West Virginia State University, Institute, West Virginia, United States
In 1976 T. D. Jakes attended West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University).
Career
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2016
New York City, New York, United States
T.D. Jakes attends The BUILD Series Presents to discuss the Premiere of "T.D. Jakes" at AOL HQ on September 8, 2016, in New York City. Photo by Laura Cavanaugh
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2016
New York City, New York, United States
T.D. Jakes attends The BUILD Series Presents to discuss the Premiere of "T.D. Jakes" at AOL HQ on September 8, 2016, in New York City. Photo by Laura Cavanaugh
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2017
Hoda Kotb and T.D. Jakes on October 9, 2017. Photo by Nathan Congleton
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2017
1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
Bishop T.D. Jakes and his wife Serita Jakes pose for a photo at Bishop T.D. Jakes' surprise 60th birthday celebration at The Joule Hotel on June 30, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2017
650 S Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States
Bishop T.D. Jakes speaks during the MegaFest "Women Thou Art Loosed" closing session at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on July 1, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2017
Omni Hotel, Dallas, Texas, United States
Bishop T.D. Jakes (C), Cicely Tyson (R) and guest attend the MegaFest 2017 International Faith and Family Film Festival at Omni Hotel on June 30, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Peter Larsen
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2017
300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States
Roslyn Brock, Pastor T.D. Jakes, and Iyanla Vanzant attend the 48th NAACP Image Awards Non-Televised Awards Dinner at Pasadena Convention Center on February 10, 2017, in Pasadena, California. Photo by Earl Gibson III
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2017
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
(l-r) Rabbi David Saperstein, Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy for the Union for Reform Judaism, Pastor JoAnn Hummel, Pastor of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrollton, Texas, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Senior Pastor, The Potters House of Dallas in Dallas, Texas, and moderator Chuck Todd appear in a pre taped interview on "Meet the Press" in Washington, D.C., Thursday, April 13, 2017. Photo by William B. Plowman
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2017
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
(l-r) Rabbi David Saperstein, Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy for the Union for Reform Judaism, Pastor JoAnn Hummel, Pastor of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrollton, Texas, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, Senior Pastor, The Potters House of Dallas in Dallas, Texas, appear in a pre taped interview on "Meet the Press" in Washington, D.C., Thursday, April 13, 2017. Photo by William B. Plowman
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2017
Omni Hotel, Dallas, Texas, United States
Cicely Tyson receives the Legends Award from Bishop T.D. Jakes during MegaFest's International Faith & Family Film Festival at Omni Hotel on June 30, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2017
Omni Hotel, Dallas, Texas, United States
Emmitt Smith, Pat Smith, Bishop T.D. Jakes, and Brian White pose for a photo at MegaFest's International Faith & Family Film Festival at Omni Hotel on June 30, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2018
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Ryan moderated a panel discussion on Race in America, with Mary Frances Berry, the Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought and professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania, the former chairwoman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Bishop T.D. Jakes, senior pastor of The Potters House, a global humanitarian organization and 30,000-member church located in Dallas, Wesley Lowery, Pulitzer Prize-winning national correspondent at the Washington Post, on-air contributor at CNN, and Jason Riley, a journalist, frequent media commentator, member of The Wall Street Journal editorial board, and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, at Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington, D.C., on January 15, 2018. Photo by Cheriss May
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2018
6777 W Kiest Blvd, Dallas, TX 75236, United States
(L to R) Craig Baumgarten, Tanya Lopez, Derrick Williams, Antoinette Tuff, Serita Jakes, and Bishop T.D. Jakes pose for a photo during the premiere of "Faith Under Fire: The Antoinette Tuff Story" at the Potter's House on January 18, 2018, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2018
6777 W Kiest Blvd, Dallas, TX 75236, United States
Bishop T.D. Jakes and Toni Braxton pose for a photo during the premiere of "Faith Under Fire: The Antoinette Tuff Story" at the Potter's House on January 18, 2018, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2019
Flushing Meadow - Corona Park, Flushing, NY 11368, United States
T.D. Jakes attends USTA 19th Annual Opening Night Gala Blue Carpet at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 26, 2019, in New York City. Photo by John Lamparski
