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T.D. Jakes Foundation Hosts Disruptive Conversation with Texas Leaders Ahead of Hiring Mixer in Dallas

Recently, the T.D. Jakes Foundation opened the door of opportunity to over 1,500 job seekers by providing them with career advancing opportunities, resources, and knowledge. On October 7, the T.D. Jakes Foundation continued enriching under-served communities through education and workforce development at their You’re Hired Fall 2023 hiring mixer and with a special Disruptive Conversations panel.

In an effort to close the employment gap, global leader, T.D. Jakes and Paul Quinn College President, Dr. Michael Sorrell led a unique discussion alongside Workforce Dallas Development Czar, Lynn McBee. The discussion addressed real world solutions to confidently navigate the obstacles faced with the rise of AI, acquiring tech skills, and underrepresentation in the tech industry.

As the landscape of technology and artificial intelligence (A.I.) rapidly evolves, it has the potential to usher in both uncharted possibilities and professions that can propel our society for- ward. But, the emergence of novel tech and A.I. presents a double-edged sword: not all groups will be seamlessly integrated into this transformative wave. Without targeted support and equitable access to workplace training and development, under- served communities risk being left behind and miss- ing out on the jobs that will drive the future economy. The panel illuminated the ways all socio-economic demographics can succeed and help the audience adapt their skills to flourish in the face of rapid workforce change.

As part of their Fall Hiring Mixer, 40 companies including but not limited to H.D. Supply, State Farm, FC Dallas, Bank of America, Amazon and many more were present. Many companies conducted on-the-spot hiring and provided job seekers with life-changing employment opportunities like headshots, laptop give-a-ways, interview prep and more.

The T.D. Jakes Foundation’s work in the community will continue through intervention services, job training, educational and aftercare programs. This event is one of many opportunities the foundation strives to elevate and integrate services, including job skills, training, and support to transform lives so those in need can navigate a maze of programs and bureaucracies.
To learn more about what the T.D. Jakes Foundation is doing visit: https://tdjfoundation.org/

WHO: Panelists: T.D. Jakes Foundation Chairman T.D. Jakes, Dallas Mayor Eric
Johnsonand Paul Quinn College President Dr. Michael Sorrell will explore
significant topics affecting today’s workers.

Moderator: WFAA Reporter, Rebecca Lopez

WHAT: Disruptive Conversation Panel: Based on the New York Times best-selling
book ‘Disruptive Thinking: A Strategy to Change How We Live, Lead and Love’
,this exclusive conversation will discuss the future of the workforce and
disruptive topics like AI and how to navigate an ever-changing work landscape
successfully. The panel will illuminate the ways all socio economic
demographics can succeed and help the audience adapt their skills to flourish
in the face of rapid workforce change.

Open to the public; $50 admission. Disruptive Conversation registration here.

Hiring Mixer: In collaboration with Workforce Dallas, The Dallas Mavericks,
and Truist Bank the highly-anticipated annual event aims to add to the 26,000+
jobs added to the Texas economy in recent weeks. Including more than 40
companies like HD Supply, State Farm, FC Dallas and more conducting on-the-
spot hiring and providing job seekers with life-changing employment
opportunities.

Includes resources for those who need assistance with transportation,
childcare, health care and financial literacy.
Hiring mixer made possible by Workforce Dallas, The Dallas Mavericks, Truist Bank, and support from State Farm

WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Disruptive Conversation Panel: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Hiring Mixer: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE: The P.L.A.C.E at The Potter’s House of Dallas
6777 W Kiest Blvd, Dallas, TX 75236

WHY: As the landscape of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly evolves, it
has the potential to usher in both uncharted possibilities––and professions––
that can propel our society forward. But the emergence of novel tech and AI
presents a double-edged sword: not all groups will be seamlessly integrated
into this transformative wave. Without targeted support and equitable access
to workplace training and development, underserved communities’ risk being
left behind and missing out on the jobs that will drive the future economy. T.D.
Jakes Foundation provides a helping hand, guiding those in need through
intervention services, job training, educational and aftercare programs. The
foundation aims to elevate and integrates services, including job skills, training
and support to transform lives and enrich communities so those in need aren’t
left to their own devices to navigate a maze of programs and bureaucracies.

