Basic Information
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr. |
| Date of Birth | June 9, 1957 |
| Birthplace | South Charleston, West Virginia, USA |
| Primary Role | Founder & Senior Pastor (1996–2025), The Potter’s House |
| Church Location | Dallas, Texas |
| Media Enterprise | TDJ Enterprises (publishing, film & media) |
| Net Worth | Approximately US $50 million |
| Social Media | Instagram @bishopjakes (~6 M followers) X/Twitter @BishopJakes (~4.5 M followers) |
| Recent Transition | Stepped down April 2025; succeeded by Sarah Jakes Roberts & Touré Roberts |
Early Life & Education
Born on June 9, 1957, in South Charleston, West Virginia, Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr. grew up in a modest household marked by strong religious conviction. Raised primarily by his mother, he attended local schools before discovering a passion for preaching in his teenage years. Though details of his formal theological education are modest, his early involvement in community ministry set the foundation for a lifelong vocation.
Jakes’s West Virginia upbringing instilled in him resilience and empathy—qualities that would later define his pastoral style. He often recounts in sermons how small-town values shaped his perspective on family, faith, and social responsibility.
The Potter’s House: Building a Megachurch Empire
In 1996, Jakes founded The Potter’s House, a non-denominational megachurch in Dallas, Texas. Under his leadership, the congregation grew to over 30,000 weekly attendees, making it one of the largest churches in America. The Potter’s House campus expanded to include multiple auditoriums, community outreach centers, and a range of social programs addressing homelessness, education, and health care.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Founded The Potter’s House in South Dallas |
| 2000 | Surpassed 10,000 weekly attendees |
| 2010 | Opened dedicated women’s recovery center |
| 2020 | Launched online campus with global viewership |
| 2025 | Transitioned senior leadership to next generation |
The Potter’s House became renowned not only for dynamic worship services but also for its emphasis on practical teaching—offering workshops on marriage, finances, and personal development.
TDJ Enterprises: Media, Publishing & Film
Parallel to his pastoral duties, Jakes launched TDJ Enterprises in 1995 to extend his message through books, CDs, and films. His publishing arm has produced over 30 titles, many of which became New York Times best-sellers. In film, he served as executive producer on projects such as Miracles from Heaven (2016), bringing faith-based narratives to mainstream audiences.
- Publishing: Motivational and theological works covering leadership, marriage, and healing.
- Film: Producer credits include Jumping the Broom (2011) and Miracles from Heaven (2016).
- Television: Host of a nationally syndicated faith-and-lifestyle series.
Through TDJ Enterprises, Jakes has built a multimedia platform reaching millions, blending inspirational content with high production values.
Writings & Publications
As an author, Jakes merges motivational psychology with scriptural insight. His most influential books include Woman, Thou Art Loosed (1994), Reposition Yourself (2008), and Crushing – God Turns Pressure into Power (2013). Many of these works have been translated into multiple languages and used in study groups worldwide.
| Title | Year | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Woman, Thou Art Loosed | 1994 | Emotional healing for women |
| Reposition Yourself | 2008 | Personal transformation and growth |
| Crushing – God Turns Pressure into Power | 2013 | Faith under adversity |
| Soar – Dare to Loose Your Dream | 2015 | Pursuing vision and purpose |
Achievements & Honors
Jakes’s influence has been recognized across religious and secular spheres. He won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel/Chorus Album in 2003 and has received multiple Dove Award nominations. In 2016, Oprah Winfrey included him in her SuperSoul100 list of visionaries and influential leaders, and PBS named him among the “Top 10 Religious Leaders in America.”
Public Image & Influence
Renowned as both a pastor and motivational speaker, Jakes commands a global following. His charismatic delivery, coupled with relatable storytelling, has made him a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences and corporate events. Social media amplifies his reach: his Instagram handle @bishopjakes boasts nearly six million followers, while his X/Twitter account engages over 4.5 million.
His emphasis on practical faith—addressing finances, relationships, and mental health—has broadened his appeal beyond church pews to mainstream audiences seeking personal development.
Recent Developments & Succession
In April 2025, after nearly three decades as senior pastor, Jakes announced his retirement from day-to-day leadership of The Potter’s House. He installed his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and son-in-law, Touré Roberts, as co-senior pastors, ensuring continuity of vision and heart for ministry (CBS News).
Shortly thereafter, Jakes publicly addressed AI-generated rumors falsely linking him to various scandals, firmly refuting them and highlighting the challenges of digital misinformation in faith communities (Chron).
Family & Next Generation
Jakes’s legacy extends through his children, including his eldest son, Jamar Jakes, who serves as an executive within the family’s media and ministry enterprises. As Jamar and Sarah Jakes Roberts step into leadership roles, the Jakes family continues to expand their impact across ministries, conferences, and digital platforms.
Legacy & Impact
Thomas Jakes’s journey—from a small town in West Virginia to the helm of one of America’s largest congregations—exemplifies visionary leadership grounded in empathy. His ability to translate complex spiritual truths into everyday application has touched millions and forged a new model of faith-based entrepreneurship. As he transitions to a mentorship role, his teachings will live on through his extensive library of books, films, and the next generation of Jakes-led ministry.
FAQ
Who is Thomas Jakes?
Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr. is the founder and former senior pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, and a bestselling author and motivational speaker.
What is The Potter’s House?
The Potter’s House is a non-denominational megachurch established by Jakes in 1996, known for its large congregation, community programs, and dynamic worship services.
What is Thomas Jakes’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at approximately US $50 million, largely derived from his ministry, publishing, and media ventures (Celebrity Net Worth).
Who is Jamar Jakes?
Jamar Jakes is Thomas Jakes’s eldest son and a business executive within TDJ Enterprises and The Potter’s House operations.
Why did Thomas Jakes step down?
In April 2025, he transitioned to a mentorship role to focus on broader media projects and ensure strategic succession by his daughter and son-in-law.
What awards has he won?
He has won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel/Chorus Album (2003) and received multiple Dove Award nominations, among other honors.