Gallery of Thomas Jakes
2019
Tyler Perry Studios, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
T. D. Jakes attends Tyler Perry Studios' grand opening gala at Tyler Perry Studios on October 05, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Paul R. Giunta
Achievements
In September 2001, Bishop Jakes appeared on the cover of TIME magazine, which called him "America's Best Preacher." Cover Credit: Michael O'Brien
T.D. Jakes attends The BUILD Series Presents to discuss the Premiere of "T.D. Jakes" at AOL HQ on September 8, 2016, in New York City. Photo by Laura Cavanaugh
T.D. Jakes attends The BUILD Series Presents to discuss the Premiere of "T.D. Jakes" at AOL HQ on September 8, 2016, in New York City. Photo by Laura Cavanaugh
Bishop T.D. Jakes and his wife Serita Jakes pose for a photo at Bishop T.D. Jakes' surprise 60th birthday celebration at The Joule Hotel on June 30, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
Bishop T.D. Jakes speaks during the MegaFest "Women Thou Art Loosed" closing session at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on July 1, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
Bishop T.D. Jakes (C), Cicely Tyson (R) and guest attend the MegaFest 2017 International Faith and Family Film Festival at Omni Hotel on June 30, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Peter Larsen
Roslyn Brock, Pastor T.D. Jakes, and Iyanla Vanzant attend the 48th NAACP Image Awards Non-Televised Awards Dinner at Pasadena Convention Center on February 10, 2017, in Pasadena, California. Photo by Earl Gibson III
(l-r) Rabbi David Saperstein, Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy for the Union for Reform Judaism, Pastor JoAnn Hummel, Pastor of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrollton, Texas, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Senior Pastor, The Potters House of Dallas in Dallas, Texas, and moderator Chuck Todd appear in a pre taped interview on "Meet the Press" in Washington, D.C., Thursday, April 13, 2017. Photo by William B. Plowman
(l-r) Rabbi David Saperstein, Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy for the Union for Reform Judaism, Pastor JoAnn Hummel, Pastor of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrollton, Texas, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, Senior Pastor, The Potters House of Dallas in Dallas, Texas, appear in a pre taped interview on "Meet the Press" in Washington, D.C., Thursday, April 13, 2017. Photo by William B. Plowman
Cicely Tyson receives the Legends Award from Bishop T.D. Jakes during MegaFest's International Faith & Family Film Festival at Omni Hotel on June 30, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
Emmitt Smith, Pat Smith, Bishop T.D. Jakes, and Brian White pose for a photo at MegaFest's International Faith & Family Film Festival at Omni Hotel on June 30, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
Ryan moderated a panel discussion on Race in America, with Mary Frances Berry, the Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought and professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania, the former chairwoman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Bishop T.D. Jakes, senior pastor of The Potters House, a global humanitarian organization and 30,000-member church located in Dallas, Wesley Lowery, Pulitzer Prize-winning national correspondent at the Washington Post, on-air contributor at CNN, and Jason Riley, a journalist, frequent media commentator, member of The Wall Street Journal editorial board, and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, at Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington, D.C., on January 15, 2018. Photo by Cheriss May
6777 W Kiest Blvd, Dallas, TX 75236, United States
(L to R) Craig Baumgarten, Tanya Lopez, Derrick Williams, Antoinette Tuff, Serita Jakes, and Bishop T.D. Jakes pose for a photo during the premiere of "Faith Under Fire: The Antoinette Tuff Story" at the Potter's House on January 18, 2018, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
6777 W Kiest Blvd, Dallas, TX 75236, United States
Bishop T.D. Jakes and Toni Braxton pose for a photo during the premiere of "Faith Under Fire: The Antoinette Tuff Story" at the Potter's House on January 18, 2018, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Cooper Neill
Flushing Meadow - Corona Park, Flushing, NY 11368, United States
T.D. Jakes attends USTA 19th Annual Opening Night Gala Blue Carpet at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 26, 2019, in New York City. Photo by John Lamparski
(From bestselling author and beloved preacher, Bishop T. D...)
From bestselling author and beloved preacher, Bishop T. D. Jakes comes an inspirational novel of recovery and Christian faith. Her name is Michelle. As a child, she called her grandma "mama," her mother by her first name, and her mother’s boyfriends "Uncle." She grew up fast with too many men, too many strangers, and too many betrayals. Lost and sentenced to a private hell of abuse, addiction, poverty, and crime, Michelle has now been given a second chance to reclaim her life. But first, she has to believe in the possible. She has to believe in herself. What it takes to free her is the one thing Michelle thought she’d never have. It’s called faith.
(God is with you in the desert. Bishop T.D. Jakes gives yo...)
