Bishop TD Jakes revealed he underwent emergency surgery after suffering an unspecified health incident onstage while delivering a sermon last weekend.
On Sunday, the Texas-based pastor, 67, addressed the congregation at Potter’s House Church in Dallas via video chat, prompting a standing ovation from attendees.
“Many of you don’t realize that you’re looking at a miracle,” Jakes said, per TMZ. “I faced a life-threatening calamity. [I] was rushed to the ICU unit [and] I had emergency surgery. [I] survived this surgery. I’m back.”
8 Bishop TD Jakes, seen here in June, revealed he underwent emergency surgery. Getty Images
8 The mega-church pastor, seen above on Nov. 24, spoke to the congregation at Potter’s House Church in Dallas via video call on Sunday. YouTube/TDJakesOfficial
“The doctor wants me to go slow coming back but I’m back … and I’m thankful to God for his goodness and mercy.”
The crowd enthusiastically cheered throughout Jakes’ brief message.
The pastor did not disclose additional details about his condition.
8 “Many of you don’t realize that you’re looking at a miracle,” he said. YouTube/TDJakesOfficial
8 “I faced a life-threatening calamity. [I] was rushed to the ICU unit [and] I had emergency surgery. [I] survived this surgery. I’m back,” Jakes added. Getty Images
The update came after Jakes suffered a medical emergency during his sermon on Nov. 24.
He went silent and was seen involuntarily shaking before people rushed over to help him. The livestream video was then cut off.
Immediately after, several people on social media speculated that the motivational speaker — born Thomas Dexter Jakes — had suffered a stroke, while others offered their “thoughts and prayers.”
8 The famous pastor also thanked God for his “mercy.” Getty Images
8 The church attendees clapped for Jakes. Getty Images
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The pastor’s team later took to social media to address his condition, writing, “Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals.”
“The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers,” the statement continued.
Jakes’ daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, also updated fans on her father’s condition in an Instagram video, saying that while “today could’ve been a tragic day,” her dad was “doing well.”
8 Jakes didn’t disclose his condition. Getty Images
8 It’s unclear when he will return to preaching at the church. Getty Images
“He’s strong. We’re trying to get him to sit down,” she said.
“He’s the strong bishop that we know. But we really can’t thank you enough for your prayers … for all your kind words.”
In 1996, Jakes founded the “non-denominational, multicultural church” Potter’s House, which now boasts 30,000 members.
Bishop TD Jakes needed emergency surgery for ‘life-threatening calamity’ after health scare
