T.D Jakes Biography
Thomas Dexter Jakes, known as T.D. Jakes, is an American bishop, author, and filmmaker. He was born on June 9, 1957, in South Charleston, West Virginia. He grew up in a humble background that shaped his strong Christian faith. Later, he began preaching in the late 1970s. He quickly developed a powerful and inspirational preaching style that attracted growing attention.
In 1996, Jakes founded The Potter’s House Church in Dallas, Texas. The church grew rapidly into a global megachurch with thousands of members. Moreover, it expanded through television broadcasts and digital platforms. As a result, his ministry reached millions worldwide. He also became a bestselling author, writing influential books like “Woman, Thou Art Loosed!” and “Instinct”.
Additionally, T.D. Jakes expanded into media and film production. He produced movies and faith-based content that strengthened his global influence. Furthermore, he built leadership conferences that empower communities and faith leaders. His estimated net worth is widely reported at around $50 million, reflecting his diverse ventures in ministry and media.
Recently, T.D. Jakes stepped back from day-to-day church leadership. However, he continues serving as chairman and spiritual overseer of The Potter’s House. His daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, now plays a leading role in church operations. Overall, his legacy remains strong in global Christianity, leadership, and inspirational teachings.
T.D Jakes Age | How Old is T.D Jakes?
T.D. Jakes is 68 years old in 2026, born on June 9, 1957, in South Charleston, West Virginia. His age reflects decades of ministry impacting millions through preaching, books, and films. He led The Potter’s House Church before announcing a 2025 leadership transition. Today, he remains a global spiritual leader inspiring faith and purpose worldwide.
T.D Jakes Height | How Tall is T.D Jakes?
T.D. Jakes stands about 6 feet 3 inches tall (191 cm), making him noticeably taller than average among world leaders. His height often complements his commanding presence in preaching, speaking, and media appearances. Furthermore, his tall stature adds to his recognizable image on stage and in conferences. As a global spiritual leader, Jakes uses his voice, height, and charisma to inspire audiences worldwide.
T.D Jakes Family| Parents, Siblings & Early Life
T.D. Jakes grew up in a close family in South Charleston, West Virginia as the youngest of three children. His father was Ernest Jakes Sr., a local businessman, and his mother was Odith Patton Jakes, an educator. During childhood, he lived with his older brother Ernest Jakes Jr. and sister Jacqueline Jakes in the Vandalia neighborhood.
Moreover, Jakes felt a strong spiritual calling early, preaching even before adulthood. His family raised him with faith and community values, which shaped his path into ministry. Today, Jakes often mentions his family’s support in his sermons and writings. He credits his parents and siblings for grounding him in faith and purpose from early life.
T.D Jakes Wife | Serita Jakes
T.D. Jakes married Serita Ann Jakes on May 29, 1982, beginning a long-standing partnership in life and ministry. They met in West Virginia while Jakes served as a young pastor. Serita Jakes is the First Lady of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. Moreover, she leads women’s, children’s, and family ministries with compassion and purpose. She is also a respected author, speaker, and producer, known for The Princess Within. Together, they raised five children while promoting faith, leadership, and strong family values globally.
T.D Jakes Children | Kids | Daughters
T.D. Jakes and Serita Jakes have five children, including three sons and two daughters. His daughters, Sarah Jakes Roberts and Cora Jakes Coleman, are well-known ministry leaders and speakers. Moreover, Sarah Jakes Roberts serves as a pastor, author, and conference host at The Potter’s House. Meanwhile, Cora Jakes Coleman focuses on women’s empowerment and faith teaching. His sons, Jermaine Jakes, Jamar Jakes, and Thomas Jakes Jr., also contribute to ministry, media, and leadership roles. Together, the children continue the family’s faith-centered legacy.
T.D Jakes Grandchildren
Bishop T.D. Jakes enjoys a growing family of grandchildren through his children, especially his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and his daughter Cora Jakes Coleman. His oldest grandchild is Malachi Xander Jakes, born in 2002. Makenzie Henson followed in 2009 as his granddaughter. Cora’s children include Amauri Noelle Coleman and Jason Coleman, bringing more joy to the Jakes family. Additionally, Ella Roberts, born in 2016 to Sarah and her husband, Touré Roberts, adds to his legacy of faith and family unity. Together, the grandchildren represent love and generational growth.
