Bishop T.D. Jakes is recovering at home after experiencing a medical incident while preaching on Sunday, Nov. 24.
In a live stream of the service, Jakes, 67, founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House Church, can be seen lowering his mic before his body begins to shudder and twitch. Several people then began rushing to the stage to help him before rushing him to the hospital.
On Friday, Bishop Jakes was released from hospital.
"It didn't have to end this good. I'm so grateful," said Bishop T.D. Jakes as he left the hospital. "All the people who prayed. All the people who texted. All the people who had prayer vigils. All the people who were concerned, who sent love and notes. I'm just grateful. Thank you. It didn't have to turn out this way. I'm just grateful."
Bishop Jakes thanked the Lord that he did not have a stroke. However, he says the event could've been fatal if it weren't for God's intervention.
"A special thank you to God and the medical professionals in our city whose speed and expertise were beyond exceptional. My job is to recuperate and reflect on God’s protection," said Bishop Jakes in a post on Instagram. "I owe it to my amazing family and church members to rest and ruminate as He restores me towards His service. As God calls us to honour the Sabbath, I’m reminded that rest is not a weakness – it is a divine gift."
Bishop Jakes did not preach at church this weekend, instead, he made an appearance via video.
"I told you last Sunday that I'd see you this Sunday and so here I am," said Jakes in the video. "I'm grateful to God for his goodness and his mercy. Many of you don’t realize that you’re looking at a miracle. I faced a life-threatening calamity, was rushed to the ICU unit, had emergency surgery, and survived the surgery.”
He says the doctor wants him to go slow when returning to work. However, Jakes says he will do everything he can to spread the message.
It's unclear at this time what the nature of his medical event was.
The Potter's House was founded in 1996. Since then, it has grown to over 30,000 members.