God is with you in the desert. Bishop T.D. Jakes gives you proof positive that God not only supplies you with everything you need, but your heavenly Father wants to bless you with refreshing water that will sustain you throughout any wilderness experience. According to Bishop Jakes, "Spiritually we must find a place where the Lord can minister to us in our wilderness-a place where He can instruct us about what to do next. The wilderness is a place of dying, where all the things that cause you to stumble in your walk with God are killed." Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert (Isaiah 35:6). Find your special place in the wilderness where God will drench you in His life-giving water-you will break forth with a renewed and courageous spirit!
(How often have you cried out to God, Why? Why is justice ...)
How often have you cried out to God, Why? Why is justice perverted? Why don't people understand me? Why do the unjust prosper? The answer: Because you are anointed! Best-selling author T.D. Jakes writes, I used to have the wrong notion that when you are really anointed, you no longer have problems or rough times. But you show me anybody who's really Holy Ghost, knee-jerking, tongue-talking, casting-out-demons, laying-hands-on-the-sick, miracle-working, world-changing, mind-transforming, mind-boggling, head-straightening anointed, and I'll show you somebody who cried in the middle of the night and suffered all night long, wondering where is God. But, my friends, I have to confess that through it all I have learned to trust in Jesus. Through it all, I've learned to trust in God. Bishop T.D. Jakes continually ministers hope and healing to hurting people worldwide. Allow his message of anointing, based on Scripture and personal experiences, to wash over you with peace and quiet your questioning mind.
When Shepherds Bleed: A Study Guide for Wounded Pastors
(Shepherding is a dangerous profession, and no one knows t...)
Shepherding is a dangerous profession, and no one knows that better than pastors. Drawing from personal encounters with actual shepherds in Israel and years of ministry, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Stanley Miller provide unique insights into the hazards faced by pastors today. As a Christian leader, are you: ? Bleeding from the wounds inflicted by others? ? Disappointed by the actions of God's people?? Embarrassed by past mistakes? ? Desperate for a breakthrough in your life and ministry? With amazing perception, the authors pull back the bandages and uncover the open, bleeding wounds common among those shepherding God's flock. Using the skills of spiritual surgeons, they precisely cut to the heart of the problem and tenderly apply the cure.
Naked And Not Ashamed: We've Been Afraid to Reveal What God Longs to Heal
("Someone, quick! Call the supper to an end and tell us wh...)
"Someone, quick! Call the supper to an end and tell us who you really are beneath your churchy look and your pious posture. Tell us something that makes us comfortable with our own nudity. We have carefully hidden our struggles and paraded only our victories, but the whole country is falling asleep at the parade!"Be prepared to be challenged by Naked and Not Ashamed as you have never been challenged before! Here bishop T.D. Jakes calls for believers to strip away all layers of superficiality, religious reasonings, and pious pretendings. We need to be real - to be honest before God and man. Our example, Jesus Christ Himself, ministered and died in total openness before us. How can the hurting around us receive help and healing unless we too are Naked and Not Ashamed?
(There has never been a time in history when men have been...)
There has never been a time in history when men have been so confused about who they are and what their purpose is. Bishop T.D Jakes offers a powerful work of healing and restoration for men who desire to be all God wants them to be.
(Bishop T.D. Jakes provides comforting hope and practical ...)
Bishop T.D. Jakes provides comforting hope and practical ways for all people, including Christians, to get up after they have fallen. Everyone falls from time to time; and the cause of the fall is not as important as what we do while we are down and how we get back up. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Learn some of these important life lessons: Why pride and selfishness will lead to destruction. How to be content. The temptation to be self-sufficient. Like the woman in the television commercial, we must put aside fear, pride, or embarrassment and call out for help. We must learn not only how to ask for help, but Whom to ask. After all, help is just a breath away.
(Does any runner enter a race without training for it? Doe...)
Does any runner enter a race without training for it? Does a farmer expect a harvest without preparing a field? Do Christians believe they can hit the mark without investing any effort? The heart of every believer holds a desire to fulfill his destiny in God. Yet the way to success - and beyond - is full of twists and turns and obstacles. In this book, T.D. Jakes teaches you how to unlock the inner strength to go on in God. The requirements that he discusses prepare you for your intended purpose. The only question that remains is, Can You Stand to be Blessed?
(The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not...)
The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved (Jeremiah 8:20).Bishop T.D. Jakes focuses on the problems plaguing the United States of America and addresses issues that many would rather not consider. Racism, though more sophisticated and attitudinal, is as prevalent as it was before the Civil Rights Bill. Homosexuality has become an acceptable alternative lifestyle. Degenerative social and moral issues result in sin and hopelessness-inside churches as well as outside.For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us... (1 Peter 4:17). God knows who is responsible for the breakdown and corrosion within our nation-the church. Until now, no one was willing to take responsibility for society's moral decay; and no one was offering any viable, long-lasting solutions. Today, Bishop Jakes shares how you can make a difference and bring in The Harvest for the glory of God.
(The loss of a spouse through death, divorce, or even aban...)
The loss of a spouse through death, divorce, or even abandonment can leave a mom or dad feeling uncertain about how to pull the family together and raise spiritually healthy children. In this best-selling book, Bishop T. D. Jakes, the father of five children, offers hope, encouragement, and biblical advice for single parents - and for those who feel as if they are single. Using discussion questions, interactive parent/child activities, and prayers at the end of each chapter, Jakes helps you learn how to embrace your family’s future and let go of your painful past as you reflect on topics including: Learn how to accept unexpected changes. Know that past failure does not prevent future success. Learn how to love imperfect people. Turn pain into power. Know that it is OK to ask for help.
(God wants to fill every void and heal every scar left by ...)
God wants to fill every void and heal every scar left by earthly fathers. Bishop T. D. Jakes offers hope and healing that will change the way you look at your world.
So You Call Yourself a Man?: A Devotional for Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Potential
(T.D. Jakes introduces readers to men of the Bible in this...)
T.D. Jakes introduces readers to men of the Bible in this devotional favorite. The readings help men realize that God created them to be free, powerful, and filled with purpose. Each short devotional includes a reading, Scripture, and suggestion for prayer.
(Heal the Wounds of the Past! This insightful devotional w...)
Heal the Wounds of the Past! This insightful devotional was created for the thousands of women from across the world who have received healing and restoration through the Woman, Thou Art Loosed! message. The daily devotions have been developed from Woman, Thou Art Loosed by T.D. Jakes, and are taken from the triumphs, failures, trials, and faith of the women in God's Word. Each liberating chapter is designed to assist the reader in keeping the binding chains of the past from refastening themselves in her life.
Anointing Fall on Me: Accessing the Power of the Holy Spirit
(Pastor of one of the fastest-growing interracial congrega...)
Pastor of one of the fastest-growing interracial congregations in the nation, Bishop T.D. Jakes gives you the keys to unlock the secret code to your ultimate destiny. Through the Holy Spirit you are capable of achieving more than you ever imagined. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things... (John 14:26). Bishop Jakes shares practical truths about God's glory and goodness that will carry you to new and exciting heights of splendor, hope, and love that only the Master could design especially for you. Take the first step into the rest of your life allow the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit to fall on you today!
Loose That Man & Let Him Go! / So You Call Yourself a Man?
(Bishop T.D. Jakes has a message with an appeal that trans...)
Bishop T.D. Jakes has a message with an appeal that transcends the barriers that commonly divide people. His rare ability to explain men to women, and women to men, has endeared him to both. His willingness to squarely confront issues has brought welcome news to many that the Gospel is relevant in their lives. Here in one volume are two complete bestsellings books - Loose That Man & Let Him Go! and So You Call Yourself a Man? - that Bishop Jakes has written for men, that every woman should read.
Maximize the Moment: God's Action Plan For Your Life
(The author of Soar! and Crushing: God Turns Pressure into...)
The author of Soar! and Crushing: God Turns Pressure into Power shares a spiritual, inspirational gift - a call to action from God to succeed and achieve what you are worth. Using ageless biblical principles, Bishop T. D. Jakes teaches that every moment of every day, God provides all we need to achieve success. In Maximize the Moment, he explains how to release ourselves from damaging relationships and debilitating fears, how to face and conquer obstacles that may stand in our path to success, and how to move beyond our painful pasts.
Overcoming the Enemy: The Spiritual Warfare of the Believer
(This book covers the spiritual warfare of the believer, h...)
This book covers the spiritual warfare of the believer, helping Christians discover the rich themes in the book of Ephesians. The studies are practical, challenging, and revealing and will empower readers to live at a new level of spiritual maturity. Students of the Word will want a complete set of six volumes.
