What is T. D. Jakes' Net Worth?
T. D. Jakes is an American bishop, author, and filmmaker who has a net worth of $20 million. T. D. Jakes founded the Potter's House, a non-denominational American megachurch, in 1996 in Dallas, Texas. With a congregation of over 30,000 members, it has become one of the most prominent churches in the U.S.
Jakes's sermons and writings often emphasize self-help and empowerment, resonating with a wide audience beyond traditional churchgoers. He has authored numerous books, many of which have become bestsellers, including "Woman, Thou Art Loosed!" and "He-Motions." His messages often tackle contemporary issues, providing spiritual guidance and practical advice.
Beyond his pastoral work, Jakes has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly through faith-based films and television shows. He produced successful films like "Heaven is for Real" and "Miracles from Heaven," which blend his religious and motivational messages with mainstream media.
Jakes has received numerous honors and accolades for his work, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine, which called him 'America's Best Preacher.' He also frequently appears on national television and hosts the T.D. Jakes Show, discussing various societal and spiritual issues.
Early Life
Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr., better known by his initials T.D. Jakes, was born on June 9, 1957, in South Charleston, West Virginia. He was raised in Vandalia, West Virginia.
Career
In 1982, at age 25, Jakes became the pastor of Greater Emanuel Temple of Faith, a storefront church in Smithers, West Virginia, with just ten members. Then, in 1988, he joined the Christian denomination Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies, which was founded by Bishop Sherman Watkins. Then, in 1990, Jakes moved to South Charleston, West Virginia, where his congregation grew up to 300 members. Following that, in 1993, Jakes moved to Cross Lanes, West Virginia, his congregation once again grew, this time to more than 1,100 people. Of those people in his congregation, 60 percent were African American and 40 percent were Caucasian.
In 1995, he began to move into the world of publishing and media, when he founded the firm TDJ Enterprises. The company published his books, and also is responsible for producing his films. Then, from 1995 to 1996, Jakes served as the host of his own syndicated weekly radio and television show "Get Ready", which had national distribution. In 2009, he had tried to return to television with a partnership with CBS Television Distribution and Dr. Phil McGraw and Jay McGraw, with plans for them to launch a syndicated, secular talk show. However, the project never got off the ground. His own show, "T.D. Jakes", was launched in partnership with Tegna, Inc. and Debmar-Mercury in 2015, and aired in over 50 markets across the country. It was cancelled in 2017 due to poor ratings.
In 1996, Jakes moved to Dallas, Texas, and founded the non-denominational church The Potter's House. It features a 34-acre hilltop campus with a 5,000-seat auditorium, in addition to offices for employees and staff. He did not relocated to Dallas alone, his wife, children, and a staff of 50 employees all moved with him. By 1998, he had grown his congregation to over 14,000 members! In 2005 Jakes accompanied President George W. Bush on his visit to the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
(Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
In addition to his work as a bishop, Jakes has also worked as a film producer through his company TDJ Enterprises. His filmography includes "Woman Thou Art Loosed" (2004), "Not Easily Broken" (2009), "Jumping the Broom" (2011), "Munya" (2010), "Sparkle" (2012), "Heaven Is for Real" (2014), "Winnie Mandela" (2014), "Miracles from Heaven" (2016), and "Faith Under Fire" (2018).
Jakes has published numerous books. Some of the titles he has written include "Woman Thou Art Loosed: Healing the Wounds of the Past" (1993), "So You Call Yourself a Man?" (1997), "He-Motions" (2004), "Reposition Yourself: Living Life Without Limits" (2007), "Let it Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven" (2012), "Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive" (2014), "Destiny: Step into Your Purpose" (2015), "Soar!: Build Your Vision from the Ground Up" (2017), "Crushing" (2019), among many, many others.
Jakes had received numerous honors, including 13 honorary degrees and doctorates from various institutions. He has also received Grammy and Dove Award nominations for his gospel album "Live from The Potter's House" (1998), and he actually won a Grammy Award at the 46th Grammy Awards in 2003 for his gospel album "A Wing and a Prayer". He other musical publications include the albums "Woman Thou Art Loosed" (1997) and "The Storm Is Over" (2001). He has been named among America's Top 10 Religious Leaders by both PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly. He was also featured on the cover of the September 17, 2001 issue of Time magazine.
Personal Life
Jakes married his wife, Serita Jakes, in 1982. The couple have five children together.
