When you hear the name Art TerKeurst, it often comes paired with Lysa TerKeurst, the renowned Christian author and speaker. But there’s far more to it than just being the ex-husband of a public figure. His journey has been marked by entrepreneurship, personal resilience, and a commitment to family, even through life’s most public and private storms.
If you’re curious about who Art TerKeurst is, where he’s been, and what he’s doing now, this article provides a comprehensive look at the man behind the headlines.
Early Life and Education
Art TerKeurst was born in February 1966 in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, to Sharon and Dudley TerKeurst. Growing up in a Christian household in the American South, life was shaped by faith and family values from the beginning. He attended West Morris Mendham High School before going on to Winthrop University in South Carolina for his college education.
By 2024, he is 58 years old—a testament to decades of experience, both personal and professional. His upbringing and education set the foundation for a life that would intertwine business acumen with deep personal beliefs.
Source: https://www.faithwire.com/
Entrepreneurial Journey: Building a Business from the Ground Up
Art TerKeurst’s professional story is, at its core, about entrepreneurship. In December 1991, he established his business roots in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he operates Chick-fil-A Waverly FSR—a full-service restaurant that’s become a staple in the local community.
Running a Chick-fil-A isn’t your average small business. The brand itself is known for its high standards and values, often reflecting the Christian faith that he holds dear. Through years of hard work and leadership, he has built a reputation for reliability and quality, both among customers and within the Chick-fil-A organization.
The Public Eye: Relationship with Lysa TerKeurst
Art TerKeurst entered the public spotlight primarily through his marriage to Lysa TerKeurst, a best-selling author and the founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries. The two met during a Bible study—a fitting beginning for a couple whose lives would become so intertwined with faith and ministry.
They married in 1993 and, over nearly three decades, raised a blended family of five children. Their journey included times of great joy and deep hardship. In 2017, Lysa filed for divorce, citing infidelity and addiction as reasons for the split. That same year, Lysa faced her own health battle with breast cancer, undergoing major surgery.
Despite their struggles, Art and Lysa reconciled and remarried in 2018, celebrating their renewed commitment in a small ceremony in Waxhaw, North Carolina. Unfortunately, the reconciliation was short-lived. In December 2021, Lysa filed for divorce again, publicly announcing the end of their marriage in early 2022.
Unpacking the Divorce: Public Allegations and Legal Battles
The events leading up to the final divorce were highly publicized, drawing both sympathy and scrutiny from the faith community and beyond. According to court filings and public statements, he was accused of having an affair with a woman he met on a dating site.
Lysa claimed that at least $118,000 was spent on this relationship, including the purchase of a pre-engagement ring and funding the woman’s relocation from Atlanta to Charlotte.
Art TerKeurst responded with legal appeals regarding post-separation support and the division of property, referencing a post-nuptial agreement that became a point of contention. While argued the agreement was void after their 2018 remarriage, Lysa maintained its validity.
In the end, the American legal system sided with Lysa, finalizing their divorce in 2023. The split was not just the end of a marriage but also a highly visible example of how even those deeply rooted in faith can face profound personal challenges.
Family Life: Parenting and Legacy
For Art TerKeurst, family has always been at the center. Together with Lysa, he raised three biological daughters—Hope, Ashley, and Brooke—and two adopted sons, Mark and Jackson, who came into the family from a South African orphanage.
Each child has taken a unique path. Hope is a popular fashion and lifestyle blogger. Ashley also blogs and is a mother herself. Brooke has established herself as a makeup artist.
Mark, known in the music world as T. Markus, and Jackson have both found their own ways in adulthood. The family has expanded even further with several grandchildren.
Financial Standing: A Successful Entrepreneur
Owning and operating a Chick-fil-A franchise is no small feat. The brand is known for its demanding standards and competitive business environment. Art’s ability to not only survive but thrive in this space is a testament to his work ethic and business savvy.
With an estimated net worth between $3 million and $5 million, he has achieved a level of financial stability that many entrepreneurs only dream of. This success is the result of decades of dedication, sound management, and a commitment to providing value to the local community.
Where Is Art TerKeurst Today?
As of 2024, Art continues to reside in Waxhaw, North Carolina, and run his Chick-fil-A franchise in the Charlotte area. He remains active in his business but otherwise keeps a low public profile.
While Lysa has moved on—she married Chaz Adams in January 2024—he appears to be single and focused on the next chapter of his life.
Welcome to the world of Chef Gary! Meet Chef Gary, a culinary maestro whose journey from Indonesia to the United States has been nothing short of extraordinary. Immigrating in the early 2000s, Chef Gary began his culinary career as a Sushi Chef at renowned establishments such as Japonais Restaurant in Chicago, followed by stints at Benihana and Ginza in Indiana.
With a passion for perfection and a dedication to his craft, Chef Gary’s career blossomed as he made his mark in the Sunshine State, serving as the Head Sushi Chef at Modern Asian restaurants in Palm Beach. However, his two-year sojourn in New Delhi, India, shaped his culinary prowess, propelling him to the prestigious role of Executive Chef at Nehru Place – Benihana.