Updated: March 13, 2026
Lysa TerKeurst, the beloved founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries and a #1 New York Times bestselling author, has touched millions through her honest books on faith, relationships, and resilience. But her own journey through an unwanted divorce captured widespread attention and sparked deep conversations in Christian communities. What began as repeated efforts to save a long marriage ended in heartbreak, yet it ultimately led to profound healing and a hopeful new chapter. If you’re searching for “Lysa TerKeurst divorce” you’re likely looking for understanding, encouragement, or biblical perspective on a tough topic. Here’s the real story, updated with the latest insights.
Table of Contents
The Painful End of a Long Marriage
Lysa was married to Art TerKeurst for nearly 30 years. They built a family together, including five children, and even adopted two boys from Liberia amid inspiring stories of faith and compassion. However, challenges emerged over time, including Art’s struggles with infidelity and substance abuse.
Lysa first publicly shared about marital difficulties in 2017, revealing repeated unfaithfulness. She chose forgiveness and reconciliation, renewing their vows in 2018 in hopes of restoration. Tragically, patterns returned, leading to separation and Lysa filing for divorce in late 2021. She announced it publicly in January 2022, describing “chosen patterns of behavior that dishonor God and the biblical covenant of marriage.” It was an unwanted divorce—one she fought hard against but ultimately accepted as necessary for her well-being and faith.
This wasn’t a decision taken lightly. Lysa has openly shared the grief, shame, and questions that came with it, especially as a public Christian leader wondering, “What does it look like to be a Christian woman headed toward divorce?”
Biblical and Practical Lessons from the Journey
Through podcasts, interviews, and her writings, Lysa has emphasized distinguishing between a difficult marriage and a destructive one. She explored biblical grounds for divorce, the role of boundaries, and God’s faithfulness amid brokenness. Her experiences highlighted:
- Infidelity and repeated betrayal as serious violations of the marital covenant.
- The importance of therapy alongside theology—combining professional help with scriptural truth for real healing.
- Letting go while holding yourself together, a theme in her work that resonates with many facing similar pain.
In recent years, Lysa co-authored resources drawing from her story, offering compassion for those navigating loss, loneliness, and unanswered prayers.
Key Facts at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the timeline and details surrounding Lysa TerKeurst’s divorce and life updates:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage Duration | Nearly 30 years (to Art TerKeurst) |
| Initial Issues Announced | 2017 (infidelity and substance abuse) |
| Vow Renewal | 2018 |
| Divorce Filing | December 2021 |
| Public Announcement | January 2022 |
| Finalization Context | Unwanted divorce due to repeated patterns; finalized post-2022 |
| Current Status | Remarried to Chaz (since January 2024); blended family of 7 kids and grandkids |
| Recent Work | Book: Surviving an Unwanted Divorce (2025) – biblical/practical guide |
These milestones show a path from devastation to restoration, reminding us that God’s story doesn’t end in brokenness.
Finding Hope and a New Chapter
Today, Lysa is remarried to Chaz (wed in January 2024 after meeting in 2023). She describes their relationship as a beautiful gift from God, built on trust and shared faith. Together, they navigate a blended family with seven children and grandchildren, focusing on joy and wholeness.
Her latest book, Surviving an Unwanted Divorce: A Biblical, Practical Guide to Letting Go While Holding Yourself Together (released in 2025), co-authored with experts, provides tools for others in similar seasons. Through podcasts and conversations in 2025-2026, she continues sharing raw honesty about betrayal, gaslighting, codependency, and emerging stronger.
Lysa’s story proves that even in the deepest pain, God can bring redemption. She often says healing comes from staying rooted in God’s presence, seeking wise counsel, and trusting His faithfulness.
Conclusion: You’re Not Alone in the Pain
If you’re walking through (or have walked through) an unwanted divorce, Lysa TerKeurst’s experience offers real hope. It’s okay to grieve, set boundaries, and seek help. Divorce doesn’t define your worth or God’s love for you. As Lysa has shown, painful endings can lead to beautiful new beginnings filled with grace and purpose.
Her journey reminds us: God is near to the brokenhearted. Whether you’re healing from betrayal or supporting someone who is, hold on to truth, embrace practical steps, and trust that wholeness is possible. Lysa’s life now reflects that promise—proof that even after heartbreak, joy can return.