Art TerKeurst is an American entrepreneur best known as the ex-husband of Lysa TerKeurst, a prominent Christian author and speaker. Their relationship has been a subject of public interest due to its complexities and the insights it offers into personal struggles and reconciliation.
Early Life and Background
Born in February 1966 in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Art TerKeurst hails from a family with deep roots in the community.
He is the son of Dudley and Sharon TerKeurst. Art pursued his education at Winthrop University in South Carolina, where he laid the foundation for his future career.
Career and Professional Life
Art is the owner and operator of Chick-fil-A Waverly FSR in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He has been managing this establishment since December 1991, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to his business.
His role involves overseeing daily operations, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining the high standards associated with the Chick-fil-A brand.
Meeting Lysa TerKeurst
Art and Lysa Terkeurst met during a Bible study session, which sparked a relationship that led to their marriage in 1993.
Their union was blessed with five children: three daughters—Hope, Ashley, and Brooke, and two sons, Jackson and Mark, whom they adopted from an orphanage in Liberia during their teenage years.
Challenges in Marriage
Their marriage faced significant challenges, notably Art’s infidelity and struggles with substance abuse. In 2017, Lysa filed for divorce, citing repeated unfaithfulness and substance abuse issues.
The couple renewed their vows in 2018, attempting to rebuild their relationship. Despite these efforts, Lysa filed for divorce again in December 2021, citing continued breaches of their marital vows.
Divorce Proceedings and Allegations
The divorce proceedings revealed troubling details about Art’s actions during their marriage.
Court documents indicated that Art spent over $100,000 on an extramarital affair with a woman he met online.
This included expenses related to relocating the woman and purchasing a pre-engagement ring.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, Art has maintained a low public profile. He continues to operate his Chick-fil-A franchise and has kept details of his personal life private. His ex-wife, Lysa, has since remarried, tying the knot with Chaz Adams in a ceremony held in January 2024.
Reflections on the Relationship
The journey of Art and Lysa TerKeurst serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in personal relationships.
It highlights themes of fidelity, forgiveness, and the challenges couples may face. Their story underscores the importance of accountability and the difficult decisions that sometimes accompany the pursuit of personal and spiritual well-being.
FAQs
1. Who is Art TerKeurst?
Art TerKeurst is an American entrepreneur, best known as the ex-husband of Lysa TerKeurst, a prominent Christian author and speaker. He owns and operates Chick-fil-A Waverly FSR in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2. How old is Art TerKeurst?
Born in February 1966, Art TerKeurst is 58 years old as of 2025.
3. Where is Art TerKeurst from?
Art was born in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, United States, and currently resides in Waxhaw, North Carolina.
4. What is Art TerKeurst’s profession?
Art is an entrepreneur and has been operating Chick-fil-A Waverly FSR since December 1991.
5. Who are Art and Lysa TerKeurst’s children?
The couple has three daughters: Hope, Ashley, and Brooke. They also have two adopted sons, Jackson and Mark (known as T. Markus), whom they adopted from an orphanage in Liberia during their teenage years.
6. What led to Art and Lysa TerKeurst’s separation?
Their marriage faced challenges due to Art’s infidelity and struggles with substance abuse, leading Lysa to file for divorce in December 2021.
7. Are Art and Lysa TerKeurst still together?
No, they divorced in December 2021 after attempting reconciliation in 2018.
8. What is known about Art TerKeurst’s family background?
Art is the son of Dudley and Sharon TerKeurst.
9. How tall is Art TerKeurst?
Art stands 5 feet 10 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs approximately 143 lbs (65 kg).
10. Does Art TerKeurst have any social media presence?
Art has a LinkedIn profile but does not appear to be active on other social media platforms.
11. What is Art TerKeurst’s educational background?
Art attended West Morris Mendham High School and later graduated from Winthrop University in South Carolina.
12. Does Art TerKeurst have any public social media profiles?
Yes, Art has a LinkedIn profile where he connects professionally.
13. What is the current relationship between Art and Lysa TerKeurst?
While specific details are private, both have moved on with their lives. Lysa remarried Chaz Adams in January 2024.
14. Does Art TerKeurst have any grandchildren?
Yes, their daughter Ashley has a son named Ryser from her previous marriage.
15. What is Art TerKeurst’s current occupation?
Art continues to operate his Chick-fil-A franchise in Charlotte, North Carolina.
16. Has Art TerKeurst been involved in any public controversies?
Yes, during their divorce proceedings, it was revealed that Art had spent over $100,000 on an extramarital affair, which included expenses like relocating the woman and purchasing a pre-engagement ring.
The Bottom Line
Art TerKeurst’s life, particularly his marriage to Lysa TerKeurst, has been marked by both public scrutiny and personal trials. While he remains a private individual, the narrative of his relationship with Lysa offers valuable insights into the realities of marriage, the impact of personal choices, and the complexities of navigating public attention.
