Lysa TerKeurst Biography: Christian Author, Speaker & Proverbs 31 Ministries President, Birthplace, Age, Education, Profession

“God doesn’t expect perfection, but He does invite us to trust Him with our brokenness.” — Lysa TerKeurst

Lysa TerKeurst is a bestselling Christian author, speaker, and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, known for her inspirational books such as Uninvited and Forgiving What You Can’t Forget. Her journey reflects resilience, faith, and leadership in guiding millions of women worldwide through biblical truth.

Lysa TerKeurst has become one of the most influential voices in Christian non-fiction. Through her books, speaking engagements, and leadership of Proverbs 31 Ministries, she has inspired millions to embrace faith, forgiveness, and healing. Her story is marked by personal trials, including family struggles and health challenges, which have shaped her message of hope and perseverance.

Timeline Overview

Year Milestone
1969 Born July 21 in the United States
1980s Grew up in a Christian family; faced loss of her younger sister
1990s Graduated from Furman University; began writing and speaking
1995 Helped expand Proverbs 31 Ministries from a newsletter into a global ministry
2000s Published multiple Christian non-fiction books
2016 Released Uninvited, a #1 New York Times bestseller
2020 Published Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, another bestseller
Present Continues leading Proverbs 31 Ministries and writing inspirational books

Quick Facts

Attribute Detail
Full Name Lysa TerKeurst
Date of Birth July 21, 1969
Age 56 (as of 2025)
Birthplace United States
Height Approx. 5 ft 6 in
Education Furman University – BA
Profession Author, Speaker, Ministry Leader
Employer Proverbs 31 Ministries
Marital Status Divorced (formerly married to Art TerKeurst)
Children Five
Net Worth Estimated $1–2 million
Salary Not publicly disclosed

Early Life & Education

Lysa TerKeurst was born in 1969 and raised in a Christian family. Her childhood was marked by tragedy when her younger sister died at just 16 months old, an event that caused her to drift away from faith for a time.

She later attended Furman University in South Carolina, where she studied and began to rediscover her spiritual calling. Her education provided the foundation for her career as a writer and speaker.

Lysa TerKeurst photo - wikiiTrendsa
Lysa TerKeurst photo – wikiiTrendsa

Career Background

TerKeurst’s career began in the 1990s with writing and speaking engagements. In 1995, she helped transform Proverbs 31 Ministries from a small newsletter into a global organization reaching millions of women daily.

She has authored more than a dozen books, including:

  • Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely (2016)
  • Forgiving What You Can’t Forget (2020)
  • It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way (2018)

Her books often blend personal stories with biblical teaching, focusing on themes of forgiveness, resilience, and faith.

Achievements

  • President of Proverbs 31 Ministries, leading one of the largest women’s Christian organizations
  • Author of multiple New York Times bestsellers
  • Speaker at national and international Christian conferences
  • Recognized for her ability to connect biblical truth with everyday struggles

Personal Life

Lysa TerKeurst was married to Art TerKeurst for nearly three decades before their divorce. She is the mother of five children and often shares insights from her family life in her writing.

Her openness about personal struggles—including marital challenges and health issues—has made her relatable to readers worldwide.

Salary & Net Worth

  • Net Worth: Estimated $1–2 million
  • Salary: Not publicly disclosed, but her income comes from book sales, speaking engagements, and ministry leadership

Legacy

Lysa TerKeurst’s legacy lies in her ability to transform personal pain into messages of hope and healing. Through her leadership at Proverbs 31 Ministries and bestselling books, she has guided millions of women toward faith and resilience.

Her story reflects the power of vulnerability in ministry—sharing struggles openly while pointing to God’s grace. As she continues to write and lead, TerKeurst remains a central figure in modern Christian literature and women’s ministry.

Scroll to Top