Renowned pastor and motivational speaker Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a “slight health incident” on Sunday during a sermon at The Potter’s House in Dallas.
The 67-year-old preacher was delivering an hour-long message when he appeared visibly fatigued.
He was preaching about the delight he had sharing God’s Word shortly before the incident occurred.
“I still love to preach. I ain’t tired of preaching,” Jakes, 67, told the congregation. “I miss you.”
“Have you ever gone to a hospital to visit somebody and you thought it was going to encourage them, and they encourage you?” That’s what preaching is like,” he continued. “You think you’re giving out something, you’re getting back more than you gave.”
Jakes then went on to quote Psalm 19:14.
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, my redeemer, let them go in peace,” he said and then went silent.
As he sat onstage, he appeared to convulse slightly, wiping his head with a cloth, before being surrounded by concerned attendees from the congregation while other members made prayers.
The livestream of the service was abruptly cut off, prompting widespread concern among his followers.
In a statement released later that day on Jakes’ official social media accounts, The Potter’s House confirmed the incident, stating:
“During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour-long message. Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers.”
Jakes’ daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Toure Roberts, provided additional updates through Instagram on Sunday night. Toure Roberts reassured the public, saying:
“Obviously today could have been a tragic day, but it wasn’t. By the mercy of God, by the grace of God, Bishop is doing well, he’s recovering well, he’s under medical care, he’s strong. We can’t thank you enough for your prayers.”
Sarah Jakes Roberts added:
“I’m so grateful that he’s already beginning to improve. It’s a reminder, even going into this holiday season, to love on the people who you hold near and dear and just take the time to be grateful for all the people God’s given you.”
The health scare prompted an outpouring of local and global Christian community support. Pastor Frederick Haynes of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas called Jakes a “once-in-a-generation gospel giant,” adding, “We are praying for him, his family, and for The Potter’s House.”
Founded by Jakes in 1996, The Potter’s House is a non-denominational, multicultural megachurch with over 30,000 members and a global reach.
As of Monday morning, no details have been released regarding the cause of the incident or whether Jakes was hospitalized. However, his team has assured the public that he is stable and improving.
The church continues to request prayers for the influential pastor, who has inspired millions worldwide through his sermons, writings, and motivational work.
