T. D. Jakes Biography and Wiki
T. D. Jakes is a prominent American pastor known for his non-denominational approach, as well as being a motivational speaker. He held the position of senior pastor at The Potter’s House, a large non-denominational megachurch in Dallas, Texas, from 1996 until 2025. His powerful sermons and church services are broadcasted through a program called The Potter’s Touch, reaching a wide audience. Beyond preaching, Jakes is also an accomplished author and has dabbled in film production.
Age and Birthday
So, how old is T. D. Jakes? As of 2026, he is 69 years old. Born Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr. on June 9, 1957, in South Charleston, West Virginia, he celebrates his birthday every year on June 9.
T. D. Jakes Nationality and Ethnicity
What about T. D. Jakes’ ethnicity? He is American by birth, hailing from South Charleston, West Virginia. Interestingly, he has roots in the Igbo people of Nigeria.
T. D. Jakes Family
Regarding his family background, it’s suggested that he has connections to his ancestry through his grandmother. He has two siblings: Jacqueline Jakes and Ernest Jakes.
T. D. Jakes Wife
Who is T. D. Jakes’ wife? He is married to Serita Jakes, and the couple tied the knot in 1982. Serita was born on August 19, 1955. Their love story began when T. D. Jakes visited her church for a revival. They maintained a long-distance relationship during their courtship, as T. D. Jakes was a part-time minister at the Greater Emmanuel Temple of Faith, a young congregation in Charleston, West Virginia, while Serita lived about 70 miles away in Beckley. You May Also Like: Joyce Meyer
T. D. Jakes Grandchildren
Bishop T. D. Jakes and his wife, Serita Jakes, take great pride in being grandparents to a lovely bunch of grandchildren. Their expanding family holds a special place in their hearts, and Jakes often shares snippets of family life on social media and during church gatherings. While he tends to keep many details about his grandkids under wraps, he frequently expresses the joy and responsibility that comes with passing on faith and family values to the next generation.
T. D. Jakes Children
T. D. Jakes and Serita Jakes have five children:
Jermaine Jakes
Jamar Jakes
Sarah Jakes Roberts
Cora Jakes Coleman
Thomas Dexter Jakes Jr.
Several of his children have followed careers in ministry and public speaking. Sarah Jakes Roberts is an internationally recognized author and pastor, while Cora Jakes Coleman serves in ministry leadership and frequently speaks at Christian conferences.
T. D. Jakes Filhos
“Filhos” translates to “children” in Portuguese, and T. D. Jakes is the proud father of five kids with his wife, Serita Jakes. Their names are:
– Jermaine Jakes
– Jamar Jakes
– Sarah Jakes Roberts
– Cora Jakes Coleman
– Thomas Dexter Jakes Jr.
Many of his children have stepped into roles as pastors, authors, speakers, and leaders in ministry, carrying on the family’s legacy of Christian leadership and outreach.
T. D. Jakes Medical Condition
In late 2024, T. D. Jakes faced a serious medical emergency while delivering a sermon at his church. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a massive heart attack, despite many people initially thinking he had a stroke. After undergoing treatment and recovering, Jakes expressed his gratitude to supporters for their prayers and highlighted the crucial need to prioritize one’s health. In 2025, he shared his plans to hand over some leadership roles at The Potter’s House, all while continuing to be active in ministry and guiding the next generation of leaders.
T. D. Jakes and P. Diddy
T. D. Jakes’ name has popped up now and then in conversations about music mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, mostly due to some rampant speculation and misinformation on social media. However, there’s no solid evidence to suggest that Jakes has faced any charges or has been linked to the criminal allegations surrounding Combs.
Jakes has made it clear that he’s not involved, publicly refuting the false claims that have been making the rounds online. Importantly, no law enforcement agency has pointed a finger at him in connection with the legal issues facing Combs. As with any high-profile gossip, it’s crucial to stick to trustworthy news outlets and official court documents instead of relying on unverified social media chatter.
