Bishop T.D. Jakes anointed his daughter, pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, as his successor during last weekend’s final Woman Thou Art Loosed! conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Roberts currently co-pastors the L.A. and Denver branches of Potter’s House with her husband, and will lead future women’s conferences under the name “Evolve.” Jakes will remain senior pastor of the Dallas-based megachurch.
“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,” Jakes told his daughter. “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.”
“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!” Jakes shared on Instagram.
Ahead of the conference, Jakes spoke with RELEVANT about why he feels like it was time to pass the torch at this point in his life and his hope for the next generation, particularly women leaders. Listen to our conversation here.
