False Teacher

TD Jakes

Prosperity preacher and Oneness Pentecostal

Biography

TD Jakes is the bishop of The Potter's House, a megachurch in Dallas, Texas. He is a prominent figure in the Word of Faith and prosperity gospel movements. His teachings on the Trinity have been questioned, and his ministry is characterized by extreme wealth and prosperity theology.

Biblical Assessment

Every preacher is tested against our 5-point biblical framework. Here's how TD Jakes measures up:

Title & Authority

VERDICT: SELF-PROMOTED

Self-appointed 'bishop' with no clear ordination or sending by a biblical church. Claims apostolic authority.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 2 Corinthians 11:13

Gospel Message

VERDICT: PROSPERITY-DISTORTION

Mixes Word of Faith prosperity theology with motivational speaking. Gospel is distorted by emphasis on material blessings and 'seed faith.'

Scripture:

1 Timothy 6:5, Galatians 1:6-9, 2 Peter 2:3

Fruit & Lifestyle

VERDICT: EXTREME-WEALTH

Lives in luxury mansions, flies private jets, and has amassed significant personal wealth estimated in tens of millions.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 6:9-10, James 5:1-6, Matthew 6:24

Revelation vs. Scripture

VERDICT: HUMAN-WISDOM

Emphasizes personal experience, motivational psychology, and pragmatism over biblical exposition.

Scripture:

Colossians 2:8, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 1 Corinthians 2:13

Finances & Transparency

VERDICT: SEED-FAITH-ABUSE

Teaches 'seed faith' manipulation - give to get. Personal wealth is opaque. Promotes giving as a way to receive material blessings.

Scripture:

Acts 8:18-23, 2 Corinthians 11:7, 1 Peter 5:2

Key Quotes

These statements from TD Jakes reveal doctrinal error.

"I started to give on that level so that God would owe me. I put God in debt."

— TD Jakes

Violates: Romans 11:35, Job 41:11, Ephesians 2:8-9

Source: Conference message on giving

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"I'm not asking you to give to the church, I'm asking you to invest in your future."

— TD Jakes

Violates: Matthew 6:19-21, 2 Corinthians 11:7, Acts 8:20

Source: Fundraising appeal

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View quotes with full scripture refutation →

Sources & References

All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:

•The Potter's House sermons - YouTube
•Prosperity gospel conferences
•Public interviews and statements
•Financial reports and investigations

See an error? We strive for complete accuracy. If you believe we've misrepresented TD Jakes's teaching, contact us with evidence and we'll review.