The Rev. T.D. Jakes (L) and former UN Ambassador Andrew Young listen during funeral services in February 2006 for Coretta Scott King at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga. File Photo By Ric Feld/UPI | License Photo
April 28 (UPI) — Bishop T.D. Jakes says he will pass the baton of the Potter’s House Church in Texas to his daughter and her husband.
On Sunday, Jakes announced in an emotional sermon that he will step down from his role and will hand over leadership to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and his son-in-law Toure Roberts in what’s seen to be a major shakeup of the ministry.
“This is legacy,” he told the congregation. “Not because they’re kin, but because they’re the kind. They’ve immersed themselves into the DNA of this church for years.”
Jakes, 67, founded the nondenominational Christian church in 1996 with “minimal resources,” according to his bio.
“You have been faithful to God, and you have been faithful to me,” Jakes said during Sunday morning’s service in Dallas. “And I’m so grateful.”
Sunday’s announcement arrived about five months after Jakes suffered a massive heart attack while giving a sermon.
“As I enter my 50th year in the public spotlight, I recognize the urgent need to address more challenges of our time, particularly the looming threat of a disappearing middle class, social unrest and closing opportunity gaps