T. D. Jakes Biography
T. D. Jakes (Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr.) is a pastor, televangelist, author, and filmmaker. He is the minister of The Potter’s House, a non-denominational American megachurch. Jakes’s church services and evangelistic sermons are aired on The Potter’s Touch across various platforms.
He hosted the T.D. Jakes Show, a nationally syndicated talk show produced by Tegna Media and distributed by Sony Pictures Television, until the show’s cancellation in March 2017.
In 1980, at age 23, embarked on the mission of priesthood in Greater Emanuel Temple of Faith, a storefront church in Smithers, West Virginia, with ten members. The congregation grew to 100 members and became notable because it was racially integrated.
Furthermore, in 1990, Dexter relocated to South Charleston, West Virginia where his congregation grew again, to 300 members. In 1993, Dexter moved to Crosslanes, West Virginia, where the congregation grew to more than 1,100 people. However, 60 percents were African American and 40 percent were Caucasian.
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Moreover, in 1994, T. D. Jakes Ministries was established as a non-profit organization that produced televised sermons and conferences. Between the years 1995 and 1996, Dexter aired “Get Ready,” a weekly syndicated radio and television show that had coverage across the country.
In 1996, he relocated to Texas, where he founded the Potter’s House, a non-denominational megachurch. Located on a 34-acre hilltop campus, the Potter’s House features a 5,000-seat auditorium, as well as offices for employees and staff.
Additionally, between 1996 and 1998, church membership grew from 7,000 congregants to 14,000.
In 2005, Jakes accompanied President George W. Bush on his visit to the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina. President Bush’s book; Decision Points, describes Jakes as “a kind of man who puts faith into action.”
Moreover, on January 20, 2009, Jakes led the early morning prayer service for President Barack Obama at St. John’s Church in Washington, D.C., according to NBC News.
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In 2009, Dexter collaborated with Dr. Phil McGraw, Jay McGraw, and CBS Television Distribution to begin a syndicate, secular talk show. However, due to economic issues within the syndicated television market, the program was never picked.
In addition, in July 2015, Tegna, Inc., and Debmar-Mercury indicated that a new secular talk show hosted by T. D. Jakes would air a test run from August 17 to September 11, 2015, on Tegna stations across Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, and Minneapolis.
On May 10, 2016, Tegna announced that it would begin airing Jakes’s show on September 12 in over 50 markets across the country. On March 15, 2017, Tegna announced that T. D. Jakes was canceled due to poor ratings and low clearances.
T. D. Jakes is also featured on Swedish DJ Steve Angello’s dance/electronic track Rejoice.
T. D. Jakes Age
How old is Bishop Thomas Jakes? Thomas Dexter is 66 years old as of June 2023. He was born on June 9, 1957, in South Charleston, West Virginia, the United States of America. In addition, Thomas celebrates his birthday on June 9th every year.
T. D. Jakes Family
His father is Ernest Jakes, Sr., and his mother is Odith Jakes. He has siblings, Jacqueline Jakes and Ernest Jakes. From his kids, he’s blessed with grandkids, Jason Coleman and Cora Jakes Coleman, and Amauri Noelle Coleman.
His grandfather is Thomas Dexter Jakes. In addition, Jakes studied at West Virginia State University.
T. D. Jakes Marriage
Pastor Jakes is married to Serita Jakes since 1982. Together, they have been blessed with five children.
T. D. Jakes Kids
The churchman has been blessed with five beautiful kids; Sarah Jakes Roberts, Cora Jakes Coleman, Jermaine Jakes, Jamar Jakes, Thomas Jakes, Jr.
T. D. Jakes Beliefs
Even after getting converted and ordained within Oneness Pentecostalism, Dexter revealed in an interview with Mark Driscoll in 2012 that he affirms the Trinity. However, he did not affirm the eternality of the individual persons of the Trinity which is denied by Oneness churches.
Jakes is an advocate of abstinence and has made appearances advocating it on Good Morning America and Dr. Phil.
Moreover, in 2015, Jakes stated that his views on homosexuality and LGBT rights are evolving. However, Jakes stated that his words were misinterpreted and that while he does not support same-sex marriage, he “respect[s] the rights that this country affords those that disagree…”
Thomas Dexter Jakes Awards & Accomplishments
Jakes’ album A Wing and a Prayer won the “Best Gospel or Chorus Album” at the 46th Grammy Awards in 2003. Similarly, he received Grammy and Dove Award nominations for the gospel album “Live at The Potter’s House.”
PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly ranked Dexter among America’s “Top 10 Religious Leaders.” On another occasion, Time magazine featured Jakes on the cover of its September 17, 2001, issue. In accompaniment, there are a provocative question, “Is This Man the Next Billy Graham?”
Moreover, on the PBS program African American Lives, Dexter traced his DNA to the decency of the Igbo people of Nigeria. From his family’s history, it can be determined that he descended from Nigeria through his grandmother.
Additionally, T.D. was nominated for Oprah’s SuperSoul100 list of visionaries and influential leaders in 2016.
T. D. Jakes Net Worth
Jakes has an estimated Net Worth of $18 million. He discussed his wealth with Oprah in a 2012 interview stating that he draws the income from his megachurch. Additionally, he earns money from his best-selling books and producing movies.