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

Speakers on stage and posed
On site event photos with jobseekers
B-Roll available upon request
Interviews available with:

Kelley Cornish, President & CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation
Others available upon request

ABOUT T.D. JAKES FOUNDATION

T.D. Jakes Foundation is building bridges by unlocking the power of global competition
through workforce training that prepares workers to compete in today’s economy through
STEM/STEAM education, financial literacy and inclusion, and a laser focus to close the racial
wealth gap and support minority women in corporate leadership. For more than 40 years,
T.D. Jakes has connected diverse communities across socio-economic divides. The
Foundation harnesses decades of resources and connections to prepare people for success
in the 21st-century workforce, lift underserved populations and connect corporations to new,
highly skilled pools of talent amid increasing global competition. For additional information
visit: https://tdjfoundation.org/

DALLAS, Oct. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — T.D. Jakes Foundation today announced it received a $250,000 grant from Truist Financial Corporation through its Truist Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund at The Winston-Salem Foundation. The grant will support T.D. Jakes Foundation’s PATHWAY program, which seeks to support individuals in their journey toward family-sustaining careers, and further support the program’s economic mobility and empowering of diverse job seekers.

“We often see people from underrepresented communities do not know where to begin in a job search or do not know the resources that might be available in a career transition,” said Kelley Cornish, CEO of T.D. Jakes Foundation. “Grants like this allow us to facilitate job training and improve our PATHWAY program model to reach more job seekers. We are grateful to Truist for the contribution and are excited to see how it propels our PATHWAY program forward to further helping job seekers reach their full career potential.”

PATHWAY’s focus is on skill building, including job skills, training, and support to create competencies that close the opportunity gap and create potential for future generations. Truist’s support will help this service model implement an approach that takes candidates from awareness to training to self-sufficiency. Support of this program allows T.D. Jakes Foundation to connect vetted and qualified candidates to businesses seeking diverse talent.

“Truist is proud to invest in the PATHWAY program to support avenues for career growth and economic mobility across the communities we serve,” said DeVon Lang, North Texas Regional President at Truist. “By partnering with T.D. Jakes Foundation, we can more effectively work together in our shared efforts to create opportunities for prosperity and financial independence. We look forward to seeing how PATHWAY equips the next generation of leaders with the skills they need to excel in their careers.”

Through programs like PATHWAY, T.D. Jakes Foundation is elevating and integrating services, including job skills, training, and support to transform lives and enrich communities. With PATHWAY, those who need employment and support do not have to navigate a maze of programs and bureaucracies independently. PATHWAY provides a helping hand, guiding those in need through intervention services, training, educational and aftercare programs – and ultimately connecting them to living-wage employment, part of T.D. Jakes Foundation’s end-to-end accountability system.

Additionally, Truist was a sponsor of T.D. Jakes Foundation’s “You’re Hired!” event, hosted on Saturday, October 7 at the P.L.A.C.E at The Potter’s House, located at 6777 W Kiest Blvd, Dallas, TX 75236. The event, a hiring mixer, presented in partnership with Workforce Dallas, the Dallas Mavericks, and State Farm, was open to PATHWAY participants and was designed to connect job seekers with employment opportunities.

About T.D. Jakes Foundation
T.D. Jakes Foundation is building bridges by unlocking the power of global competition through workforce training that prepares workers to compete in today’s economy through STEM/STEAM education, financial literacy and inclusion, and a laser focus to close the racial wealth gap and support minority women in corporate leadership. For more than 40 years, T.D. Jakes has connected diverse communities across socio-economic divides. Through the work of T.D. Jakes Foundation, Chairman Jakes is harnessing decades of resources and connections to prepare people for success in the 21st-century workforce, lift underserved populations and connect corporations to new, highly skilled pools of talent amid increasing global competition. For additional information visit: https://tdjfoundation.org/

About Truist Charitable Fund
The Truist Charitable Fund (“TCF”) is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives. TCF was established as a donor-advised fund and is administered by the Winston-Salem Foundation. TCF invests in local community organizations, focusing on grants that support initiatives and programs in the areas of educational equity, leadership development, career pathways, small business, and community services. To learn more about Truist’s purpose, visit https://www.truist.com/who-we-are/about-truist.

About Truist
Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Truist has leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country and offers a wide range of products and services through our retail and small business banking, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, insurance, wealth management, and specialized lending businesses. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is a top 10 U.S. commercial bank with total assets of $555 billion as of June 30, 2023. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com

Broadway Dallas, Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) and a consortium of generous underwriters announced today a district-wide STEAM education program themed around the Broadway musical BEETLEJUICE.

Over the course of multiple weeks, 3,400 theatre students and teachers from 26 Dallas ISD High Schools will participate in specially created curriculum that relates to the production, taught in classrooms by Broadway Dallas teaching artists. As part of the lesson plan all the participating students and teachers will attend a dedicated performance of BEETLEJUICE at the Music Hall at Fair Park, where the show will play from February 20 – March 3, 2024.

The program was borne of a growing partnership between Broadway Dallas and Dallas ISD, which strives to provide students access to “the spirit of Broadway” through a wide array of programs and initiatives. The program has previously featured the national tours of HAMILTON in 2021 and AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in 2022.

This year, the curriculum was developed to prepare students for college and 21st-century careers and includes a sequence of lesson plans where students will learn the art and science of hand drafting, which in the theater is used for scenic design. Through hand-drafting, students will apply basic principles of scales, measurement units, and physics, thus developing fundamental skills can be transferred to the construction, engineering, and architecture industries.

“We believe that access to live theater can be life-changing and being able to offer students an opportunity to see a Broadway show, many for the first time, is what we value most,” says Ken Novice, president and CEO of Broadway Dallas. “We take great pride in this program as it extends the theater experience into classrooms with a customized curriculum relating to each production. This year, BEETLEJUICE is the perfect match for our students as they learn about scenic design because it’s a visual spectacle we couldn’t be more excited to share with our Dallas ISD students and teachers.”

“The immersive learning opportunity our students will receive is an integral part of their educational journey,” said Executive Director of Academic Enrichment and Support Scott Rudes. “Exploring the captivating realm of live theater production under the guidance of experts, all the while honing vital 21st-century skills, is a profound blessing. We graciously thank Broadway Dallas and their partners, for providing a truly unforgettable learning experience.”

T.D. Jakes Foundation is a Dallas-based nonprofit that focuses on being the bridge connecting underrepresented communities with life-changing opportunities. The Foundation, as an extension of its STEAM Academy, joins Broadway Dallas again this year as the presenting sponsor of the program through a special partnership with the Dallas Mavericks.

“The work of our foundation is unwaveringly committed to reshaping the future for under championed communities by prioritizing education and workforce development. By infusing insights about STEAM into education we are ensuring students are equipped with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow,” said T.D. Jakes, Chairman of T.D. Jakes Foundation. “Our collaboration with Dallas Independent School District and Broadway Dallas exemplifies the transformative impact we aim for. I believe students can only aspire to what they’ve been exposed to, and through this program, we’re igniting the potential in countless young lives guiding them towards career paths they might not have considered otherwise. With our partners, we are building a stronger tomorrow, one that empowers and uplifts every individual in in Dallas and beyond.”

The Foundation and the Dallas Mavericks are excited to continue their multi-year partnership that expands opportunities and enables more young people to explore STEAM education and careers. The Dallas Mavericks’ sponsorship fits with its larger MavsTakeACTION! program, which is designed to address racial inequalities, promote social justice, and drive change within the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Additional project funding is being provided by the Addy Foundation, Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust, H-E-B/Central Market, and the Dallas Education Foundation.

Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!

BEETLEJUICE is directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!, Director of Warner Bros. forthcoming TOTO, the animated musical film adaptation of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Chichester Clark’s 2017 book) with an original score by Tony Award nominee Eddie Perfect (King Kong); a book by Tony Award nominee Scott Brown (“Castle Rock”) and Tony and Emmy Award nominee Anthony King (“Robbie”); music supervision, orchestrations and incidental music by Kris Kukul (Joan of Arc: Into the Fire); and choreography by Connor Gallagher (The Robber Bridegroom).

