Bishop TD Jakes announced on Sunday that he will be handing over the leadership of The Potter's House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, to his daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and son-in-law Touré Roberts.

At the end of his sermon on Sunday, Jakes told his congregation that the transition in leadership is in light of his heart attack that took place last November. He had also recently filed a defamation lawsuit against a man who accused him of sexual assault.

"I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd," Jakes told his congregants.

"I cannot afford to let all the work of all the saints, living and dead, to hold this so tight so long that I wither away. So I'm suggesting to you, I'm recommending to you, that you receive Pastor Touré and Pastor Sarah," he said to cheers and applause while noting that the move is a continuation of "legacy."

"Not because they're kin but because ... they've immersed themselves into the DNA of this church for years. Sat quiet, preached," he explained. "What you didn't know from November forward, they've been running the church anyway."

As Crosswalk Headlines previously reported, Jakes suffered a massive heart attack on Nov. 24, 2024, while on stage delivering a sermon. He later told NBC's Craig Melvin on the "Today" show that he found himself in a "cloud-enveloped space" during the near-death experience, which he suggested was a glimpse of the afterlife.

"In my mind, I was in a quiet, peaceful, serene, white-enveloped, cloud-enveloped space," he explained. "I was on my way out. Afterward, in retrospect, it was such a privilege to stand on the other side to get a little glimpse of what that might be like …I think it was absolutely amazing."

During Jake's announcement on Sunday, he told churchgoers on Sunday that although his daughter and son-in-law are not intended to succeed him, he thinks "they may extend me" if they assume leadership of the church.

In addition to making the announcement in a news release, Jakes is anticipated to continue in his role as chairman of the T.D. Jakes Group.

"For nearly 50 years, I've had the honor of connecting with and serving the local and global community as a pastor, global faith leader, and unwavering truth teller," Jakes said.

"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. This pivotal moment calls me to focus on a legacy of economic empowerment, serving as a bridge between community, culture, and corporate alliances to help position our nation for a stronger future," he added.

"Elevating Pastor Touré and Pastor Sarah as the new senior pastors of The Potter's House, we will honor our rich history while embracing a future that demands innovative ministry for the coming age. This elevation is not a departure but a rebirth. I will never stop preaching and will continue to minister. This moment isn't an ending; it's an expansion. We are not only passing a mantle we are multiplying impact. Leadership is not static; it is dynamic. It demands the courage to evolve."

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