A NEW CHAPTER AWAITS

This transition has been prayerfully and strategically in the works for several years. Bishop Jakes and his family have been planning for the long-term sustainability of The Potter’s House as a vital resource for community support and impact. This journey includes the move of Pastors Touré and Sarah Jakes Roberts to Dallas, their increased pastoral responsibilities, and their appointment as assistant pastors in 2023.

Their elevation reflects the belief that legacy is not something to preserve, it’s something to propel. By entrusting this next chapter to leaders who carry both the heart of the house and a clear-eyed vision for the future, Bishop Jakes affirms what thriving institutions have always known: when successors are prepared with purpose, the mission doesn’t just continue, it multiplies.

The formal appointment of Pastors Touré and Sarah Jakes Roberts as Senior Pastors will most likely take place during The Potter’s House’s 29th Anniversary Celebration in July 2025 or later in the year. Until then, they will continue serving in their current pastoral roles, while preparing to assume their new responsibilities with intentionality, care, and collaboration alongside Bishop Jakes and church leadership.

Yes. T.D. Jakes will remain Chairman of the Board and spiritual overseer of The Potter’s House, providing vision, counsel, and legacy leadership as the next generation steps into their senior pastoral roles.

Bishop Jakes will also continue to preach and offer wisdom as the Founding Pastor of The Potter’s House.

His role is evolving, not disappearing.

This is not a reaction to any external circumstance, but a proactive and visionary leadership decision. It reflects a sacred and strategic evolution designed to preserve the spiritual vitality and cultural relevance of The Potter’s House for future generations. As the world changes, so must our approach to ministry. This transition ensures that The Potter’s House remains a beacon of transformational leadership and faith-driven innovation.

While Bishop Jakes did experience a health-related episode late last year—which he shared candidly with the public—this transition was already in motion. His health is stable, and the decision is based on legacy planning and leadership evolution, not crisis or personal concern. You can read and see his full statement on his health journey here.

Absolutely. While he will no longer serve as the primary preaching pastor, Bishop Jakes will still preach on special occasions and as led by the Spirit. His voice will remain present, powerful, and pastoral.

Absolutely not. Bishop Jakes has not been implicated in any wrongdoing or within any legal matters against him. This transition is unrelated to manufactured rumor mills or third-party artificial controversies. It is a long-anticipated evolution aligned with his calling to build broader systems of impact beyond the pulpit. Bishop Jakes remains in good standing both spiritually and personally. This decision is based on faith, foresight, and a commitment to generational leadership—not scandal or moral failure.

The Potter’s House will remain The Potter’s House. The heart of its mission, vision, and values will remain rooted in the foundation Bishop Jakes built, while embracing a fresh expression for a new generation.