Bishop T.D. Jakes, the pastor and founder of The Potter’s House Church in Dallas, was briefly hospitalized following a health scare that occurred while preaching during Sunday’s service.
The incident took place just as Jakes was ending his sermon, which was actively being live-streamed to thousands of viewers.
Witnesses from the service reported that Jakes, who had already been preaching for over an hour, appeared to freeze while on stage. Shortly before the livestream was cut off, video footage captured the 67-year-old pastor lowering his microphone and visibly shaking. Church staff and congregant members rushed to his aid, with one person on the livestream urging others to “give him some space.”
An official statement from The Potter’s House confirmed that Bishop Jakes “experienced a slight health incident” but received immediate medical attention on-site. The church also added that the bishop was recovering and receiving care from medical professionals.
No further details about the nature of the incident have been provided to the public.
“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,” the statement read.
Later that evening, Jakes’ daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts, shared an encouraging update via social media. Touré reported that Jakes was recovering well and “getting the care he needs.”
“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 getting medical care,” said Touré.
“People are asking, ‘what can we do?’ Keep praying. Keep encouraging. It means a lot to our family,” the family added.
Bishop T.D. Jakes founded The Potter’s House in 1996. According to the church’s website, it is a “non-denominational” and “multicultural” congregation, now one of the largest in the United States, with over 30,000 members.