Evangelist TD Jakes ‘stable’ after suffering medical emergency while preaching

On By Littum

Rev. TD Jakes (L) and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young listen during the funeral for Coretta Scott King in 2006. Jakes suffered a medical emergency shortly after preaching at his church in Dallas, Texas on Sunday. (UPI Photo/Ric Feld/Pool)
Rev. TD Jakes (L) and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young listen during the funeral for Coretta Scott King in 2006. Jakes suffered a medical emergency shortly after preaching at his church in Dallas, Texas on Sunday. (UPI Photo/Ric Feld/Pool) | License photo

Nov. 24 (UPI) — Evangelist TD Jakes is recovering after experiencing a medical emergency while giving a sermon at The Potter’s House, his Dallas, Texas-based church on Sunday, the church said in a statement.

“During today’s service, Bishop TD Jakes, 67, suffered a minor health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour-long message,” the church said in a declaration on social media.

“Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of doctors. All of it Potter’s House The family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support from the community.”

The church routinely broadcasts its services online. Video of Sunday’s incident, which a person posted on social media, shows Jakes, dressed in jeans and a black, short-sleeved button-up shirt, sitting in a chair.

“Oh Lord, my strength, my redeemer, let them go in peace!” Jakes said as his voice trailed off. He then lowered his microphone, fell silent and began shaking and jerking involuntarily in his seat before aides rushed to support him. Jakes dropped a black towel he had used to wipe the sweat from his head during the sermon.

At the behest of the church officials, the gatherings began at the service at 9 in the morning to pray out loud for Jakes. Some of the people on stage were saying “back up” and “give him space” as the priest appeared disoriented and confused.

The live stream ended shortly after.

The church said Jakes, who founded the now 30,000-member church in 1996, is in stable condition. Internationally known, Jakes is known for delivering long and often boisterous sermons, usually designed to encourage parishioners with his interpretation of the lessons of the Bible.

Potter’s House promotes a mission to bring together “the down and out, the homeless and other walks of life to worship and serve together in one or more of the 59 different ministries,” according to its website.