Faith isn't always a straight line. Sometimes it looks more like a jagged EKG readout on a hospital monitor, which is exactly where things got real for the t d jakes family recently. Most people know Bishop T.D. Jakes as the booming voice behind a 30,000-member megachurch, but lately, the narrative has shifted from the pulpit to the dinner table.
It hasn't been easy. You’ve probably seen the headlines about health scares and "passing the mantle," but the actual story of this family is much more about survival than just succession. They aren't just a religious dynasty; they’re a group of people who had to figure out how to be "normal" while the whole world watched their every move.
The Succession Nobody Expected (But Everyone Needed)
For decades, the idea of anyone but T.D. Jakes leading The Potter’s House seemed impossible. He was the church. But life has a funny way of forcing your hand. In November 2024, a massive heart attack during a Sunday service changed everything. It was a terrifying moment—staff rushing the stage, thousands watching online as his head slumped.
He survived, obviously. But you can't just go back to business as usual after coming that close to the edge. Doctors told him he was five minutes from death. Honestly, that kind of news makes you look at your kids differently. It makes you think about what happens when you’re not there to hold the microphone.
So, in July 2025, we saw the official "changing of the guard." It wasn't a corporate rebranding; it was a family huddle. Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband, Touré Roberts, were installed as the new co-senior pastors. Sarah, who once felt the church "wasn't for her" after a teen pregnancy at 14, is now the face of the future. It’s a full-circle moment that feels more like a movie script than real life, yet here they are, leading one of the biggest congregations in America.
Meet the T D Jakes Family: More Than Just the Spotlight
If you look at the t d jakes family tree, you see a mix of high-profile ministry and quiet, behind-the-scenes support. It starts with Serita Jakes. She and the Bishop have been married since 1982—over 40 years of "leather and lace," as he likes to call her. Early in their marriage, they survived a horrific car crash that almost left her unable to walk. He literally taught her how to walk again. That kind of bond creates a foundation that fame can’t touch.
✨ Don't miss: Ethan Slater That's So Raven: What Really Happened
Then you’ve got the five kids:
- Sarah Jakes Roberts: The breakout star. She’s the CEO of Woman Evolve and has basically become a global icon for "authentic" faith.
- Cora Jakes: Known for her powerful voice on fertility and faith, she’s been a staple in the ministry for years.
- Jamar, Jermaine, and Thomas Jakes Jr.: They often stay further back from the blinding lights of the pulpit compared to Sarah, but they’re deeply embedded in the family’s various enterprises.
It's a blended family dynamic, too. Sarah and Touré have six children between them. When you see them all together, it’s a lot of moving parts. It’s loud. It’s complicated. It’s basically what happens when you try to run a global media empire while also making sure everyone shows up for Sunday dinner.
The Reality of the "Glass House"
Living in the t d jakes family means living in a glass house. People throw stones. Lately, those stones have been heavy. There were the messy defamation lawsuits involving Duane Youngblood and Richard Edwin, which were eventually dismissed in late 2025, but the stress of those public accusations takes a toll.
You also can't ignore the health "incidents." Even as recently as October 2025, there was another scare where the Bishop had to leave the pulpit mid-sermon. An ambulance showed up. The internet went into a frenzy. But a few hours later, the family posted a photo of them all at dinner.
💡 You might also like: Who is Joe Burrow's girlfriend in 2024: The Olivia Paradox Explained
That’s their brand now: "We're fine, we're together, and we're moving forward."
What This Means for the Future of Ministry
The transition to Sarah and Touré isn't just about keeping it in the family. It’s a strategic pivot. The "old school" megachurch model is changing. Sarah’s approach is different; it's more about "vulnerability as a shield" and less about the untouchable authority of the past.
T.D. Jakes himself hasn't retired. He’s just shifted. He’s now the "Chairman," focusing on his T.D. Jakes Group, real estate, and economic empowerment. He’s looking at the disappearing middle class and social unrest. He’s trying to build a legacy that exists outside the four walls of a church building.
Lessons from the Jakes Dynasty
If you're looking at the t d jakes family and wondering how they stay glued together, there are a few takeaways:
📖 Related: Elizabeth Olsen Cleavage: What Most People Get Wrong About Her Marvel Style
- Succession requires trust: You can't pass a torch if you don't trust the next person to hold it. Jakes had to let go of his "baby" (the church) to let his daughter lead.
- Authenticity wins: Sarah’s rise happened because she stopped trying to be the perfect "pastor's kid" and started being honest about her mistakes.
- Health is the ultimate bottom line: All the influence in the world doesn't matter if you aren't around to see it. The family's recent focus on the Bishop's well-being shows a shift in priorities.
What’s next? Probably more podcasts. T.D. Jakes is leaning heavily into his partnership with iHeartMedia for "My Next Chapter." The family is expanding their reach into digital spaces where they can talk to people who might never set foot in a Dallas megachurch.
They’ve moved from being a local church family to a global media brand. It’s a lot of pressure, sure. But as they’ve shown over the last couple of years, they’re pretty good at handling the heat.
Actionable Insights:
- Watch the Transition: Keep an eye on how Sarah Jakes Roberts handles the "Senior Pastor" role through 2026. Her style is a bellwether for where modern evangelicalism is heading.
- Focus on Legacy: Like the Bishop, consider how your own "work" can transition into "impact." Moving from day-to-day operations to a chairman role is a masterclass in long-term planning.
- Prioritize Health: Use the Bishop's 2024 and 2025 health scares as a reminder to do your own check-ups. Success means nothing if you aren't there to enjoy the dinner with your family afterward.