Art TerKeurst is an American entrepreneur best known for his marriage to Lysa TerKeurst, a widely recognized Christian author, speaker, and founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Over the years, their marriage has been a topic of public interest, particularly due to its challenges, separation, reconciliation, and eventual divorce.
Beyond his association with Lysa, Art has built a successful career as a businessman, notably as the owner of a Chick-fil-A franchise in North Carolina. While much of the media attention has focused on his personal life, Art has led a private yet impactful life in the business world.
This article explores Art TerKeurst’s early life, career, marriage, family, and his life after divorce.
Quick Bio of Art TerKeurst
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Art TerKeurst |
| Date of Birth | February 1966 |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 2024) |
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | Entrepreneur; Former spouse of Lysa TerKeurst |
| Father | Dudley TerKeurst |
| Mother | Sharon TerKeurst |
| Profession | Businessman, Entrepreneur |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Lysa TerKeurst (m. 1993; div. 2022) |
| Children | Hope, Ashley, Brooke, Jackson, and Mark TerKeurst |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 143 pounds (65 kg) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Background
Art TerKeurst was born in February 1966 in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. He grew up in a Christian household and was raised with strong values and a passion for business. While little is known about his early years, it is believed that he had a relatively normal upbringing with a focus on faith, education, and career development.
His parents, Dudley and Sharon TerKeurst, played a significant role in shaping his values. He pursued his higher education at Winthrop University in South Carolina, where he likely developed the skills that helped him become a successful entrepreneur.
Career and Professional Life
Art TerKeurst is a businessman and entrepreneur with a strong presence in the food industry. In 1991, he became the owner and operator of Chick-fil-A Waverly FSR in Charlotte, North Carolina. His franchise has grown into a thriving business, known for its customer service and community involvement.
Through his hard work and business acumen, Art has successfully managed the fast-paced demands of the restaurant industry, demonstrating strong leadership and management skills.
Marriage to Lysa TerKeurst
Art TerKeurst met Lysa TerKeurst at a Bible study group, and their shared Christian faith became the foundation of their relationship. They got married in 1993 and started a life centered around faith, family, and ministry.
Lysa TerKeurst, known for her best-selling books, public speaking, and leadership in Proverbs 31 Ministries, often spoke about their marriage in her teachings. Together, they raised five children:
- Hope TerKeurst
- Ashley TerKeurst
- Brooke TerKeurst
- Jackson TerKeurst
- Mark TerKeurst (adopted)
Their marriage appeared to be a strong Christian partnership, with Lysa sharing faith-based marriage advice through her books and speeches.
Challenges in Their Marriage
Despite their public image of a faithful Christian marriage, Art and Lysa’s relationship faced major struggles behind closed doors.
In 2017, Lysa TerKeurst publicly announced that she had filed for divorce from Art due to his infidelity and struggles with substance abuse. She revealed that he had been unfaithful multiple times, spending over $100,000 on an extramarital affair.
This revelation was deeply painful for their family and followers, as Lysa had long spoken about faithful Christian marriages.
Reconciliation and Renewal of Vows
Despite their public separation in 2017, Art and Lysa made efforts to repair their marriage. In 2018, they renewed their vows in a private ceremony, expressing their commitment to rebuilding their relationship.
At the time, Lysa shared that forgiveness and healing were at the center of their reconciliation, giving hope to many who followed their journey.
However, despite these efforts to rebuild their marriage, deeper issues continued to resurface.
Final Divorce and Separation
In December 2021, after years of trying to reconcile, Lysa TerKeurst officially filed for divorce for the second time. In January 2022, she publicly confirmed that their marriage was irreparably broken.
She shared a heartfelt message with her followers, expressing:
“I have fought so hard to hold our marriage together, but sometimes the story doesn’t end the way we expect it to.”
The divorce was finalized in 2022, marking the end of their nearly 30-year marriage.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, Art TerKeurst has chosen to stay out of the public eye, focusing on his business and personal life.
He still owns and operates Chick-fil-A Waverly FSR, and while there have been rumors about his personal relationships, no official information has been confirmed.
Lysa, on the other hand, has continued to focus on her ministry, writing, and personal healing journey, often sharing insights about grace, forgiveness, and resilience.
Where is Art TerKeurst Now?
Currently, Art TerKeurst resides in North Carolina, where he continues to run his business and live a private life away from media attention. He has not made public appearances or statements regarding his personal life post-divorce.
Conclusion
Art TerKeurst’s life has been a journey of faith, business, family, and personal challenges. While his marriage to Lysa TerKeurst was filled with ups and downs, he remains focused on his business and personal life.
Despite his past public controversies, he continues to lead a private life, while Lysa shares her story of healing and faith with the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Art TerKeurst?
Art TerKeurst is a businessman and entrepreneur, best known for being the former husband of Christian author Lysa TerKeurst.
What does Art TerKeurst do for a living?
He is the owner and operator of a Chick-fil-A franchise in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Why did Art TerKeurst and Lysa TerKeurst divorce?
Their marriage ended due to infidelity and ongoing personal struggles. Lysa filed for divorce in 2021, and it was finalized in 2022.
How many children does Art TerKeurst have?
He has five children: Hope, Ashley, Brooke, Jackson, and Mark TerKeurst.
Where is Art TerKeurst now?
He still resides in North Carolina and continues to run his business.
What is Art TerKeurst’s net worth?
His exact net worth is unknown, but as a successful entrepreneur, he has built a stable financial life.
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