BEETLEJUICE features scenic design by three-time Tony Award nominee David Korins (Hamilton); costume design by six-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long (The Producers); lighting design by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (Kinky Boots); sound design by Tony Award winner Peter Hylenski (Moulin Rouge!); projection design by Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen); puppet design by Drama Desk Award winner Michael Curry (The Lion King); special effects design by Jeremy Chernick (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), hair and wig design by Drama Desk Award nominee Charles G. LaPointe; make-up design by Joe Dulude II; associate director is Catie Davis and associate choreographer is Michael Fatica; casting by The Telsey Office.

Producers for BEETLEJUICE include Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Langley Park Productions and NETworks Presentations.

BEETLEJUICE opened at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre on Thursday, April 25, 2019, presented by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures (Mark Kaufman) and Langley Park Productions (Kevin McCormick), and won the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for David Korins’ scenic design and was nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best New Musical. BEETLEJUICE had a history making run on Broadway – following the release of the musicals original Broadway cast recording and Tony Awards appearance, the box office exploded, making it the surprise hit of the 2018/2019 season. BEETLEJUICE’s Tony Awards performance has gone on to be the most watched musical number from the broadcast with over 3,921,530 views. BEETLEJUICE became a sensation with fans everywhere including on TikTok, which lead to an additional burst of ticket sales from a new audience for Broadway, making the musical one of the top grossing shows on Broadway, going on to break the Winter Garden box office record. The smash hit musical BEETLEJUICE played 366 performances at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway before being shuttered with the rest of Broadway on March 12, 2020. BEETLEJUICE returned triumphantly to Broadway with performances on April 8, 2022, at the Marquis Theatre where it continues to haunt Broadway through January 8, 2023.

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS and WARNER RECORDS released BEETLEJUICE – ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING for digital download, streaming and on CD. The album is produced by Tony Award winner Matt Stine, Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Tony nominee Eddie Perfect and three-time Grammy Award winner Kurt Deutsch and has surpassed 250 million streams in the United States and 760 million streams globally. These landmark numbers continue the remarkable success of the album, reaching the list of top 10 most streamed OBCRs of the previous decade. The show’s songs have placed in Spotify’s “Viral 50” charts in 13 different countries. In addition, “Say My Name,” one of the show’s breakout showstoppers, was chosen as Amazon’s “Alexa Song of the Day” in 2019. The incredible growth is partly a result of user-generated content on TikTok, where songs from the album have been used in over one million videos.

BEETLEJUICE is based on the 1988 Academy Award-winning Geffen Company motion picture presented by Warner Bros. and directed by Tim Burton. The smash hit comedy starred Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder with story by Michael McDowell and Larry Wilson.

In 2022, Dallas Summer Musicals changed its name to Broadway Dallas. Since 1941, the non-profit Broadway Dallas has presented the Best of Broadway to North Texas audiences. Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, Broadway Dallas promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through education and community outreach programs, while enriching the cultural landscape of North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Broadway Dallas relies on a variety of funding sources to offer affordable ticket prices, preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and develop impactful community programs.

Broadway Dallas gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors, annual fund donors and corporate partners Germania Insurance, American Airlines, Texas Instruments, The Dallas Morning News, and WFAA TV Channel 8. For more information about Broadway Dallas, visit our website at BroadwayDallas.org.

The Dallas Independent School District sits in the heart of a large, diverse and dynamic region with a metropolitan population of 6.5 million people in the 12 counties in North Central Texas. Dallas ISD comprises 384 square miles and encompasses the cities of Dallas, Cockrell Hill, Seagoville, Addison, Wilmer, Hutchins and parts of Carrollton, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Garland, Highland Park, Lancaster, Mesquite, Balch Springs, and Combine. The district is the second-largest public school district in the state and the 16th-largest in the nation.

We are proud of our award-winning schools, outstanding teachers and staff, committed parents and volunteers who comprise the dedicated team that serves approximately 145,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, in 230 schools, served by 22,000 dedicated professionals.

