Pastor Zach Terry on Faith, Family, and the Systems That Create Order From Chaos

Introduction
When Growth Becomes Chaos
Leadership and faith often collide at the intersection of calling and capacity. For Pastor Zach Terry, that collision forced him to systemize everything — from sermon prep to family rhythms.

Now the senior pastor of a 1,200-member church and host of a multi-state radio show, Zach has found peace through process. “Everything that has a system runs well,” he says. “And when it doesn’t, you feel it.”

From Construction to Calling
Zach’s father, a high school dropout and former construction worker, built the largest florist in the Southeast. “Dad could multiply numbers in his head faster than a calculator,” Zach recalls. “He turned layoffs into a business that served governors and celebrities.”

That entrepreneurial example shaped how Zach approached ministry — with structure, creativity, and stewardship. “High performance,” he says, “is simply maximizing what God gave you.”

Balancing Drive and Discipline
Driven leaders struggle with rest. Zach’s sabbatical story changed that: a month in Roatán with his wife, painting, snorkeling, and learning to play again. “Even in rest, I find ways to create,” he laughs. “But systems protect peace — they keep you grounded.”

He lives by what he calls “the 4 Commandments”:
1️⃣ Dialogue daily.
2️⃣ Date weekly.
3️⃣ Depart quarterly.
4️⃣ Deport annually.

“True balance is an illusion,” Zach says. “You’re always correcting. But those rhythms keep you centered.”

From Chaos to Communication
Zach’s love for radio began with a random encounter — tuning into Dr. Charles Stanley. “It haunted me,” he says. “It changed everything.” That broadcast led to his own radio ministry, now reaching listeners up and down the East Coast.

He uses AI tools ethically to multiply his creative process — like rewriting sermon intros in the tone of Josh Brolin. “AI should amplify your humanity, not replace it,” he says.

Faith Under Fire
In 2023, Zach led a group of 54 leaders through Israel — and found himself stranded when war broke out. With automatic weapons echoing nearby, he led daily devotionals and made sure everyone got home safely. “Leadership,” he says, “isn’t about keeping calm. It’s about creating calm.”

Closing Reflection
Faith brings purpose. Systems bring peace. Together, they build legacy.
As Zach says: “Everything that has a system runs well. When it doesn’t, you feel it.”

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