Source: Marcus Ingram/Getty
Leader of faith Bishop TD Jakes suffered a “medical emergency” while preaching at his church over the weekend.
On Sunday (Nov. 24), Bishop TD Jakes was delivering his weekly sermon at Potter's House Church in Dallas, Texas, when he became ill due to an apparent “medical emergency.” The pastor was on stage finishing the sermon, which was also broadcast live to viewers. “Oh Lord, my strength, my redeemer, let them go in peace,” he said shortly before dropping his microphone and shaking before falling silent.
Video of the live stream was cut off, but images from the stream, which were later posted on social media, captured church members rushing to the scene to help Jakes. “Back up, back up, give him some space,” someone was heard saying. The Potter's House Church will issue a statement in a post on X, formerly Twitter, shortly afterwards. “Bishop TD Jakes experienced a minor health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hourly message. Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of doctors. The entire Potter's House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support from the community,” the statement said.
A statement from Potter's Dallas home
November 24, 2024 pic.twitter.com/68vvYWKNSt
— The Potter's House (@TPHDallas) November 24, 2024
The 67-year-old religious leader, born Thomas Dexter Jakes, has been pastor at Potter's Church since it was founded in 1996. The “non-denominational, multicultural church” reportedly boasts 30,000 members. According to the church's website, Jakes spoke at former President Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration and has also served as an adviser to three presidential administrations. On Sunday afternoon, Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband, Toure Roberts, shared an update on Jakes' condition with the public. through Facebook.
“Today could have been a tragic day, but it was not by the mercy of God, by the grace of God. Bishop is doing well, recovering well. He's getting medical treatment,” Roberts said. They also joked that they're working to get him to slow down with his schedule, but stressed that this is a good time to think about what's important. “People ask, 'What can we do?' Keep praying. Keep encouraging. It means a lot to our family,” they said.