Founded by Chairman T.D. Jakes in 2020, T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to building bridges to opportunity for underserved populations in the United States and around the world. The Foundation aims to create a generational legacy of success for those it serves by providing access to the skills and resources needed for success in the modern workplace and forging partnerships with private companies, nonprofits, and public organizations to amplify the impact of every initiative. Building on Chairman Jakes’ 45 years of connecting diverse communities across socio-economic divides, TDJF is focused on uplifting communities, educating people of all ages on STEAM subjects, and connecting corporations to new, highly-skilled pools of talent amid increasing global competition. For more information, visit: www.tdjfoundation.org.

The Dallas Mavericks are a first-class global sports and entertainment organization providing memorable experiences for fans worldwide. The Mavs compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Western Conference and play at American Airlines Center under the direction of Coach Jason Kidd, General Manager Nico Harrison, CEO Cynt Marshall and Governor MARK CUBAN. Since the inaugural season in 1980- 81, the Mavs have won four division titles, two conference championships and one NBA championship in 2011. In addition to on-court success, the Mavs are committed to making a difference in North Texas through community programs and the Mavs Foundation. For more information on Dallas Mavericks players, staff, stats and tickets, visit mavs.com

ARLINGTON, Texas, Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — More than 40,000 attendees will descend upon Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, this week, Sept. 14 – 16, for the global women’s conference Woman Evolve, presented by Wells Fargo. Powered by Sarah Jakes Roberts’ authentic and dynamic voice, attendees will be led through areas of enrichment for women that include having courage, loving your body, mental health struggles, finances, a man’s perspective and ministry. The nearly sold-out event will include more than 1,600 volunteers hailing from Texas with attendees coming from all over including Australia, Netherlands, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

The fifth annual Woman Evolve conference showcases a growing trend in America: how women are leading the charge in economic impact. Woman Evolve is estimated to have an overall economic impact of more than $35 million in Arlington and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The attendance and economic impact are on par with previous national touring events including concerts by Lady Gaga, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elton John, Morgan Wallen and The Stadium Tour (Joan Jett, Poison, Motley Crue, Def Leppard). Jakes Roberts’ Woman Evolve is the fastest selling women’s conference in the history of Globe Life Field.

Sarah Jakes Roberts’ Woman Evolve is the fastest selling women’s conference in the history of Globe Life Field.

Woman Evolve aims to help women feel more connected in every aspect of their lives including in mind and body. Ultimately, the movement and event will help women progress toward the lives they desire to live. Jakes Roberts is at the forefront of an intergenerational movement helping women from all socioeconomic backgrounds erase the limits put on women. Her goal for Woman Evolve is to create a space for women to learn and grow together.

“It’s not about what women can build on their own but going further together through Woman Evolve as opposed to doing this fast and alone,” said Jakes Roberts. “I believe the power of connection and community allow us to facilitate a chartering of new paths so that we can go forward deeper and together.”

“Wells Fargo is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of Woman Evolve,” said Gigi Dixon, head of External Engagement in Diverse Segments, Representation, and Inclusion at Wells Fargo. “Women are leading in all facets of life—from their communities to corporate board rooms to their own businesses. Wells Fargo is committed to helping women increase their business acumen and access to capital as well as achieve financial success.”

Woman Evolve will feature speakers including:

Sarah Jakes Roberts, founder of Woman Evolve
T.D. Jakes, CEO of T.D. Jakes Group
Touré Roberts, founder of ONE | A Potter’s House Church
Serita Jakes, executive director of women’s and children’s affairs at The Potter’s House of Dallas
Brené Brown, scholar and research professor at University of Houston
Devon Franklin, president and CEO of Franklin Entertainment
Sheryl Brady, pastor of The Potter’s House of North Dallas
Yvonne Oriji, actress, author and comedian
April Daniels, philanthropist of “The Girlfriends Corner”
Priah Ferguson, actress and founder of Bold Honey Creative Company
Linda Griffin, advisor of Church of God in Christ
Love McPherson, marriage and family counselor
Anthony O’Neal, host of “The Table” podcast
Dr. Anita Phillips, trauma therapist
Naomi Raine, Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter
David Mann, singer, producer and comedian
Dr. Natalie Sampson, founder of Symmetry Physical Therapy & Wellness

Jakes Roberts is redefining what it means to be a modern woman of faith. As a wife, mother, author and businesswoman dedicated to honoring her father’s (T.D. Jakes) mission of empowering underrepresented communities—including the disappearing middle class—her messages have spread throughout the world defying cultural, religious, gender, and socio-economic boundaries. She has a unique way of reaching people who are seeking to make peace with their past, maximize their present and deepen their relationship with God.

