The air crackled with anticipation inside The Potter’s House of Dallas as everyone filled the sanctuary on Sunday morning, July 6. What began as a celebration of the church’s 29th anniversary evolved into something far more profound, a sacred moment where legacy met destiny, where careful preparation collided with divine purpose.
I’ve witnessed countless transitions of power in my career, from corporate boardrooms to political chambers, but nothing quite prepared me for the spiritual electricity that permeated that sanctuary. This wasn’t just another ceremonial handoff. This was the culmination of years of prayer, strategic planning, and what Bishop T.D. Jakes has called “prayerful succession.”
‘Rather pass a baton than a cane’
The journey to this moment began years ago, long before the public announcement earlier this year. Bishop Jakes, with characteristic wisdom and foresight, understood that true legacy isn’t about clinging to power — it’s about knowing when to pass the torch. As he often says, “I’d rather pass a baton than a cane,” and Sunday’s installation service proved that philosophy in vivid, moving detail.
Dr. Cindy Trimm, Founder and CEO of Cindy Trimm Ministries International, set the tone with her sermon. Her words painted a picture of Moses delivering Deuteronomy — not as a farewell, but as a commission to the next generation. She reminded everyone that Bishop Jakes, like Moses, isn’t disappearing into retirement but ascending to a new mountain of influence.
“He’s not stepping away,” Trimm declared, her voice carrying across the packed sanctuary. “He’s stepping up to make room for the next.”
The ceremony itself was steeped in biblical tradition yet thoroughly contemporary. When Pastors Touré Roberts and Sarah Jakes Roberts knelt before Bishop and First Lady Jakes to receive their charge, you could feel the weight of history in that moment. Here was a passing of spiritual authority that honored both heritage and innovation.
Bishop Jakes’ charge to the new Co-Senior Pastors was masterful: part sermon, part mentorship, part benediction. His words about loving people, not just crowds, resonated deeply. “Preaching gets them in the building,” he said, “but loving them keeps them.” The wisdom earned through nearly five decades of ministry was distilled into practical guidance for the next generation.
The anointing with oil — applied to their right ears, right hands, right feet, and bowed heads — felt ancient and immediate simultaneously. This wasn’t theater; it was a sacred transfer of spiritual authority that had been building for years. The couple’s acceptance of the charge was met with thunderous affirmation from a congregation that has watched this transition unfold with remarkable unity.
Perhaps most striking was the generational bridge this moment represented. Sarah Jakes Roberts, already a New York Times bestselling author and founder of the global Woman Evolve movement, brings a unique perspective to modern ministry. Her vulnerability and wisdom have redefined what spiritual leadership looks like for millions of women across cultures and denominations.
Pastor Touré Roberts is a leading voice on purpose, transformation, and spiritual wholeness. His background as a spiritual strategist and founder of ONE | A Potter’s House Church, represents the entrepreneurial vision that will guide The Potter’s House into its next chapter.
Mantles of service
When Bishop Jakes with First Lady Serita by his side, placed their ceremonial stoles on the couple’s shoulders — the symbolism was unmistakable. This wasn’t just about titles or positions; it was about carrying forward a mantle of service that extends far beyond any individual.
The response from the congregation was electric. These weren’t strangers being imposed upon the church; these were pastors who had spent time serving alongside Bishop Jakes, earning trust and proving their hearts. The resounding “Amen” when asked if they accepted their new pastors spoke volumes about the careful preparation that preceded this moment.
Co-pastors humbled by change
Pastor Touré’s remarks about learning from Bishop and First Lady Jakes revealed the heart of servant leadership. His reference to Proverbs 30:30 “a king whose troops are with him,” acknowledged that true authority comes from love and service, not position or power. His personal testimony of growing up in Watts with a mother who lifted him up, and now having a purpose to lift others, connected with a congregation that understands the transformative power of hope.
Sarah’s acknowledgment that it is “our honor and privilege” to step into this role demonstrated the gravity these leaders bring to their calling. Her prayer for “daily bread” as she steps into something new showed the humility that has characterized her ministry. Her declaration that “the church is not a spectator event” challenged everyone to see themselves as active participants in the mission ahead.
As I watched this historic moment unfold, I was struck by how seamlessly the transition felt. There was no sense of ending, only beginning. No feeling of loss, only expansion. This is what happens when succession is done with intention, prayer, and genuine love for the mission above personal legacy.
The Potter’s House isn’t just changing senior pastors; it’s evolving into its next chapter with leaders who understand both where they’ve come from and where they’re going. Bishop Jakes will continue as Chairman of the Board and spiritual overseer, ensuring continuity while creating space for fresh vision.
Potter’s House blueprint for succession
This Sunday wasn’t just about The Potter’s House — it was about how organizations can navigate transition with grace, how leaders can multiply their impact by empowering others, and how the future can honor the past while boldly embracing tomorrow.
If this is what thoughtful succession looks like, every organization should take notes. The Potter’s House has shown that when you prepare your successors with purpose and love, the mission doesn’t just continue — it multiplies.
