Pastor T.D. Jakes Steps Down From Church Months After Medical Incident

Pastor T.D. Jakes is stepping back from his duties in his megachurch … announcing his successors months after a medical incident onstage ended with him on the operating table.

The pastor — who served as the head of The Potter’s House church since he founded it back in 1996 — told the church Sunday that he would be handing over his duties to Sarah Jakes Roberts and Toure Roberts, his daughter and her husband.

Jakes released a long statement about his departure … citing the need to address major economic issues of the time as part of the impetus for his decision — claiming he wants to focus on “serving as a bridge between community, culture, and corporate alliances to help position our nation for a stronger future.”

T.D. adds that he will not stop being a minister … but, it’s time to allow the next generation to lead The Potter’s House into the future.

Not addressed in the statement, are T.D.’s health concerns … ’cause he’s stepping down less than 6 months after he had a medical incident during a sermon and nearly collapsed onstage.

Remember, T.D. had a medical emergency in November … running into trouble while speaking and ultimately sinking down into a chair.

He received many well-wishes from fans … and, a week later, revealed he had to undergo emergency surgery because of the mysterious health problem — telling his supporters they were “looking at a miracle.”