Bishop T.D. Jakes passes leadership role of

Bishop T.D. Jakes has passed on the leadership role in the annual women’s conference to his daughter, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts. Photo: Antonio Jamal Roberson/Pexels

Bishop T.D. Jakes has tapped his daughter, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, to lead the annual women's conference "Woman, Thou Art Loosed!" under a new name beginning in 2023.

Bishop Jakes made the announcement at the end of the last iteration of the conference held in Atlanta, Ga., a report by Christian Headlines revealed.

Changing of Guards

The recent changing of guards at the women's conference was part of what Bishop Jakes called his daughter's "calling."

"After 30 years of Woman, Thou Art Loosed! and 45 years of preaching the Gospel, the time has come that I must decrease, and you must increase. This is not an inheritance; this is a calling. You are not standing on this stage for family legacy. This is not a favor, but a divine assignment that Woman, Thou Art Loosed! must evolve," he told high daughter Sarah as he anointed her with oil.

"With every drop of oil that falls upon your head, may the strength and power of the Almighty God rest upon your life," he said.

The report said Pastor Sarah heads the Potter's House Denver and Los Angeles branches with her husband Toure, while Bishop Jakes is senior pastor of The Potter's Church based in Dallas, Texas.

The subsequent iterations of the yearly women's conference will be called "Evolve," with Pastor Sarah at the helm.

'A Start, Not An End'

An article by Church Leaders quoted Bishop Jakes saying the passing of the torch from him to his daughter is a start and not an end. Jakes has led the annual women's conference for three decades and has been a preacher for at least 45 years.

While addressing his daughter during the transition, Bishop Jakes said 'the time had come for him to decrease so that she (Sarah) might increase.'

Bishop Jakes also took to Instagram to express his pride in his daughter.

He wrote:

"I have watched you grow from my baby girl into a leader, changemaker, and influencer with a reach far beyond generations of women. You've touched the lives of so many, and as your earthly father, I've never been prouder! It is my distinct honor to pass the torch to you. You've earned it and will excel wherever God takes you for women's empowerment! This is my vow to you: I will always be there to put my coat over you for as long as I live, and gladly so. For as I decrease, I will watch God increase you!"

The post currently has over 230,000 Likes.

What's Next for Bishop Jakes

The report noted that aside from retaining his role as senior pastor of the Dallas megachurch, Bishop Jakes will also be wearing the real estate hat. He eyes opening several businesses in Atlanta and other cities, as well as embarking on the development of affordable housing.

Jakes will also stream his religious interviews and sermons through a deal with Amazon Freevee. The two-year contract will start on Dec. 1, when the megachurch pastor's streaming channel is set to launch.