T.D. Jakes, born Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr., is a bishop, author and filmmaker. Much of his work has been published by his production company TDJ Enterprises, which he established in 1995. However, this isn’t where his career as a bishop began. Originally from West Virginia, he worked his way through a few small cities in his hometown. Jakes pastored several churches between 1982 and 1993, growing his congregations from ten members to over 1,000. Although it wasn’t until he founded The Potter’s House, a non-denominational megachurch in Texas of over 30,000 members, that he truly became a recognizable force. Despite a recent health scare, here’s what’s been attained by the bishop with regards to Jakes’ net worth.
T.D. Jakes steps down from The Potter’s House Church
On Apr. 27, 2025, Jakes announced that he will be stepping down from leadership as senior pastor at The Potter’s House church and will be extending it to his daughter, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband, Touré Roberts. The 67-year-old made the announcement in an emotional service on Sunday, USA Today reports. Though Jakes will not be the lead pastor anymore, he said he still wants to be involved in the community. Additionally, Chron reported that Jakes will remain chairman of The Potter’s House board and of T.D. Jakes Group as well as remaining as “spiritual advisor” for The Potter’s House.
Part of the reason Jakes is stepping down is due to the heart attack he suffered on stage and in front of The Potter’s House’s thousands of members.”I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me, and you be sheep without a shepherd,” Jakes said this past Sunday per CBS.
Jakes previously cited the stress from what he claims to be false accusations of sexual assault by brothers Duane and Rev. Richard Youngblood, as well as dealing with the health issues of his wife and brother to be the cause of his onstage heart attack, according to Chron. The Youngbloods’ accusations and request of $6 million from Jakes resulted in the bishop filing his own defamation lawsuit against the brothers the day following his heart attack. These accusations follow Jakes being briefly mentioned in the lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs as having a connection with Combs and the previous allegations in 2024 that Jakes has attended Combs’ “Freak Off” parties that have resulted in physical and sexual abuse.
More about The Potter’s House Megachurch
The Potter’s House is Jakes’ megachurch that he founded in Dallas in 1996. Jakes purchased the large campus building from fellow televangelist Walter Vinson Grant Jr. after the former was sent to prison for tax evasion. He moved from West Virginia with his wife, kids and 50 members of his church to begin what would become his faith-centered empire.
The Potter’s House community features three other main campuses: The Potter’s House of Fort Worth, The Potter’s House of North Dallas and the Potter’s House at One LA. Its main Dallas campus sits on 28 acres and seats over 8,000 guests. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Jakes’ T.D. Jakes Ministries, the organization a part of the T.D. Jakes Group conglomerate that encompasses The Potter’s House Church and its campuses, grossed $19 million in revenue in 2000. Its earnings are expected to be even higher than this now with its expansion of campuses, increase in members and large scale events.
Bishop T.D. Jakes’ net worth has grown thanks to films, TV and books
Before joining the film industry, and eventually establishing a $20 million net worth, Jakes began hosting a syndicated, secular talk show called Get Ready in 1993 and a secular show called T.D. Jakes. Since then, he’s been an actor in eight projects, produced 16 projects and appeared in more than 80 as himself. He also published his first book entitled Woman, Thou Art Loosed in 2004, followed by a host of self-help and empowerment literature.
In addition to several book releases, Jakes has been nominated for four Grammys and won one “Best Gospel Choir Or Chorus Album” for A Wing and A Prayer. Jakes is the owner of Dexterity Sounds, a Grammy-award-winning music label in which the pastor has produced his own music and that of fellow gospel artists. Two of Jakes’ children are also assistant pastors for Potter’s House.
With such high regard, Jakes is often asked to speak at events or visit churches as a guest preacher. His speaking fees are believed to be $150,000 or more, per the All American Speakers Bureau.
From outreach with presidents to real estate ventures
In addition to sharing religious, motivational messages through his sermons, literature and films, the bishop has occasionally been seen with politicians on both sides of the aisle. He accompanied former President George W. Bush on a trip to observe the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He also wished former President Barack H. Obama a happy birthday and summarized his impact while in office.
In 2023, Jakes established T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, which joined Miami’s largest Black-owned real estate developer to build affordable housing in South Florida. His ventures have continued, gaining momentum up until his most recent health scare. Jakes’ daughter, Sarah, then provided an update via social media that the bishop is “doing well. Thank you immensely for your prayers. They are working.”
T.D. Jakes’ personal real estate endeavors
Jakes bought an 18-acre estate in Fort Worth, Texas in December of 2004. He later purchased the other two properties surrounding the home, creating a compound estate across 23 acres of land. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Jakes’ primary residence is valued at $4.4 million with the value of one of his surrounding homes being $1.2 million per county appraisals. This puts the value of his homes at about $5.5 million.
Before acquiring this estate, Jakes lived in a nearly 11,000 square foot Dallas mansion that overlooked White Rock Lake in 1990. Celebrity Net Worth reported that the home included amenities such as a double-staircase entry, a gym with a sauna, a pool with a cabana, a koi pond and more. Jakes sold the home in 2005 before moving into his Forth Worth residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the wealthiest pastor?
Kenneth Copeland is considered to be the wealthiest pastor with a net worth estimated between $300 million to as much as $760 million.
What is the richest church in the world?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Mormon Church, is widely considered the wealthiest church. According to The Salt Lake City Tribune, the LDS church’s total wealth is nearly $300 billion.