T.D Jakes Movies | Films
T.D. Jakes has produced and appeared in several impactful movies that blend faith, family, and social themes. He served as producer on Miracles From Heaven (2016), a faith‑inspired drama starring Jennifer Garner that explores healing and hope. Additionally, he produced Not Easily Broken (2009) and Jumping the Broom (2011), both adapted from books with strong themes of relationships.
Moreover, Jakes produced multiple entries in the Seven Deadly Sins anthology for Lifetime, including Lust, Envy, Greed, and Pride. He also appears in Woman Thou Art Loosed (2004), a film rooted in his writing. These movies reflect his mission to share meaningful stories that inspire global audiences.
T.D Jakes Author | Books
T.D. Jakes is a bestselling author with over 50 inspirational books focused on faith, purpose, and leadership. His most popular books include:
- Woman, Thou Art Loosed!
- Crushing: God Turns Pressure into Power
- Soar! Build Your Vision from the Ground Up
- Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven
- Reposition Yourself
- Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive
Together, these books blend spiritual insight with practical guidance, inspiring millions worldwide.
T.D Jakes Ministry |Conferences, Outreach & Global Impact
T.D. Jakes began his ministry at age 19, preaching in West Virginia with a focus on life transformation and spiritual growth. He founded The Potter’s House, a non-denominational megachurch in Dallas, reaching tens of thousands weekly and millions online worldwide.
He hosts major conferences, including Woman, Thou Art Loosed!, MegaFest, and the International Leadership Summit, empowering leaders globally. Moreover, his ministry conducts humanitarian programs, including food drives, prison outreach, and community development. Jakes also leverages digital platforms for online worship, global teaching, and leadership mentorship. Through these efforts, he inspires millions, advances faith worldwide, and trains the next generation of pastors and ministers, cementing a lasting spiritual legacy.
T.D Jakes Sermons | Weekly Messages, Themes & Global Reach
Bishop T.D. Jakes delivers powerful sermons that blend faith, purpose, and practical life guidance. His weekly messages at The Potter’s House emphasize perseverance, purpose, and spiritual growth. For example, in his “Stay on Track” sermon, he urged believers not to give up on their vision despite discouragement. Moreover, Jakes often addresses discipline and action in faith, teaching believers to engage Scripture and live out their beliefs. His messages encourage transformation and forward movement in life and ministry. He also tackles topics like timing, sacrifice, and spiritual elevation in sermons such as “The Secret to Elevation.”
Furthermore, Jakes’ sermons extend beyond Sunday services through online videos, broadcasts, and The Potter’s Touch television outreach, reaching global audiences seeking inspiration, healing, and strength. Today, his preaching continues to impact millions worldwide and shapes leaders in faith communities everywhere.
T.D Jakes The Potter’s House | Dallas Megachurch, Outreach & Leadership
The Potter’s House is a non-denominational megachurch founded by T.D. Jakes in 1996 in Dallas, Texas. It started with about 50 families and has grown to multiple campuses in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denver, serving thousands of members. The church offers powerful weekend worship services, inspirational teaching, and community outreach programs, including food distribution, humanitarian service, and vaccination efforts for underserved populations.
Moreover, The Potter’s House hosts major events such as MegaFest and leadership conferences, attracting national and international audiences. In 2025, T.D. Jakes announced he would pass senior leadership to Sarah Jakes Roberts and Touré Roberts, ensuring continuity of vision and ministry impact. Today, The Potter’s House continues to serve as a global center for spiritual growth, leadership development, and community transformation under its dynamic team.
T.D Jakes Health | Heart Attack, Recovery & Current Condition
Bishop T.D. Jakes suffered a massive heart attack in November 2024 while delivering a sermon at The Potter’s House in Dallas. He later described the event in media interviews, saying he did not recognize the symptoms at first.
Doctors responded quickly with emergency treatment and surgery, which helped stabilize his condition and prevent fatal complications. Afterward, he showed steady recovery and returned to preach at year‑end services.
Moreover, throughout 2025 Jakes maintained regular cardiology care, followed a heart‑healthy lifestyle, and reduced daily duties. Today, he continues teaching, writing, mentoring, and appearing in media with stable cardiac health.
T.D Jakes Net Worth 2026
Bishop T.D. Jakes has an estimated net worth of $20 million, reflecting his varied income streams. His wealth comes from The Potter’s House ministry, bestselling book royalties, film production, speaking engagements, and real estate ventures. Moreover, his global influence as an author and producer contributes significantly to his financial success. Although estimates vary, most sources place his fortune near this range, demonstrating how he built a diversified financial portfolio beyond traditional pastoral income.