T. D. Jakes Preaching
T. D. Jakes is celebrated as one of the most impactful Christian preachers of our time. His sermons beautifully blend biblical teachings with relatable life lessons, heartfelt storytelling, and a dose of motivational uplift.
He often dives into themes like:
– Maintaining faith in tough times
– Healing from emotional wounds
– Nurturing spiritual growth
– Embracing leadership
– Strengthening family bonds
– Discovering purpose and destiny
– Practicing financial stewardship
Each week, millions tune in to his sermons via television, YouTube, podcasts, and various streaming platforms.
T. D. Jakes Books
T. D. Jakes has penned a remarkable array of best-selling Christian books that explore faith, leadership, relationships, and personal development. Some of his standout titles include:
– Woman, Thou Art Loosed!
– Instinct
– Destiny
– Crushing
– Soar!
– Reposition Yourself
– He-Motions
– Making Great Decisions
– Maximize the Moment
– The Lady, Her Lover, and Her Lord
Many of these works have not only topped the New York Times bestseller list but have also been translated into numerous languages.
T. D. Jakes: Let’s Just Praise the Lord
“Let’s Just Praise the Lord” is a heartfelt worship message and recording that comes from T. D. Jakes’ impactful ministry. This phrase captures his belief in worship as a vital expression of faith, no matter what life throws our way. His conferences and church services are often filled with uplifting praise and worship sessions that have touched the hearts of millions of Christians around the globe.
T. D. Jakes: Crushing
Released in 2019, “Crushing: God Turns Pressure into Power” delves into how our most painful experiences can actually serve as stepping stones for spiritual growth. Drawing on the biblical imagery of grapes being crushed to make wine and olives pressed for oil, Jakes illustrates how God often uses these tough times to prepare us for a greater purpose.
The book inspires readers to face challenges with faith, reminding us that even the hardest seasons can yield beautiful spiritual fruit.
T. D. Jakes: The Lady, Her Lover and Lord
First published in 1998, “The Lady, Her Lover and Lord” is one of T. D. Jakes’ most celebrated relationship books. It encourages women to deepen their connection with God while also nurturing healthy romantic relationships.
In this book, Jakes covers important topics such as:
– Self-worth
– Spiritual identity
– Preparing for marriage
– Emotional healing
– God’s design for relationships
It continues to be a cherished resource in Christian women’s ministries.
Cover Girls – T. D. Jakes
Cover Girls is a thought-provoking book by T. D. Jakes that dives into the common habit of masking emotional pain with outward success or appearances. With a blend of biblical teachings and personal reflections, Jakes inspires readers to shed their emotional facades, embrace their true selves, and seek healing through their faith in God.
This book tackles important themes like rejection, insecurity, forgiveness, and the journey to restoration.
ManPower – T. D. Jakes
ManPower is one of T. D. Jakes’ key resources for men’s ministry, focusing on the principles of biblical masculinity, leadership, integrity, and spiritual accountability. The message encourages men to step up as strong leaders in their families, churches, workplaces, and communities while deepening their relationship with God.
Not Easily Broken – T. D. Jakes
Not Easily Broken is a bestselling relationship book by T. D. Jakes that also inspired a 2009 film. The narrative follows a married couple as they navigate personal struggles, communication breakdowns, and issues of trust.
The film builds on Jakes’ teachings about forgiveness, commitment, healing, and the importance of rebuilding relationships through faith and perseverance.
T. D. Jakes Net Worth
T. D. Jakes has carved out a remarkable career as a pastor, author, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. Although his exact net worth remains a bit of a mystery, estimates suggest it falls somewhere between $45 million and $55 million. His wealth is derived from a variety of sources, including:
– Leading The Potter’s House megachurch
– Writing best-selling books
– Engaging in speaking events
– Producing television and media content
– Creating films and stage productions
– Pursuing business ventures and real estate investments
Even with his financial achievements, Jakes consistently highlights the importance of stewardship, generosity, and using his resources to uplift others.
