Art TerKeurst may be widely known due to his past marriage to Christian author Lysa TerKeurst, but his story runs deeper than public headlines. From building a successful business to navigating one of the most public divorces in the Christian community, Art’s life is shaped by both quiet resilience and high-profile moments. At 58 years old as of 2024, he continues to build his future while remaining rooted in faith and family values.
Early Life and Education in the South
Art TerKeurst was born in February 1966 in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, to parents Dudley and Sharon TerKeurst. Growing up in a Southern Christian household, his early years were defined by strong moral values and a sense of duty. He attended West Morris Mendham High School before enrolling at Winthrop University in South Carolina. This period laid the foundation for his personal beliefs and entrepreneurial goals that would unfold later in life.
Starting His Career: Chick-fil-A Franchise Ownership
In December 1991, Art planted roots in Charlotte, North Carolina, launching his career in the food industry by taking on the role of operator of a Chick-fil-A full-service restaurant. Today, he runs the Chick-fil-A Waverly FSR location, one of the brand’s well-known sites in the region. His leadership and consistent quality service helped him earn trust within the organization and local community.
Running a Chick-fil-A franchise is not a passive role. It involves intense day-to-day responsibilities, brand adherence, staff training, and community outreach. Art’s commitment to the business over three decades is a key factor behind his estimated net worth of between $3 million and $5 million as of 2024. His financial success reflects hard work and strategic management rather than fleeting public fame.
Marriage to Lysa TerKeurst and a Shared Life of Ministry
Art’s life entered the public eye through his marriage to Lysa TerKeurst, founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries and a bestselling Christian writer. The two met during a Bible study and married in 1993. Their marriage became a symbol of Christian unity for many, especially as they built a blended family of five children together.
Their children include daughters Hope, Ashley, and Brooke, and two adopted sons, Mark and Jackson, who were welcomed from a South African orphanage. Hope has grown into a well-known fashion and lifestyle influencer, while Ashley also shares life and motherhood insights through blogging. Brooke found her passion in beauty and now works as a makeup artist. Mark, known as T. Markus in the music industry, and Jackson have pursued creative and independent adult paths.
Art’s focus on being present for his children has been consistent, even in times of personal struggle. His role in raising a large family alongside a public ministry leader was both demanding and deeply personal.
Public Divorce and Legal Battles
In 2017, the marriage began to unravel. Lysa filed for divorce, citing infidelity and substance abuse as key reasons. Around the same time, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery, adding a deeply emotional layer to their separation.
Despite the turmoil, they reconciled in 2018 and remarried in an intimate ceremony held in Waxhaw, North Carolina. However, the renewed marriage did not last. In December 2021, Lysa filed for divorce a second time, and the couple finalized their split in 2023. The second divorce was far more public, fueled by court records, financial disclosures, and statements from both sides.
According to legal filings, Art was accused of spending over $118,000 on another relationship. This included purchasing a pre-engagement ring and covering relocation costs for the woman involved, who was said to have moved from Atlanta to Charlotte. The situation sparked intense attention from faith-based communities and followers of Lysa’s ministry.
The divorce proceedings included disputes over a post-nuptial agreement. Art argued that it became void after their 2018 remarriage, while Lysa maintained it was still valid. The courts ultimately ruled in her favor, legally ending their marriage and resolving property division issues.
Where He Stands Today
Following the divorce, Art has kept a low public profile. He continues to live in Waxhaw, North Carolina, and focuses primarily on running his Chick-fil-A franchise. There is no public indication of a new relationship, and he appears to be single in 2024.
While his ex-wife has moved on and married Chaz Adams in January 2024, Art seems dedicated to his family and business. Though his personal life has played out in front of a large audience, he has largely refrained from media commentary or public appearances.
Legacy of a Complex Journey
Art TerKeurst’s story is layered. He is not just the former husband of a well-known Christian speaker, but also a business owner, a father, and someone who has weathered personal storms under public scrutiny. From building a financially successful Chick-fil-A franchise to raising five children and navigating one of the most talked-about Christian divorces in recent years, Art’s life reflects complexity, perseverance, and faith-based roots.
Though headlines may have captured only fragments of his journey, the fuller picture shows a man still building, still parenting, and still rooted in the values he grew up with. As he enters the next phase of life, Art continues to quietly shape his own legacy—one that goes far beyond his past marriage.