For more than 40 years, Bishop T.D. Jakes has helped millions of people realize their purpose through his dynamic ministry. Recognized as “America’s Best Preacher” by Time Magazine, as well as “One of the Nation’s Most Influential & Mesmerizing Preachers” by The New York Times, Bishop Jakes remains a charismatic, yet humble man. In 1996, with minimal resources, T.D. Jakes founded The Potter’s House (TPH), a non-denominational, multicultural church and global humanitarian organization, in Dallas, Texas. The church has since expanded to include more than 30,000 members, with more than 50 diverse ministries. While TPH, located in southern Dallas, is the designated home to numerous members, Bishop Jakes has fulfilled the needs of those residing in the northern and western regions of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, as well as out-of-state. TPH campuses are also present in Frisco and Fort Worth, Texas, as well as Denver, Colorado.

Bishop Jakes faithfully serves his local and global communities to embolden those who are marginalized, from Dallas, Texas to South Africa to Sydney, Australia. “The Potter’s House charter is to extend a hand of help to the needy, a heart of compassion to the hurting, and a message of empowerment to the disenfranchised.” To this end, Bishop Jakes provides a welcoming church environment to all. Unequivocally, the diversity displayed throughout TPH is what makes it a truly progressive church, serving people of every socioeconomic status, age, nationality, and race. Each year Bishop Jakes helps underserved communities through TPH ministries, including homeless outreach, GED/literacy programs, and AIDS outreach. Bishop Jakes also empowers communities through distinct national ministries, including Global Partner System (GPS), MegaCARE, and Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.). With a steadfast love of people, TPH is consistently ranked amongst the nation’s most influential churches each year.

A proclivity to disrupt the status quo, Bishop T.D. Jakes is one of the most coveted faith-based influencers in business, education, film, and entertainment. T.D. has advised the last three presidents; in 2009, he was a featured speaker at the inauguration of Barack Obama; and in 2011, he gave remarks at a White House Easter Prayer Breakfast.  From Savoy Magazinerecognizing Bishop Jakes as one of the “Top 100 Powers That Be” to Ebony Magazine honoring him on their “Power 100 List,” Bishop Jakes continues to show the world how to lead with purpose. While T.D. Jakes possesses myriad leadership qualities, his ability to leverage his linguistic prowess, strategic insights, and servant spirit is unparalleled. Some of the most successful business executives and leaders travel from all over the world seeking Bishop’s counsel. T.D. Jakes has offered his insights at diverse forums, including The Aspen Institute, The Willow Creek Leadership Forum, and The SMU Tate Lecture Series, among others. His efforts have helped some of the world’s most illustrious leaders elevate their brands to the next level.

Bishop Jakes also connects communities from across the globe through various multicultural conferences. For more than a decade, MegaFest continues to receive international recognition as the nation’s largest faith and family festival. This phenomenal conference draws upwards of 100,000 attendees from as far as Singapore, China. From Woman Thou Art Loosed, ManPower, MegaKidz, to Fire Code Youth, this conference will entertain and educate the entire family. Additionally, Bishop Jakes offers entrepreneurs, pastors, and leaders an opportunity to hone their leadership skills through the International Pastors and Leadership Conference. Bishop Jakes encourages you to attend these transformative conferences and events, as the wealth of knowledge that he offers his audiences is invaluable.

Named “America’s Treasure” by Oprah Winfrey, T.D. Jakes is a master communicator for all ages. His prose flows like honey from a soft Melianthus comosus. While many of his followers have familiarized themselves with Bishop’s sermons, few know that he also relishes making people laugh, especially when trying to overcome life’s most daunting circumstances. The adage, “Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying” helps to keep one’s heart and soul healthy. While not every creative work that Bishop publishes displays overt hilarity, Bishop Jakes delicately weaves in a tone and style that helps the reader or movie patron feel a sense of peace and healing. T.D. Jakes offers a collection of award-winning and New York Timesbest-selling books, including Destiny: Step Into Your Purpose and Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive. In the entertainment space, Bishop Jakes has numerous film credits to his name, including the award-winning romantic comedy, Jumping the Broom, among others.

As a devoted husband to First Lady Serita Jakes, Bishop Jakes eagerly supports his beautiful wife of more than 35 years. Serita Jakes, a best friend, a mother, a grandmother, and a loving wife, is Bishop’s chief advocate as well. Serita and T.D. have managed every business opportunity, as well as personal endeavors with their unwavering faith in God. The power couple has successfully raised five beautiful grown children, including Sarah Jakes, Cora Jakes-Coleman, Thomas Jakes, Jr., Jermaine Jakes, and Jamar Jakes.

The secret to their longevity belies “Hollywood marriage advice”.  Through the fortunate and not-so-fortunate times, Serita and T.D. support each other every step of the way. He encourages Serita to pursue her passions in the ministry, as well as her business endeavors. To this end, Serita serves as executive director for The Potter’s House Women’s Ministries, among other roles, serving the domestic violence community. With an adoration of design, Serita Jakes recently launched Serita Jakes Home, a thoughtfully-designed collection of candles and home décor accent pieces. Whether enjoying a long, relaxing walk along the beach or launching a business, T.D. and Serita Jakes support each other with their faith in God, and in each other.