More than 20 years later, he pastors what Christianity Today calls “one of America’s fastest growing mega-churches.” The Potter’s House, a multiracial nondenominational church with 59 active outreach ministries, has dominated church growth records since 1996. In only eight years since relocating the church from West Virginia to Dallas, The Potter’s House has grown from 50 families to more than 28,000 members to date. Rivaling many corporations, The Potter’s House employs more than 300 staff members including full-time finance, human relations, information technology, materials distribution, public relations and television production departments. The Potter’s House is fiscally sound, having recently paid off its newest $45 million, 191,000 sq. ft. structure that was completed less than four years ago.
Bishop Jakes was born on June 9, 1957 in South Charleston, W.Va. His parents, businessman and entrepreneur Ernest Sr. and educator Odith, were charitable benefactors in their community and to whom their son credits for his own integrity, discipline and selfreliance. Bishop Jakes is the CEO of The Potter’s House, a nonprofit organization that produces three major national conferences – “The Pastor’s and Leadership Conference,” “ManPower” and “Woman, Thou Art Loosed.” WTAL, a powerful and popular symposium, addresses specific needs of all women and has helped many go from welfare to work. The conference has set national indoor attendance records with an average of 84,500 attendees per day at the Georgia Dome in 1999. “ManPower,” equips and encourages men to build strong marriages, increase their confidence and take on more responsibility in their community. “Mega Fest” is a family affair combining “Woman, Thou Art Loosed,” “ManPower” and the “Youth 3-D Experience,” a new youth conference. This summer, Mega Fest attracted more than 140,000 people from 55 countries and set a cumulative record attendance of 560,000 over the four-day period. Through broadcasting efforts, Mega Fest impacted more than 314 million homes in 235 countries and territories outside of the U.S. Mega Fest 2005 is scheduled August 3 – 6 in Atlanta, Georgia.
In addition to the major conferences, Bishop Jakes hosts the God’s Leading Ladies conference, which is designed to help women in leadership positions to develop financial, relationship and balancing skills.
In an effort to remedy social and economic voids in Urban America, Bishop Jakes founded the Metroplex Economic Development Corporation in 1998. The nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation has sponsored home ownership conferences and youth mentorship programs.Currently, MEDC is developing a job placement center, a skills training center, a small business counseling hotline and a housing development that will include affordable homes for senior citizens and single-parent families.
Additional endeavors to improve society include building two Habitat for Humanity homes in conjunction with the 2003 ManPower conference and making a $107,000 donation to relocate Dallas citizens from an economically and environmentally disadvantaged area. The Potter’s House was also responsible for building a hospital in Belize, Central America, named Belmopan to whom they later sent $400,000 for medical supplies. Bishop Jakes and The Potter’s House invested over $500,000 in outreach to prison inmates. Their “Adopt A Prison” program has impacted inmates giving them a way to reduce the rate of recidivism through spiritual support and a network of churches who have awareness to the plight of
inmates reentering the system.
He is also the founder of T.D. Jakes Enterprises, through which he employs his other aptitudes as author, songwriter and playwright. A renowned religious author with 30 books to his credit; Bishop Jakes’ works have been featured on Christian, secular and business bestseller lists. His top five nonfiction bestsellers are: Maximize the Moment; Woman, Thou Art Loosed; The Lady, Her Lover and Her Lord; The Great Investment: Faith, Family and Finance and God’s Leading Lady, which has peaked at #4 on the New York Times Hardcover Advice List. He released his first novel, Cover Girls, in the summer of 2003, and later that year; he released Follow the Star, a compilation of Bishop Jakes’ personal Christmas stories. His latest book He-Motions, which is currently #10 on the New York Times Bestseller List, is a tool for both men and women written with intimate personal stories and painful lessons he learned through life. His best-selling book, Woman Thou Art Loosed, has finally come to the big screen debuting in 400 theaters across the nation and winning the 2004 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Bishop Jakes has developed business partnerships with Sony, EMI, Time Warner, Warner, Rueben Cannon Productions, Clear Channel, Thomas Nelson Publishing and a host of other highly respected companies. His theatre production company, Touchdown Concepts, created and produced the Christian plays “Woman, Thou Art Loosed” and “Behind Closed Doors.” Both became number one gospel plays in the United States. Recently his advocacy for women’s rights enabled him to develop the cinema production “Woman, Thou Art Loosed,” with Rueben Cannon Productions. The movie is based on his book “Woman, Thou Art Loosed,” and speaks out against domestic violence while encouraging women to rise above injustices. Bishop Jakes also operates Dexterity Sounds, a music label in collaboration with EMI Gospel Music that develops music with a divine message. The label has produced eight albums, five of which have received Grammy nominations. The album, “A Wing and a Prayer” featuring Bishop Jakes and The Potter’s House Mass Choir, received a 2004 Grammy award in the “Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album” category. His album “T.D. Jakes presents Follow the Star” also received a nomination in the category of “Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.”
