The Evolution of Bishop T.D. Jakes

Thomas Dexter Jakes was born in South Charleston, West Virginia in 1957 to Odith and Ernest Jakes sr.

Jakes was the youngest of three children and grew up in West Virginia. According to WV Public Broadcasting, he developed an interest in religion at a young age, and would preach to an imaginary audience as a child.

In his twenties, Jakes founded his first church the Greater Emmanuel Temple of Faith in West Virginia. He served as pastor of the 10 member congregation.

In 1982, Jakes married his wife, Serita Jakes, an author and speaker. She serves as executive director of women and children’s affairs at their megachurch.

Jakes and his wife, Serita Jakes, have five children Sarah Jakes, Cora Jakes-Coleman, Thomas Jakes, Jr., Jermaine Jakes, and Jamar Jakes.

Jakes gained notoriety with the publication of his first book, Woman Thou Art Loosed, which purports to provide spiritual guidance for women. It later became a film.

In 1996, Jakes founded the Potter’s House, a non-denominational multi-racial megachurch located in Dallas, Texas, with tens of thousands of members.

In 2001, Jakes appeared on the cover of Time Magazine with the question, “Is This Man The Next Billy Graham?” He was recognized by the magazine as America’s Best Preacher.”

In 2004, Jakes launched MegaFest a popular religious conference series that he still hosts alongside his wife. Oprah has participated in the event.

In 2005, Jakes visited New Orleans, LA., after Hurricane Katrina alongside former President George W. Bush. He urged the then-President to take action.

Jakes was a featured speaker at former President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009. He also participated in Obama’s Easter Prayer Breakfast.

Jakes is also a film producer. Jakes and Tracey E. Edmonds produced the hit 2011 family comedy film, Jumping The Broom.

Jakes success as an author continued. He wrote several more books, including NYT best-seller, Instinct.

Jakes started his talk-show the TD Jakes Show in September of 2016.

An unverified rumor began to spread on social media that Jakes had attended one of Diddy’s parties and had sex with men.

The Bishop called the rumors about him and Diddy a lie — saying he won’t address it.