T. D. Jakes

Preacher

American South Charleston, West Virginia, U.S.

Quick Info

ProfessionPreacher
NationalityAmerican
Date of Birth09/06/1957
Age68 years
BirthplaceSouth Charleston, West Virginia, U.S.

Latest News about T. D. Jakes

07/07/2025

The Potter’s House megachurch in Dallas formally installed T.D. Jakes's daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and son-in-law Touré Roberts as co-senior pastors during a nearly four-hour service in the 8,000-seat sanctuary attended by members, guests, and dozens of ministers. The couple, who oversee a Los Angeles church location that joined The Potter’s House and have six children together, moved to Dallas three years prior and were installed as assistant pastors the previous year. Jakes remains Chairman of the Board and spiritual overseer, marking a generational leadership transition for the church he founded nearly three decades ago.

01/01/2025

T.D. Jakes retired from his role as senior pastor of The Potter’s House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, after nearly 50 years in ministry and three decades leading the 30,000-member congregation. He transitioned to Chairman of the Board to focus on economic empowerment, addressing social unrest and opportunity gaps through community, culture, and corporate alliances. Jakes partnered with iHeartMedia to launch podcasts, starting with 'My Next Chapter' featuring Oprah Winfrey as the first guest.

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Bio/Wiki

Full NameThomas Dexter Jakes
NicknameBible Boy
ReligionNondenominational Christian
Food HabitNon-vegetarian

Physical Stats & More

Height6' 3" (190 cm)
Eye ColorBlack
Hair ColorBald

Educational Qualification(s)

College/University
  • West Virginia State University, United States
  • Friends International Christian University, California
Degrees
  • Post-graduation in Biblical Studies (1985)
  • Doctor of Ministry (1995)

Personal Life

Marital StatusMarried
Marriage Date29/05/1982

Relationships & More

Wife/SpouseSerita Ann Jakes
Children
  • Jamar Jakes
  • Thomas Jakes, Jr. (content creator, music producer)
  • Jermaine Jakes
  • Cora Jakes Coleman
  • Sarah Jakes Roberts

Family

FatherErnest Jakes, Sr. (entrepreneur)
MotherOdith (educator)
Siblings
  • Ernest Jakes (businessman)
  • Jacqueline Jakes (author)

Career

OverviewT.D. Jakes is a prominent preacher, author, and filmmaker known for his influential outreach and ministry. He founded Temple of Faith Church in 1980, which later evolved into The Potter’s House, a large non-denominational church in Dallas, Texas. Jakes has created various media productions and written numerous books focusing on spiritual growth and personal development. He served as senior pastor of The Potter’s House from 1996 to 2025, after which he stepped down to Chairman of the Board.
DebutFilm debut in 'Woman Thou Art Loosed' (2004) as himself
Awards and Achievements
  • PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly named Jakes one of the 'Top 10 Religious Leaders' (2000)
  • Time magazine and CNN called Jakes 'America’s Best Preacher' (2001)
  • Savoy magazine listed him among the 'Top 100 Powers That Be' (2002)
  • Grammy Award for 'Best Gospel or Chorus Album' (2003)
  • The NAACP's President's Award (2004)
  • The Church Report named Jakes one of the Top 20 Worship Leaders (2006)
  • Oprah's SuperSoul100 list of influential leaders (2016)

Favourites

FoodBeef Stroganoff
SeasonSpring
Travelling DestinationSouth Africa
QuoteYou'll Win If You Don't Quit.
ColourPurple

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Jakes’ mother was from Alabama, while his father hailed from Mississippi.
2. He faced financial struggles after his father's death and worked alongside his brother to sustain the family.
3. Jakes met his wife during his role as a guest preacher at a local church.
4. He initially founded his first church with only 10 members.
5. Jakes gained prominence through his radio program, 'Back to the Bible,' which helped expand his audience.
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