T.D. Jakes provides update on life-threatening medical crisis

The Texas megachurch pastor virtually addressed The Potter’s House church on Sunday for the first time after his on-stage medical scare the previous week. The pastor told congregants that a life-threatening health event landed him in the intensive care unit before he underwent emergency surgery. Livestream footage at the time showed the 67-year-old pastor sitting on a stool in prayer after an hour-long sermon when he began to slur his words, shake, and drop the microphone from his hand. In his virtual address Sunday, Jakes described himself as a miracle and thanked God for being merciful.

What was Jakes diagnosed with? The pastor denied suffering a stroke but did not specify the type of near-fatal medical condition he experienced. Jakes added that doctors gave him a clean bill of health after a recent annual physical exam. The pastor planned to take several weeks off to continue recuperating at his doctor’s recommendation. He said he also planned to honor his doctor’s advice to slow down when resuming his ministry.

The Potter’s House is a non-denominational megachurch with over 30,000 members, according to its website. Jakes has been criticized in some evangelical circles for his shifting teachings on the Trinity. Critics have also accused him of preaching a prosperity gospel.

Dig deeper: Read my previous report for more on Bishop T.D. Jakes’ health scare.