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Culture & Lifestyle • Religion

T.D. Jakes

T.D.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

T.D. Jakes is an American nondenominational pastor, author, and speaker known for his charismatic preaching and influence in contemporary Christian ministry and media. He founded The Potter’s House, a Dallas megachurch, and served as its senior pastor until 2025. He is also known for books, conferences, and film and television work.

Early life and ministry

Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr. was born in South Charleston, West Virginia, in 1957. He began ministry in 1979 and later became known for his growing evangelistic and pastoral work.

The Potter’s House

Jakes founded The Potter’s House in Dallas in 1996. The church became a large nondenominational megachurch and the centre of his public ministry.

Media and publishing

Jakes built a broad media profile through books, conferences, television appearances, and film production. His work has reached audiences beyond the church through broadcasting and popular media.

Leadership transition

In 2025, Jakes stepped down as senior pastor of The Potter’s House after a heart attack during a sermon and cited health concerns. Leadership was handed to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts.

Key facts

  • T.D. Jakes is an American nondenominational bishop, pastor, author, and speaker.
  • He founded The Potter’s House, a Dallas megachurch, in 1996.
  • He was senior pastor of The Potter’s House until stepping down in 2025.
  • He is associated with the Woman Thou Art Loosed conference series and other ministries.
  • He has written books and worked in film and television production.
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Canadian context

T.D. Jakes has a Canadian relevance through the broader North American Christian media and conference circuit, where his books, sermons, and events have reached Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who is T.D. Jakes?
T.D. Jakes is an American nondenominational pastor, author, speaker, and filmmaker best known as the founder of The Potter’s House in Dallas.
What is T.D. Jakes’s full name?
His full name is Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr.
What church did T.D. Jakes found?
He founded The Potter’s House, a megachurch in Dallas, Texas.
When did T.D. Jakes step down as senior pastor?
He stepped down in 2025 and transferred leadership to Sarah Jakes Roberts and Touré Roberts.
What is T.D. Jakes known for outside church leadership?
He is known for books, conferences, television appearances, and film and media production.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/T-D-Jakes
    Supports: Biography, birth details, founding of The Potter’s House, and 2025 leadership transition.
  2. The HistoryMakers — https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/bishop-td-jakes-33
    Supports: Birth details, family information, and ministry background.
  3. West Virginia Encyclopedia — https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/entries/920
    Supports: Early life, ministry, and The Potter’s House profile.
  4. T.D. Jakes official site — https://www.tdjakes.org/about/
    Supports: Overview of his ministry, books, and media ventures.