Oprah, Maria Shriver and Others Honor T.D. Jakes’ 45 Years of Ministry
OWN Founder Says Jakes' Sermon 'Literally Changed My Life,' Says Everyone Should Experience The Potter's House
Bishop T.D. Jakes was honored for his 45 years of ministry at a special worship service on Sunday, Sept. 26, at The Potter’s House. The service featured special guests and tributes from Oprah Winfrey, Maria Shriver and others from around the world.
An accomplished global leader, best-selling author, filmmaker, real estate industrialist, conference producer and trail-blazing pastor, Jakes has brought a message of hope to millions around the world through any mode of communication, never being limited to just the pulpit.
In her video tribute, Oprah praises Jakes, telling him:
“I grew up in the church and thought I’d seen and heard it all, but when I had the chance to first attend The Potter’s House, one of your sermons [the] ‘Saving the Scraps’, literally changed my life. I got to see behind the pulpit and hear your message in person and I knew, whoa, something entirely special is happening there at The Potter’s House. So I think visiting [The] Potter’s House is something every person should experience in their lives. May you continue to inspire and lead as you bless us all.”
Jakes has been a regular guest on Oprah’s various programs. Oprah taped a Lifeclass episode at Jakes’ MegaFest conference in 2012.
Maria Shriver also sent greetings: “Forty-five years out on the frontlines of humanity. There’s nobody like you with your command of language, nobody with your command of spirit, nobody who lifts people up like you do," said the journalist, author and nonprofit leader. "I’m so glad to know you, I’m so glad to have been in your church and been the beneficiary of your ministry. Bravo my friend, bravo.”
The entire service including video tributes can be viewed at this link.
Jakes began his ministry in West Virginia at the age of 19. Since starting The Potter’s House in Dallas in 1996 with 50 families, more than 30,000 members now attend the megachurch’s multiple campuses, with millions more attending online around the world. Now 64 years old, Jakes has reached the masses through his various ministries and enterprises. The Potter’s House mission is carried out through global humanitarian outreach, inspirational conference series, media and entertainment venues, and thought leadership forums.
Jakes is a New York Times best-selling author and has published more than 40 books. His 2014 book Instinct is one of his most successful, spending 16 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. His latest book, Don’t Drop the Mic, which gives insights into communicating well, was on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists.
An accomplished film producer, Jakes’ movies have grossed over $500 million and catapulted the faith-based film industry.
About The Potter’s House
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, located in Dallas, The Potter’s House is a 30,000-member nondenominational, multicultural church and humanitarian organization led by Bishop T.D. Jakes, twice featured on the cover of Time magazine as America’s Best Preacher and as one of the nation’s 25 Most Influential Evangelicals. The Potter’s House has five locations: The Potter’s House of Dallas, The Potter’s House of Fort Worth, The Potter’s House of North Dallas, The Potter’s House of Denver and The Potter’s House OneLA.
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