About Woman Evolve
Founded by Sarah Jakes Roberts—New York Times best-selling author, businesswoman, co-senior pastor of The Potter’s House at ONE—Woman Evolve equips women through spiritual and practical development with the tools necessary to evolve into the highest version of themselves. The organization helps women dream, grow and change the world. Woman Evolve is committed to creating community that empowers, supports and lifts one another up as they climb toward collective evolution. The progression of one, is progression for all.

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, proudly serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10% of small businesses in the U.S., and is a leading middle market banking provider in the U.S. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 47 on Fortune’s 2023 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy.

Bishop T.D. Jakes, the founder and senior pastor of the Dallas, Texas-based megachurch The Potter’s House, installed his daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Touré Roberts as the first-ever assistant pastors to be named to the church’s leadership.

During a special 27th anniversary service on Sunday, Jakes, 66, installed the couple along with other current ministers of the church who also received new assignments on stage in front of the assembled congregation.

“Before I give you the charge, I want to preface it by saying you might be surprised to be here. But God is not. He said before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee,” Jakes said to the five people. “I ordained you. Before any man can ordain, I ordained you. I sanctified you. I set you apart. I made sure you never fit right nowhere else.”

It was the first time The Potter’s House has appointed assistant pastors in the church’s nearly three-decade history, according to The Christian Post (CP).

In addition to naming the Robertses as assistant pastors, other church leaders received new titles.

Elder Frank Dyer, the church’s COO, was also named as executive pastor. He recently battled myelodysplastic syndrome which is also called “pre-leukemia,” the CP reported.

“It is not lost on me that he called you while the enemy was trying to kill you, and that had Satan had his way, we wouldn’t be consecrating you, we would be burying you,” Jakes told Dyer.

Oscar Williams, another church elder was appointed as the dean of Worship Arts at Jakes Divinity School.

“Dr. Oscar Williams, the hand of the Lord that set you aside for such a time this. One of the most turbulent, painful, bitter, and blessed times in your life. Somewhere over the balconies of Heaven, your mother and father are looking down on you,” Jakes said.

Associate Pastor Joel Tudman was also named as a member of The Potter’s House corporate leadership team.

“To all of you, I charge you, minister of the word, and sacrament, brother, or sister in Christ, you have been called of God. You have been called by God. Through the leading voice of this congregation to be its minister. You have been called to help lead these people in the way of Jesus Christ. Within the common Ministry of all of us, you have been set apart for special service, each one unique in its own way to equip the Body of Christ for its ministry of reconciliation,” Jakes urged them.

“In the world, as you embark on this chapter of your life and your ministry, I charge {you} remember always that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. I charge you to seek to live with the joy and confidence that comes from being rooted in the Gospel and in knowing the giftedness of life,” he added.

After recognizing the new appointments, Jakes reflected on the church’s past 27 years.

“We are still here,” he said. “Our strength is not abated, and our eyes are not blurred, but God has allowed us the privilege of more help for more reach.”

As CBN News reported in May, Jakes announced a $1 billion partnership with Wells Fargo to increase the “economic vitality and inclusivity” of underserved communities across America.

He told CBS Mornings that the T.D. Jakes Group will collaborate with Wells Fargo for a period of 10 years to fund a variety of projects that foster community development.

He told the outlet that now is the time to help propel minority communities toward success.

“The future looks very bleak, particularly for minorities,” he said. “Black people, Brown people and also poor White people who are finding it difficult, workforce people, to find a job, to find opportunities to get housing, to get upward mobility.”

Wells Fargo will provide the capital, financing, and grants to revitalize neighborhoods and foster economic opportunity.