The Great Investment: Balancing Faith, Family and Finance to Build a Rich Spiritual Life
(From faith, to family, to finance, the author of Soar! an...)
From faith, to family, to finance, the author of Soar! and He-Motions shares the key foundations of a rich spiritual life and how to achieve success based on God’s plan for each of us. Bishop T. D. Jakes, preacher, author, motivator, and entrepreneur, is one of the most respected and influential voices in the country today. Now, in The Great Investment, Bishop Jakes empowers readers by laying out the blueprint for balanced successful living. He explains how the triad of faith, family, and finance is the cornerstone of a life of moral success - success based on God’s plan. Bishop Jakes explains that faith is the foundation of all that we want to achieve, offering support in healing and restoration during trying times. Family is the anchor, keeping us grounded. Finally, and no less crucial, Bishop Jakes removes the veil from the frequently neglected topic of healthy finance, making it accessible and achievable.
Follow the Star: Christmas Stories That Changed My Life
(At Christmas, families gather and presents are exchanged....)
At Christmas, families gather and presents are exchanged. But the true meaning of the holiday does not come wrapped in brightly colored paper, nor are scrumptious meals the reason for the season. The real gift of Christmas is the birth of Jesus - and the celebration is to honor the miracle with those we love. In Follow the Star, T. D. Jakes illuminates the meaning of the holiday through family stories about finding the Christmas spirit during the worst times of poverty and hardship - and of the need during the best of times to slow down and appreciate fellowship, love, and God. With warmth and wisdom, Bishop Jakes makes Christmas past and present come alive - and leads us to embrace fully the magnificent miracle of the birth of Christ.
Before You Do: Making Great Decisions That You Won't Regret
(Identifies twenty-five spiritual and psychological tools ...)
Identifies twenty-five spiritual and psychological tools for reevaluating one's place in life before making decisions about relationships with family, friends, and others, in a resource that covers such topics as anger management, finances, and parenting.
(In Let It Go, best-selling author and pastor to a flock o...)
In Let It Go, best-selling author and pastor to a flock of millions T.D. Jakes shares the wisdom and guidance necessary to release a lifetime of hurt and anger and move on with the joyful business of living. Revealing the essential secrets to leading an emotionally vital and spiritually healthy life, Jakes gently teaches the art of forgiveness as a daily practice. In order to practice forgiveness, he explains, we must first learn new styles of conflict resolution and new forms of anger management. To that end, he shows you how to recognize offenses when they come, establish boundaries, encourage purity of heart, develop trust, recover from hurts faster, and forgive ourselves for the rest of our lives. As unconditionally loved children of God, he attests, we are all forgiven. Through grace, we can forgive ourselves and the people around us. In this way, says Jakes, we can live a happier and more fulfilled life.
(If you have ever felt misaligned, this book is for you. I...)
If you have ever felt misaligned, this book is for you. If you have lost the rhythm, the passion, or the thrill of living in alignment, then keep reading. As He did with the very cells that comprise our bodies and the dry bones that were joined together for new life, God has given us deeper instincts to be attracted to those things that fit a higher and better purpose.
(We each have a destiny. Finding the courage to drive past...)
We each have a destiny. Finding the courage to drive past the challenges, the pains, and even the shortcuts of life to the deeper purpose of living is to thrive in one's divine destiny. Most people have sensed destiny pulling them to just the right place or person. Whether it is the spouse you meet, the children you bear, or the promotion you receive, everyone has a purpose to pursue. Sometimes it is understanding our destiny that helps us accept what on the surface appears to be failure.
(Bishop Jakes tells crushing personal stories from his own...)
Bishop Jakes tells crushing personal stories from his own journey - the painful experience of learning his young teenage daughter was pregnant, the agony of watching his mother succumb to Alzheimer's, and the shock and helplessness he felt when his son had a heart attack. Bishop Jakes wants to show you how God uses difficult, crushing experiences to prepare you for unexpected blessings. If you are faithful through suffering, you will be surprised by God's joy, comforted by His peace, and fulfilled with His purpose. Crushing will inspire you to have hope, even in your most difficult moments. If you trust in God and lean on Him during setbacks, He will lead you through.
Planted with a Purpose: God Turns Pressure into Power
(Bishop Jakes wants to encourage you that God uses difficu...)