He is also the founder of T.D. Jakes Enterprises, through which he employs his other aptitudes as author, songwriter and playwright. A renowned religious author with 30 books to his credit; Bishop Jakes’ works have been featured on Christian, secular and business bestseller lists. His top five nonfiction bestsellers are: Maximize the Moment; Woman, Thou Art Loosed; The Lady, Her Lover and Her Lord; The Great Investment: Faith, Family and Finance and God’s Leading Lady, which has peaked at #4 on the New York Times Hardcover Advice List. He released his first novel, Cover Girls, in the summer of 2003, and later that year; he released Follow the Star, a compilation of Bishop Jakes’ personal Christmas stories. His latest book He-Motions, which is currently #10 on the New York Times Bestseller List, is a tool for both men and women written with intimate personal stories and painful lessons he learned through life. His best-selling book, Woman Thou Art Loosed, has finally come to the big screen debuting in 400 theaters across the nation and winning the 2004 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Bishop Jakes has developed business partnerships with Sony, EMI, Time Warner, Warner, Rueben Cannon Productions, Clear Channel, Thomas Nelson Publishing and a host of other highly respected companies. His theatre production company, Touchdown Concepts, created and produced the Christian plays “Woman, Thou Art Loosed” and “Behind Closed Doors.” Both became number one gospel plays in the United States. Recently his advocacy for women’s rights enabled him to develop the cinema production “Woman, Thou Art Loosed,” with Rueben Cannon Productions. The movie is based on his book “Woman, Thou Art Loosed,” and speaks out against domestic violence while encouraging women to rise above injustices. Bishop Jakes also operates Dexterity Sounds, a music label in collaboration with EMI Gospel Music that develops music with a divine message. The label has produced eight albums, five of which have received Grammy nominations. The album, “A Wing and a Prayer” featuring Bishop Jakes and The Potter’s House Mass Choir, received a 2004 Grammy award in the “Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album” category.
His album “T.D. Jakes presents Follow the Star” also received a nomination in the category of “Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. http://www.godsleadingladies.com/_downloads/bio_td_jakes.pdf
Introduction
Bishop T.D. Jakes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
9-5 Job man I can't be no slave
Before I go broke man I will meet my maker
Been thinking bout crashing just call me unstable
I'm steadily working no time for no cable
I'm chasing this paper
Manual labor
She wanted dessert so I gave her a facialIf you wanna play games boy this glock gotta laser
Boom boom boom boom
Shoulda signed the waiver
Now ya face on the pavement
Blood was yo payment blood I been craving
Not entertainment being real blatant
With all of this pain I'm tryna contain it
Where is my heart cuz my chest has been vacant
Heavily father I need a replacement
Blame it on Satan
Life is a gift man this shit ain't no game
Streets ain't for everybody stay in yo lane
He got caught swerving they blew out his brain
Thought you was cool but you just a free stain
Don't get caught lacking stop drinking that drank
Bullets ain't slow boy you dead if you blink
Young niggas killing don't care bout yo rank
You got a lil glock
You not as bold as you think
Finger on the trigger
But you know that you can't
Never hesitate cuz ya ass will get spanked
If you get hit
Control all your breathing
Don't you dare faint
Say a lil prayer for the killers and all the real niggas who tryna get richerWash all my sins away with this brown liquor
Either I'm getting realer or the world getting faker
9-5 Job man I can't be no slave
Before I go broke man I will meet my maker
Been thinking bout crashing just call me unstable
I'm steadily working no time for no cable
I'm chasing this paper
Manual labor
She wanted dessert so I gave her a facial
If you wanna play games boy this glock gotta laser
Boom boom boom boom
Shoulda signed the waiver
Now ya face on the pavement
Blood was yo payment blood I been craving
Not entertainment being real blatant
With all of this pain I'm tryna contain it
Where is my heart cuz my chest has been vacant
Heavily father I need a replacement
Blame it on Satan
The lyrics of Bishop T.D. Jakes's song "Introduction" reflect a sense of frustration and determination in the face of a world that feels increasingly fake and inauthentic. The singer expresses a desire to break free from the confines of a traditional 9-5 job and the feeling of being enslaved to it. They would rather meet their maker than be broke, indicating a desperation to escape financial struggle. The lyrics also touch upon thoughts of self-destructive behavior, with the mention of crashing and being unstable. Despite these thoughts, the singer is focused on working hard and chasing success, with no time for distractions like watching cable television.
