Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr., known worldwide as Bishop T.D. Jakes, is a renowned American pastor, author, film producer, and faith leader. As the founder of The Potter’s House, a non-denominational megachurch based in Dallas, Texas, Jakes is recognized as one of the most influential voices in global Christianity. From humble beginnings in West Virginia to the international stage, his story is one of faith, resilience, and divine assignment.
Early Life &
Background
- Full Name: Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr.
- Date of Birth: June 9, 1957
- Place of Birth: South Charleston, West Virginia
- Raised In: Vandalia, West Virginia
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: African-American with confirmed Igbo
ancestry from Nigeria
T.D. Jakes was born to Ernest and Odith Jakes. His father was an
entrepreneur who owned a janitorial business, and his mother was a
schoolteacher. Raised in a modest but hardworking family, Jakes showed early
signs of leadership and spiritual interest. Though he had a speech impediment
as a child, it did not stop him from pursuing ministry.
Through genetic testing, Jakes confirmed that he is 97% ethnically
Igbo, a prominent ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria. While he is
culturally American, this ancestral revelation has deepened his connection to
African spirituality and heritage.
Ministry Beginnings
T.D. Jakes began his ministry journey in 1980, when he founded a
storefront church in Montgomery, West Virginia with just 10 members.
Originally called Temple of Faith, the church quickly gained attention
for its fiery preaching and healing services. Jakes was known for addressing
taboo issues like abuse, emotional wounds, and broken families - a revolutionary
approach in traditional Pentecostal circles.
He was ordained in the Greater Emanuel Temple of Faith under Bishop
Sherman Watkins and quickly rose through the Pentecostal ranks as a gifted
communicator and deliverer of deliverance messages.
The Potter’s House
In 1996, Jakes relocated his ministry to Dallas, Texas, and
founded The Potter’s House, a 34-acre campus that grew into one of the
largest churches in the United States.
- Weekly Attendance: Over 30,000
- Satellite Campuses: Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles
- Facilities: 5,000-seat auditorium, offices,
classrooms, and a chapel
- Ministries: Men’s & Women’s groups,
prison outreach, homeless ministry, and global missions
The Potter’s House became a hub for multi-ethnic, Spirit-filled
worship, leadership conferences, and international humanitarian efforts.
Jakes's sermons began airing on the weekly broadcast The Potter’s Touch,
which now reaches millions around the world via television and digital
platforms.
Author, Thought
Leader & Influencer
Bishop Jakes has authored over 40 bestselling books, many of which
have impacted Christian and secular audiences alike. Notable titles include:
- Woman, Thou Art Loosed
- Soar!
- Destiny: Step into Your Purpose
- Reposition Yourself
- Let It Go
- Crushing
- Don’t Drop the Mic
His books cover spiritual growth, business leadership, emotional healing,
relationships, and purpose discovery. His writing has garnered both New York
Times and Amazon bestseller rankings.
Media & Film
Production
T.D. Jakes is also a successful film producer, using media to
spread messages of hope and redemption. His production company, TDJ
Enterprises, has been behind numerous successful faith-based films, including:
- Woman, Thou Art Loosed (2004)
- Not Easily Broken (2009)
- Jumping the Broom (2011)
- Sparkle (2012, with Whitney Houston)
- Miracles from Heaven (2016)
- Faith Under Fire (2018)
These productions have received critical acclaim and have been
instrumental in bringing faith themes to Hollywood storytelling.
Awards &
Recognition
Bishop T.D. Jakes has received numerous honors:
- Named “America’s Best Preacher”
by Time Magazine (2001)
- Grammy Award Winner for Best Gospel/Spoken Word
Album
- Recipient of the NAACP
President’s Award
- Listed on Oprah Winfrey’s
SuperSoul 100
- Received honorary degrees and
civic awards from universities and governments worldwide
Health Scare &
Transition
In late 2024, Jakes suffered a major heart attack during a service
but survived due to immediate medical intervention. In April 2025, he
announced his official transition out of senior pastoral leadership at
The Potter’s House. His daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband Touré
Roberts now serve as co-leads.
Jakes retains the title of Bishop Emeritus and continues to chair
his global humanitarian, business, and media ventures.
Is T.D. Jakes From
Nigeria?
Though T.D. Jakes was born in the United States, DNA testing has
confirmed his ancestral roots in Nigeria, particularly from the Igbo
ethnic group. He has embraced this identity publicly, expressing deep
respect and spiritual connection to the land of his ancestors.
In interviews, he stated:
"I’m 97% Nigerian... My ancestors were Igbos."
However, he clarifies that he is culturally American—not raised in
Nigerian customs, though he honors his African heritage.
Marriage & Family Life
- Wife: Serita Ann Jakes (née Jamison)
- Married Since: 1981
- Children: 5 – Jermaine, Jamar, Sarah, Cora, and Thomas Jr.
Bishop Jakes met Serita at his early church in West Virginia, and their marriage has remained a symbol of strength and partnership. Serita Jakes is also a speaker, author, and the First Lady of The Potter’s House. Their daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, is now a global voice in ministry herself, co-pastoring ONE | A Potters House Church alongside her husband, Touré Roberts.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Is T.D. Jakes Igbo?
Yes, Bishop T.D. Jakes’s ancestry traces back to the Igbo tribe in
Nigeria through DNA testing.
Who is T.D. Jakes’ wife?
His wife is Serita Ann Jakes, a ministry partner, speaker, and
author. They’ve been married since 1981.
Does T.D. Jakes have a twin brother?
No, Bishop Jakes does not have a twin brother. He had an older
brother named Ernest Jakes Jr., now deceased.
Where is T.D. Jakes originally from?
He is originally from West Virginia, USA, but his ancestral
lineage is Nigerian (Igbo).
What church does T.D. Jakes pastor?
He pastored The Potter’s House in Dallas, TX, until his 2025
transition. His daughter now leads the ministry.
How did T.D. Jakes become famous?
Jakes gained national fame through his 1993 Woman, Thou Art Loosed
conference, bestselling books, powerful sermons, and media outreach.
Has T.D. Jakes passed away?
No, as of 2025, Bishop
Jakes is alive, active, and leading through his global platforms.
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