How it all started...
Zach Terry was born into a family of entertainers. His grandfather, Floyd Terry, regularly appeared on the Grand Old Opry in the 1940s with Zach's uncles in a band called "the Young'uns". Gordon Terry, the youngest of the band, found fame in music, television, and movies throughout the 50's and 60's. In 1976, Zach was born in North Alabama and raised in the Appalachian foothills. His family regularly attended a small Missionary Baptist Church.
At nine months of age, Doctors discovered that one of Zach's kidneys had not fully developed. The undeveloped kidney was now poisoning Zach's system. In those days, kidney surgery on a small child was a very serious operation. It was during that time that Zach's father, Carl Terry, believed that God spoke to him and assured him that his son would not only live but would grow to be a Preacher of the Gospel. Carl never mentioned that revelation to anyone until years later, after Zach surrendered to God's call on his life. It was then that Carl told his son, "I have been waiting on this moment for 19 years"
At nine months of age, Doctors discovered that one of Zach's kidneys had not fully developed. The undeveloped kidney was now poisoning Zach's system. In those days, kidney surgery on a small child was a very serious operation. It was during that time that Zach's father, Carl Terry, believed that God spoke to him and assured him that his son would not only live but would grow to be a Preacher of the Gospel. Carl never mentioned that revelation to anyone until years later, after Zach surrendered to God's call on his life. It was then that Carl told his son, "I have been waiting on this moment for 19 years"
By an act of Divine Providence, God changed the course of Zach's life when he heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a radio station in North Alabama. Within days, Zach was converted and passionate about learning and teaching the Word of God. A few months later, he surrendered to God's call on his life to be a Preacher of the Word, fulfilling God's promise to his father years earlier.
Since that time, Pastor Zach has had the privilege of speaking around the world and to some of the most significant leaders on the planet. All the while, his mission becoming vividly clear that he is called to shape world views and daily walks through the preaching of God's Word.
In 1994, Zach began his college career at the University of North Alabama, intent on following the family tradition of moving to Nashville and beginning a career in the entertainment industry.
Throughout the 1990's Zach served as an Itinerant Evangelist speaking at area wide crusades, revivals, student camps, and conferences throughout the South East, USA. Then in 2004 he became the Pastor of the Lancaster Baptist Church, in Central Kentucky.
Today, Pastor Zach is the Lead Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, FL. This amazing congregation is his first passion, and the ministry is the one in which he delights the most. They serve as the base of operations and development for the materials delivered through Maximum Life.
Pastor Zach Terry is the host of Maximum Life Radio heard throughout the United States on terrestrial radio and around the world online. He also serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Known for his ability to teach complex ideas in simple terms with practical implications for daily life, Pastor Zach is delighted to help people comprehend and apply God’s Word.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, from which he received his Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a DMin, selected him as the recipient of the Westminster John Knox Press Award for excellence in preaching and teaching the Christian scriptures. In 2016, he was honored as one of the Connect Faith’s “Agents of Change“.
Pastor Zach Terry is the host of Maximum Life Radio heard throughout the United States on terrestrial radio and around the world online. He also serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Known for his ability to teach complex ideas in simple terms with practical implications for daily life, Pastor Zach is delighted to help people comprehend and apply God’s Word.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, from which he received his Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a DMin, selected him as the recipient of the Westminster John Knox Press Award for excellence in preaching and teaching the Christian scriptures. In 2016, he was honored as one of the Connect Faith’s “Agents of Change“.
Where we are headed...
As Maximum Life continues to expand into new regions, it is our intention to make the principles taught by Pastor Zach available to as many people as we possibly can. Each week, we receive messages from individuals who have had their lives radically changed through the ministry of Maximum Life. Ultimately, we hope to see Pastor Zach's teaching translated and broadcast around the world.
