Prayers and Support Pour In for Bishop T.D. Jakes After On-Stage Health Incident

Bishop T.D. Jakes, founding pastor of the Potter’s House Church in Dallas, inspired millions with his sermons, but on Sunday night, his congregation and supporters worldwide turned their prayers toward him after he suffered a health incident on stage.

The startling moment occurred as Jakes concluded an hour-long sermon. He lowered his microphone, began to shudder, and was quickly surrounded by concerned individuals who rushed to his aid.

The church promptly released a statement on Facebook, reassuring followers about Jakes’ condition. “During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour-long message,” the statement read. “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.”

While the church did not disclose details about whether Jakes was hospitalized or the cause of the incident, updates from his family provided further assurance.

Late Sunday, his daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband, Toure Roberts, addressed the situation in an Instagram video. “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,” said Toure Roberts. “We’re trying to get him to sit down. He’s the strong Bishop that we know, but we really can’t thank you enough for your prayers.”

“I’m so grateful that he’s already beginning to improve,” added Sarah Jakes Roberts. “It’s a reminder that even going into this holiday season, we need 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.”

Support has poured in from across the Dallas faith community, including from Pastor Frederick Haynes of Friendship-West Baptist Church. “Bishop Jakes is a once-in-a-generation gospel giant,” Haynes said in a statement to CBS News Texas. “We are praying for him, his family, and for the Potter’s House.”

More than 2,000 followers shared prayers and well-wishes in the comments section of the church’s Facebook post.

Jakes, who founded the Potter’s House in 1996, leads a congregation of over 30,000 members and has earned recognition as one of the most influential faith leaders in the U.S. He has counseled former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush and was a featured speaker at Obama’s 2009 inauguration.

As prayers for his swift recovery continue, the faith community reflects on the strength and leadership of a pastor who has profoundly shaped their lives.