When my father died, I had a real experience with Christ, a real conversion with Christ and I had it in a Oneness church.

T. D. Jakes' quote, "When my father died, I had a real experience with Christ, a real conversion with Christ and I had it in a Oneness church," speaks to a pivotal moment of spiritual awakening and transformation in his life. Jakes describes the profound experience he had following the death of his father, which led to a conversion or deepening of his faith in Christ. This conversion wasn’t just an intellectual acknowledgment but a transformative encounter that occurred within the context of a Oneness church, a denomination within Christianity that emphasizes the unity of God, particularly in the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

The mention of Oneness church is significant because it highlights the specific theological framework that influenced Jakes during this spiritual experience. The Oneness Pentecostal tradition emphasizes a belief in the singular nature of God, rejecting the traditional doctrine of the Trinity. By referencing this church, Jakes is pointing out that his conversion took place within a particular religious context that shaped his understanding of God and his relationship to Christ.

Jakes’ experience underscores the deep personal nature of faith and conversion, particularly when faced with the loss of a loved one. The death of his father acted as a catalyst for a transformative moment in his spiritual journey, leading him to a deeper connection with Christ. It reflects the power of grief and significant life events in fostering moments of profound spiritual insight and change.

The origin of this quote lies in Jakes' own personal faith journey, which is central to his work as a pastor and spiritual leader. As the founder of The Potter’s House, one of the largest churches in the United States, Jakes often speaks about the power of personal encounters with faith and how those experiences shape both individuals and communities. His testimony of conversion in a Oneness church illustrates how deeply formative spiritual experiences can be, particularly during times of personal loss.