In a historic and emotional ceremony, Bishop T.D. Jakes formally installed his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts, as co-senior pastors of The Potter’s House in Dallas. The long-anticipated leadership transition was made official during a packed Sunday service that also marked the megachurch’s 29th anniversary.
“Today, a mantle was passed with power, and a future was set in motion,” the church shared on Instagram, along with video highlights from the service. “Bishop T.D. Jakes lifted up a legacy of sacrifice to release the next generation into purpose. This moment was sacred, and what comes next requires all of us.”
Earlier this year, Jakes had announced his plan to step aside and entrust leadership to the couple. “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,” he told his congregation. “So I’m suggesting to you, I’m recommending to you, that you receive Pastor Touré and Pastor Sarah.”
During the nearly four-hour installation service, attended by thousands in the church’s 7,600-seat auditorium, faith leader Cindy Trimm delivered a sermon titled “The Last Sermon: Leadership Redefined.” Preaching from the book of Deuteronomy, Trimm praised Bishop Jakes’ decades-long influence in ministry, media, and social impact. She also honored First Lady Serita Jakes as “the backbone behind the bishop,” and described Sarah Jakes Roberts as a courageous voice and Touré Roberts as a “builder of nations.”
The emotional high point of the service came as the new co-pastors knelt before Bishop and First Lady Jakes for a final blessing. Anointing their heads, ears, and hands with oil, Jakes placed white stoles bearing the church’s logo over their shoulders, then removed his own stole and placed it on Touré Roberts.
“Remember always that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve,” Jakes said, followed by a thunderous ovation from the congregation.
Sarah Jakes Roberts then turned to the crowd with a bold declaration: “Shall we unleash glory on Earth?”
Although stepping away from the pulpit at The Potter’s House, Bishop Jakes, 68, will continue serving as chairman of the T.D. Jakes Group, which includes his foundation, real estate ventures, and social impact initiatives.
“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,” he said earlier this year. “This elevation is not a departure but a rebirth… We are not only passing a mantle, we are multiplying impact.”
Founded in 1996, The Potter’s House now serves over 30,000 members. Sarah Jakes Roberts, 36, brings with her a powerful testimony as a teen mom turned bestselling author and founder of the Woman Evolve ministry. Her husband, Touré Roberts, founded ONE | A Potter’s House Church in Los Angeles, which reaches hundreds of thousands online each month.