1 week Ago By TMZ Staff
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. Pray for Bishop TD Jakes as he suffered a “medical emergency” during the service this Sunday.
pic.twitter.com/UBKln2sepo 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.
" Looks like T.D.'s going to have a lot more time to take care of his health .
.. even if he's not ready to completely retire yet.
.
