25th November, 2024
By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
Renowned American preacher and motivational speaker, Bishop Thomas Dexter (T.D.) Jakes, experienced a medical emergency during a sermon at the Potter’s House of Dallas, Texas, on Sunday.
The megachurch, which Jakes founded in 1996, has since confirmed that the 67-year-old pastor is stable and receiving medical care.
The incident occurred mid-sermon, halting the church service as attendees rushed to his aid.
A widely circulated video captured the moment Jakes lowered his microphone, appeared to spasm, and stared into the distance while seated.
Church members quickly surrounded him, and a speaker urged the congregation to pray.
In a statement released later that day, the church clarified,
“Bishop Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour-long message. He is stable and under the care of medical professionals.”
The statement continued, expressing gratitude for the community’s support: “The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community.”
Jakes, who leads the 30,000-member congregation, had been preaching on the joys and spiritual rewards of his ministry moments before the incident.
Reflecting on his passion for preaching, he told the audience, “I still love to preach. I ain’t tired of preaching. You think you’re giving out something, you’re getting back more than you gave.”
The pastor was quoting Psalm 19:14 when he fell silent and displayed signs of distress. He had said, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, my redeemer, let them go in peace,” before the unexpected health event.