Bishop Jakes wants to encourage you that God uses difficult, crushing experiences to prepare you for unexpected blessings. If you are faithful through suffering, you will be surprised by God's joy, comforted by His peace, and fulfilled with His purpose. In this book - small and portable enough to fit in a purse, suitcase, backpack, briefcase, or even a pocket - Planted With A Purpose will inspire you to have hope, even in your most difficult moments. If you trust in God and lean on Him during setbacks, He will lead you through.
Thomas Dexter Jakes is an American bishop, filmmaker, and author. He is one of the most popular Christian preachers in America and a bestselling author who produced over a dozen books in just the first five years of his writing career.
Background
Ethnicity:
On the PBS program African American Lives, Jakes had his DNA analyzed; his Y chromosome showed that he is descendant of the Igbo people of Nigeria. According to his family history, it was suggested that he is also descended from them through his grandmother.
T. D. Jakes was born on June 9, 1957, in Southern Charleston, West Virginia, United States. He is a son of Ernest and Odith Jakes. He was raised in Charleston, West Virginia. He was nicknamed "Bible Boy" due to his early habit of preaching to an imaginary congregation and always carrying his Bible to school. He has siblings, Jacqueline Jakes, and Ernest Jakes.
Education
In 1972 T. D. Jakes attended Center Business College and West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University) in 1976. Friends International Christian University awarded Jakes his Bachelor of Arts degree in biblical studies in 1985, his master's degree in biblical studies in 1990, and his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1995.
After completing college, T. D. Jakes preached at a Baptist church and acted as the part-time music director. He founded Greater Emanuel Temple of Faith in 1980 in a storefront, with a congregation of ten. He became a full-time pastor in 1982 when the Union Carbide plant in which he worked closed and his father died. The church relocated twice more, then in 1996, Jakes moved his family along with fifty other families to Texas, where he founded The Potter’s House, a multiracial and nondenominational church near Dallas. From The Potter’s House, Jakes has created a number of ministries, including Ravens Reach for the homeless, and outreach to prostitutes called Operation Rehab, a GED literacy program, the Transformation Treatment Program for drug and alcohol abusers, an AIDS outreach, and a prison outreach.
Since 1984 Jakes has drawn large audiences, bringing his healing ministry to people beyond The Potter’s House. He has also developed a conference for pastors and their wives. Many of Jakes’s books have appeared on the national Christian bestseller’s list, and his Woman, Thou Art Loosed! has sold close to two million copies. His syndicated television show is shown on both the Trinity Broadcasting Network and the Black Entertainment Television network, reaching audiences in the United States, the Caribbean, Africa, and England. Jakes also beams special programming via satellite to prisons in the United States.
Jakes’s ministry to women began with his own wife, Serita, who was overwhelmed by her life and asked him to help her, not as her husband, but as her minister. Another project aimed at themes of specific interest to women is the play Behind Closed Doors, which Jakes coauthored, composed for, and produced in Chicago in late 2000. The play concerns a wealthy white woman who feels undesirable after losing a breast to cancer and pays her black maid $15,000 to sleep with her husband. The resolution of her problems finally comes with prayer. Jakes speaks frankly to women from the stage, the pulpit, and through his books, going beyond the reading and discussion of a bible verse.
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. He hosted the T. D. Jakes Show until the show's cancellation in March 2017.
T. D. Jakes published a collection of award-winning and New York Times best-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.
T. D. Jakes has earned renown for his deep commitment to bringing wholeness to men and women. In 1998 he was named one of the Ten Most Influential Christian Leaders of 1997 by Home Life magazine. In 2001 he was also named "America’s Best Preacher" by CNN and Time.
T. D. Jakes leads a non-denominational congregation, though he considers himself a mix between Methodist, Baptist and Pentecostal.
Politics
T. D. Jakes is concerned with political issues, though remains non-partisan.
Views
T. D. Jakes is an advocate of sexual abstinence and has made appearances advocating it on Good Morning America and Dr. Phil. The Potter's House has invested more than $500,000 into evangelical and practical outreach efforts to prison inmates around the world, and presented to UNICEF the largest donation for tsunami relief by any faith-based organization. Jakes is involved in continuing efforts to provide rural African tribes with clean, safe water resources.
Quotations:
"Resist your fear; fear will never lead to you a positive end. Go for your faith and what you believe."
"We develop our propensity to forgive or not to forgive by what we see illustrated at the early ages of our development."
Interests
music
Connections
In 1981 T. D. Jakes married Serita Ann Jamison. They have five children: Jamar and Jermaine (twins), Cora, Sarah, T. Dexter, Jr.
