T.D. Jakes: From Pulpit to Mogul

T.D. Jakes has taken faith far beyond the pulpit.

T.D. Jakes 

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T.D. Jakes 

Dallas - In one of the largest religious festivals in Dallas, T.D. Jakes, in conjunction with the BEST of T.D. Jakes Ministries, hosts the MegaFest through Sep. 1. It’s three days of music, seminars and more. For more information, visit here.(Photo: Reuters Photographer / Reuters)

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The Beginning  - Jakes’ ascent to megachurch leader and visionary had humble beginnings in West Virginia. In 1979, with little resources and only ten members, he founded Greater Emmanuel Temple of Faith, which quickly gained regional popularity and grew to over 1,000 members in only a decade, illustrating the young pastor’s great promise.(Photo: TLC/TRA/ME/Reuters)

The Potter's House  - Jakes, along with 50 families from Great Emmanuel Temple of Faith, relocated to Dallas, where he founded The Potter’s House. Over 2,000 people attended the inaugural service and he quickly amassed a strong following, solidifying his national presence.  (Photo: T.D. Jakes Ministries/Facebook)

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The Potter's House  - Jakes, along with 50 families from Great Emmanuel Temple of Faith, relocated to Dallas, where he founded The Potter’s House. Over 2,000 people attended the inaugural service and he quickly amassed a strong following, solidifying his national presence.  (Photo: T.D. Jakes Ministries/Facebook)

Faith Broadcasted  - In 1993, Jakes began a weekly television broadcast of his ministry, Get Ready With T.D. Jakes, on Trinity Broadcasting Network. The broadcast, now known as The Potter’s Touch, can be seen on BET, Daystar Television Network, The Word and Miracle Channel. Jakes' TDJ Enterprise produces and distrubutes the program, which is viewed by millions every week. (Photo: T.D. Jakes Ministries/Facebook)

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Faith Broadcasted  - In 1993, Jakes began a weekly television broadcast of his ministry, Get Ready With T.D. Jakes, on Trinity Broadcasting Network. The broadcast, now known as The Potter’s Touch, can be seen on BET, Daystar Television Network, The Word and Miracle Channel. Jakes' TDJ Enterprise produces and distrubutes the program, which is viewed by millions every week. (Photo: T.D. Jakes Ministries/Facebook)

The Potter's House Today  - Today The Potter’s House is a $45 million structure situated in the southern sector of Dallas. It is home to a multiracial, non-denominational congregation of more than 30,000 members and provides over 400 jobs to area residents. Exercising its size and resources with over 50 ministries dedicated to causes including male mentorship and AIDS awareness.(Photo: T.D. Jakes Ministries/Facebook)

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The Potter's House Today  - Today The Potter’s House is a $45 million structure situated in the southern sector of Dallas. It is home to a multiracial, non-denominational congregation of more than 30,000 members and provides over 400 jobs to area residents. Exercising its size and resources with over 50 ministries dedicated to causes including male mentorship and AIDS awareness.(Photo: T.D. Jakes Ministries/Facebook)

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T.D. Jakes, The Author - In 1993, Jakes authored and self-published his first book, Woman Thou Art Loosed, which to date has sold over 1.5 million copies. As a New York Times bestselling author, he has penned over 30 books, becoming a voice heard above the crowd in faith and spiritual leadership. His most recent title, Let It Go, was released on February 28, 2012.          (Photo: Atria Books)

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T.D. Jakes, The Author - In 1993, Jakes authored and self-published his first book, Woman Thou Art Loosed, which to date has sold over 1.5 million copies. As a New York Times bestselling author, he has penned over 30 books, becoming a voice heard above the crowd in faith and spiritual leadership. His most recent title, Let It Go, was released on February 28, 2012.          (Photo: Atria Books)

More Than Music  - Keen on enterprising his God-given gifts, Jakes maximizes his musical and entrepreneurial talents as a songwriter and founder of Christian record label Dexterity Sounds.           (Photo: T.D. Jakes Ministries/Facebook)

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More Than Music  - Keen on enterprising his God-given gifts, Jakes maximizes his musical and entrepreneurial talents as a songwriter and founder of Christian record label Dexterity Sounds.           (Photo: T.D. Jakes Ministries/Facebook)

Hollywood Producer and Entrepreneur  - The 2004 movie adaptation of his book Woman Thou Art Loosed saw Jakes break into Hollywood and receiving writer’s credit. Riding the tide of the box office success of the film, Jakes formed the TDJ Enterprises/TDJ Independent media imprints. In conjunction with Sony Pictures, he has produced recent blockbusters, including Not Easily Broken, Jumping the Broom, Sparkle and 2013's Winnie.                                                       (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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Hollywood Producer and Entrepreneur  - The 2004 movie adaptation of his book Woman Thou Art Loosed saw Jakes break into Hollywood and receiving writer’s credit. Riding the tide of the box office success of the film, Jakes formed the TDJ Enterprises/TDJ Independent media imprints. In conjunction with Sony Pictures, he has produced recent blockbusters, including Not Easily Broken, Jumping the Broom, Sparkle and 2013's Winnie.                                                       (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)