Bishop T.D. Jakes, Texas megachurch pastor, suffers health incident after delivering sermon
DALLAS – His sermons have inspired millions of people around the world, but Sunday night prayers were pouring in for Bishop T.D. Jakes, the founding pastor of the Potter's House Church, a megachurch based in Dallas, after he suffered a health incident on stage.
In a shocking moment that's now gone viral, Jakes was on stage Sunday finishing an hour-long sermon when he lowered his mic and began to shudder. A crowd of people quickly rushed over and surrounded him on stage.
In a statement shared via Facebook, it was reported that the renowned pastor and author received immediate medical attention and was stable under the care of healthcare professionals.
"During today's service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour long message," the statement read. "Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potter's House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers."
The Potter's House has not shared if Jakes was hospitalized following the incident or what may have caused it.
Family update on Bishop T.D. Jakes' health
Late Sunday, Bishop Jakes' daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Toure Roberts, who both often deliver sermons at the Potter's House and are co-pastors at ONE | A Potter's House Church in Los Angeles gave an update on Instagram.
"Obviously today could have been a tragic day but it wasn't; by the mercy of God, by the grace of God, Bishop is doing well he's recovering well, he's under medical care, he's strong," said Toure Roberts. "We're trying to get him to sit down, he's the strong Bishop that we know, but we really can't thank you enough for your prayers."
"I'm so grateful that he's already beginning to improve," Sarah Jakes Roberts said. "It's a reminder that even going into this holiday season, we need to love on the people who you hold near and dear and just take the time to be grateful for all the people God's given you."
Reactions from the Dallas community and on social media
On the megachurch's Facebook page, more than 2,000 people commented on the church's statement sharing their prayers and hope for Jakes' quick recovery.
Well-wishes are also pouring in from other Dallas church leaders including pastor Frederick Haynes of Friendship-West Baptist Church
"Bishop Jakes is a once-in-a-generation gospel giant," Haynes said in a statement to CBS News Texas. "We are praying for him, his family and for the Potter's House."
The Potter's House is a non-denominational, multicultural church founded by Jakes in 1996. According to the church's website, it has more than 30,000 members and is consistently ranked among the largest and most influential churches in the U.S.
Jakes has also counseled former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and was a featured speaker at Obama's 2009 inauguration.