TD Jakes
Prosperity preacher and Oneness Pentecostal
Biography
Biblical Assessment
Every preacher is tested against our 5-point biblical framework. Here's how TD Jakes measures up:
Title & Authority
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
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
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
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
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
"I'm not asking you to give to the church, I'm asking you to invest in your future."— TD Jakes
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.
Assessment Summary
TD Jakes teaches doctrine or practices that deviate from Scripture. Exercise caution and discernment.
Listen Instead To:
These teachers demonstrate biblical faithfulness:
- Paul WasherBold preacher of repentance and holiness
- John MacArthurExpositor and defender of biblical inerrancy
- RC SproulReformed theologian and apologist (1939-2017)
Our Method
Every assessment uses our 5-point biblical framework. Learn how to test any teacher against Scripture.
View Framework