Lysa TerKeurst is one of the best-known Christian authors and the longtime president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Through bestselling books, Bible studies, and speaking events, she has encouraged millions of readers worldwide. While much of her work centers on faith and resilience, her personal life also became the subject of public attention after her marriage to Art TerKeurst ended.
The couple shared nearly three decades of marriage, raised a large family, and experienced both reconciliation and heartbreak before their divorce was finalized. Here’s a closer look at Lysa TerKeurst’s ex-husband, their relationship, the reasons behind their separation, and how both have moved forward.
Who Is Art TerKeurst?
Art TerKeurst is best known as the former husband of Christian author Lysa TerKeurst. During their marriage, he largely stayed out of the public spotlight while supporting family life and Lysa’s growing ministry.
As Lysa’s books gained national recognition and Proverbs 31 Ministries expanded its reach, the couple became familiar figures within the Christian community. Together, they built a family and spent many years serving alongside one another before personal struggles changed the course of their marriage.
A Marriage That Lasted Decades
Lysa and Art TerKeurst were married for nearly 30 years. Throughout those years, they raised five children and built a life centered on family and faith.
For many followers of Lysa’s ministry, their marriage represented perseverance through life’s challenges. Behind the scenes, however, the relationship faced difficulties that were not publicly known for many years.
Despite demanding careers and family responsibilities, they remained committed to raising their children while Lysa continued writing books that reached readers around the world.
The First Separation
In 2017, Lysa publicly revealed that she had filed for divorce after discovering serious issues within the marriage.
She explained that repeated infidelity and substance addiction had created ongoing challenges that deeply affected their relationship. Her announcement surprised many readers who had followed her ministry for years.
Rather than sharing every personal detail, Lysa focused on asking for privacy while emphasizing the importance of healing and faith during an incredibly difficult season.
A Hopeful Reconciliation
After the initial separation, the couple chose to work toward restoring their marriage.
They participated in extensive counseling and reconciliation efforts over many months. Their commitment to rebuilding the relationship eventually led to a renewal of their wedding vows in December 2018.
Many supporters celebrated what appeared to be a fresh beginning. Lysa also spoke openly about forgiveness, personal growth, and trusting God through painful circumstances, inspiring many readers facing similar struggles.
For a time, it seemed the couple had successfully rebuilt their relationship after years of hardship.
The Final Divorce
Unfortunately, the reconciliation did not last.
In December 2021, Lysa TerKeurst filed for divorce for a second time. She later explained that she had discovered a return to the same destructive patterns that had previously damaged their marriage.
According to statements she shared publicly, the decision came only after realizing that lasting change had not occurred despite previous counseling and reconciliation efforts.
The divorce became final in early 2022, officially ending a marriage that had lasted nearly three decades.
Throughout the legal process, Lysa continued asking supporters to respect her family’s privacy while she focused on healing and moving forward.
Court Records and Financial Issues
During the divorce proceedings, court filings attracted significant media attention.
Documents submitted during the case alleged that more than $100,000 in shared marital funds had been spent on an extramarital relationship. Those reports generated widespread discussion among readers and followers of Lysa’s ministry.
Although the legal filings became public, Lysa avoided prolonged public debates about the case. Instead, she consistently directed attention toward recovery, forgiveness, and emotional healing rather than revisiting painful details.
Her approach reflected the themes that have long appeared throughout her books and public teaching.
Finding Healing
Following the divorce, Lysa took time away from many public activities to focus on emotional recovery.
She spoke honestly about grief, disappointment, and rebuilding life after the end of a long marriage. Rather than hiding her struggles, she shared lessons learned through books, interviews, and speaking engagements.
Her book Surviving an Unwanted Divorce explores many of the emotions experienced during this season while offering encouragement to readers navigating similar circumstances.
The message resonated with countless people who appreciated her openness about faith during difficult life transitions.
A New Beginning
After remaining single for several years, Lysa eventually met businessman Chaz Adams.
The couple developed a relationship that gradually became public, and they married in January 2024 during a private ceremony in Megève, France.
Since then, Lysa has shared glimpses of their new life together while continuing to lead Proverbs 31 Ministries, write bestselling books, and speak at conferences across the United States.
Her recent work continues to focus on hope, emotional healing, forgiveness, healthy relationships, and trusting God through life’s unexpected changes.
Today, Lysa TerKeurst remains one of the most influential voices in Christian publishing. Her books regularly appear on bestseller lists, and Proverbs 31 Ministries continues serving women around the world through Bible studies, podcasts, devotionals, and online resources.
Although her divorce from Art TerKeurst marked one of the most difficult chapters of her life, she has consistently emphasized growth rather than regret. Her willingness to share both victories and struggles has strengthened her connection with readers who appreciate authentic stories of faith.