Bishop T.D. Jakes has appointed his daughter and son-in-law as the first-ever assistant pastors of the Dallas-based megachurch, The Potter's House.

During a special anniversary service on Sunday, Jakes installed his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts, in their new positions in the ministry. He also appointed several other ministers to other positions.

"Before I give you the charge, I want to preface it by saying you might be surprised to be here. But God is not. He said before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee," Jakes declared. "I ordained you. Before any man can ordain, I ordained you. I sanctified you. I set you apart. I made sure you never fit right nowhere else," he added.

This is the first time The Potter's House has had assistant pastors in its 27-year history.

Elder Frank Dyer, the church's Chief Operating Officer, was named the church's new executive pastor. Dyer has recently battled myelodysplastic syndrome, also known as "pre-leukemia."

"It is not lost on me that he called you while the enemy was trying to kill you, and that had Satan had his way, we wouldn't be consecrating you, we would be burying you," Jakes said.

Another elder, Oscar Williams, was appointed Dean of Worship Arts at Jakes Divinity School.

"Dr. Oscar Williams, the hand of the Lord that set you aside for such a time this. One of the most turbulent, painful, bitter, and blessed times in your life. Somewhere over the balconies of Heaven, your mother and father are looking down on you," Jakes said.

Associate Pastor Joel Tudman was also added to the church's corporate leadership team.

"To all of you, I charge you, minister of the word, and sacrament, brother, or sister in Christ, you have been called of God. You have been called by God. Through the leading voice of this congregation to be its minister. You have been called to help lead these people in the way of Jesus Christ. Within the common ministry of all of us, you have been set apart for special service, each one unique in its own way to equip the Body of Christ for its ministry of reconciliation," the megachurch pastor said.

"In the world, as you embark on this chapter of your life and your ministry, I charge [you] remember always that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. I charge you to seek to live with the joy and confidence that comes from being rooted in the Gospel and in knowing the giftedness of life."

Amid the appointments, Jakes noted that he and his wife are not stepping down from ministry anytime soon.

"We are still here," he said. "Our strength is not abated, and our eyes are not blurred, but God has allowed us the privilege of more help for more reach."

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