The lyrics also contain references to violence and street life. There is a careless attitude towards life and a warning to those who play games with dangerous weapons. The mention of blood being the payment and craving suggests a possible involvement in criminal activities or a desire for revenge.
The song brings up a sense of pain and emptiness, questioning the absence of the singer's heart and the need for a replacement. There is a heavy religious undertone with the mention of blaming Satan and requesting a replacement from the Heavenly Father. It signifies a cry for help and a longing for a spiritual connection to fill the void within.
Overall, "Introduction" explores themes of frustration, desperation, ambition, and a search for meaning in a world that often feels fake and devoid of genuine connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Either I'm getting realer or the world getting faker
I'm starting to become more genuine, while the world around me seems to be becoming more artificial.
9-5 Job man I can't be no slave
I refuse to be trapped in a regular job and be controlled like a slave.
Before I go broke man I will meet my maker
I'd rather die than experience financial ruin.
Been thinking bout crashing just call me unstable
I've been considering reckless actions, indicating my mental instability.
I'm steadily working no time for no cable
I'm consistently focused on my work and don't waste time watching television.
I'm chasing this paper
I'm vigorously pursuing wealth and financial success.
Manual labor
Engaging in physical exertion as part of my work.
She wanted dessert so I gave her a facial
To satisfy someone's desires, I provided them with an indulgent experience.
If you wanna play games boy this glock gotta laser
If you intend to engage in dangerous activities, be aware that I possess a firearm equipped with a laser sight.
Boom boom boom boom
The sound of gunshots or explosions.
Shoulda signed the waiver
You should have acknowledged the risks involved beforehand.
Now ya face on the pavement
As a consequence of your actions, your face is now in contact with the ground.
Blood was yo payment blood I been craving
I derive satisfaction from causing harm and shedding blood.
Not entertainment being real blatant
My intent is not to entertain, but to be openly and unapologetically direct.
With all of this pain I'm tryna contain it
Despite experiencing immense pain, I'm striving to keep it under control.
Where is my heart cuz my chest has been vacant
I feel emotionally empty, wondering where my heart and emotions have gone.
Heavily father I need a replacement
I desperately require a divine figure to replace the void and heaviness within me.
Blame it on Satan
I attribute my negative actions or thoughts to the influence of Satan.
Life is a gift man this shit ain't no game
Life is a precious blessing and shouldn't be treated casually.
Streets ain't for everybody stay in yo lane
Not everyone is suited for the dangers and hardships of the streets; it's best to focus on your own path.
He got caught swerving they blew out his brain
He was caught driving recklessly, resulting in his skull being penetrated by a bullet.
Thought you was cool but you just a free stain
You appeared impressive, but you're merely an insignificant and expendable mark.
Don't get caught lacking stop drinking that drank
Avoid being caught off guard and stop consuming intoxicating substances.
Bullets ain't slow boy you dead if you blink
Bullets travel at high speed; if you blink or hesitate, you'll be killed.
Young niggas killing don't care bout yo rank
Young individuals are committing acts of violence without regard for your status or position.
You got a lil glock
You possess a small handgun.
You not as bold as you think
Contrary to your belief, you lack the true courage and audacity you perceive.
Finger on the trigger
My finger is positioned on the trigger of the firearm.
But you know that you can't
However, deep down, you understand that you cannot take action.
Never hesitate cuz ya ass will get spanked
It's crucial to act without delay, as the consequences will be severe.
If you get hit
In the event that you are struck by a bullet.
Control all your breathing
Maintain control over your breathing rate and patterns.
Don't you dare faint
Under no circumstances should you allow yourself to lose consciousness.
Say a lil prayer for the killers and all the real niggas who tryna get richer
Offer a small prayer for those who engage in violent acts and individuals striving to improve their financial status.
Wash all my sins away with this brown liquor
I hope to absolve my sins by consuming alcoholic beverages.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: ADAM GRIMES, JERRODE LAWSON, MIKEY GIAMPAPA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind