“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.

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.









