Demands Escalate for Lysa Terkeurst to Step Down After Divorce Announcement

Some media outlets believe Lysa Terkeurst, the founder of women’s ministry Proverbs 31 Ministries, should step down after announcing the end of her marriage.

“If Lysa Terkeurst were a man heading up a ministry such as hers, everybody would be calling for him to resign. The same should go for women heading up such ministries, especially one leading a ministry such as Proverbs 31,” Black Christian News (BCNN1) editors say.

Terkeurst announced the end of her 25-year marriage a few weeks ago. She claims her husband, Art, abused substances, committed infidelity and strayed from the truth.

Since then, the prominent women’s leader has remained largely silent, allowing her blog post to speak for her. She told followers she would take a season off from Proverbs 31, but was not leaving.

The announcement sparked both support and outrage.

“Lysa, we recommend that you let someone like Lois Evans, the wife of Tony Evans, or Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth take over Proverbs 31 Ministries at least temporarily. No one is condemning you, but you need to admit that you were not perfect in your marriage either, and we urge you to reconcile with your husband. As you stated in your blog post, you ‘always encouraged women to fight for their marriages and to do everything possible to save them when they come under threat.’ We urge you to do the same,” the BCNN1 editors write.

“As the reason for continuing your ministry, you stated that you were determined “not to let darkness win.” Well, the way you do that is by not letting darkness win over your family by reconciling with your husband and getting your family back together,” they conclude.

Supporters, however, praise Terkeurst’s vulnerability and honesty in such a difficult time.

Among them is the ex-wife of Saeed Abedini, whom Iranian prison guards tortured for years behind bars.

“I am so sorry. It was the condition of my marriage and no amount of submission and love could save our marriage. It was a true revelation from God that we are not submit to corruption and abuse and we are to draw firm boundaries/separation hoping that this would end in the repentance of our spouse. This is love in another form. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13. I will be praying for this very painful time for Lysa and her family as our family had to walk through it. God is faithful and He uses our suffering to draw use closer to Him and have us pay attention to His Word ever so closely,” Naghmeh Panahi says.

Inspirational blogger and author Carol McLeod writes: “I am praying for you, dear Lysa. We have met several times at speaking events and at AWSA [Advanced Writers and Speakers Association]. You have always been so genuine and sincere in our meetings. Your books have greatly impacted not only me but my daughters as well. I am praying for your heart and for the hearts of your family. You have a good, good Father and I know that He is hovering over your life today … it’s what He does best! He is always near to the brokenhearted.”

Author Jefferson Bethke says: “Lysa, thank you so much for your courage and bravery and vulnerability in sharing this. Alyssa and I both just prayed for you a few minutes ago. Standing with you and your family through this time. Praying for refreshment from the Spirit, an abundance of grace and His presence would be felt in a near and special way. Thank you for all you’ve done in all of our lives and led in grace and transparency and pointed us to Jesus.” {eoa}