episode during a sermon, which may have influenced the timing of the transition.

Despite this, the handover appears to be part of a broader strategy to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders.

Sarah Jakes Roberts, a prominent author, speaker, and pastor, and her husband, Touré Roberts, also a pastor and author, will now lead The Potter’s House.

The couple has been actively involved in ministry, with Sarah gaining recognition for her inspirational books and leadership in women’s ministry. Touré, who founded One Church in Los Angeles, brings his own pastoral experience to the role.

Their appointment has been met with enthusiasm from some congregants and observers, with posts on X expressing joy and support for the new leadership.

The Jasmine Brand noted that Jakes’ decision reflects his trust in Sarah and Touré to carry forward the church’s mission.

The Potter’s House, known for its vibrant community and global outreach, has grown into one of the largest and most influential megachurches in the United States under Jakes’ leadership.