A Fisherman Becomes Fisher of Men

"Fisherman becomes Fisher of Men"
A history of Team Jesus Ministries

Terry Chupp grew up in church and as he grew older, became active as a deacon and music minister. On July 7, 1985 he had a life changing experience with Christ that forever changed his life.

"On July 7, 1985, I experienced a knock at the door of my heart by the Lord Jesus Christ, which made me realize that all of my good works – joining the church, serving in the church, even as a deacon and minister of music – was not what Christianity was all about," Chupp said. "On that Sunday morning, I realized that if Jesus was knocking, he wanted to come in where he did not reside – into my heart."

He accepted Christ that morning and two years later received a call into the Gospel ministry as a modern day fisher of men. In 1987, Terry joined the Bass Anglers Sportsman’s Society as a touring professional. He was asked to sing at the fellowship service for the pros hosted by the Fellowship of Christian Anglers Society (FOCAS) and heard God knock on his heart’s door again.

I chose the song ‘People Need the Lord’. "As I was singing, God impressed upon my heart to start a ministry to them," he said. "God wanted me to personally share Him with each of the pros. I believed they would be more apt to listen, because I was one of them."

A few months later, he began leading the FOCAS meetings and was receiving calls from local churches to host revivals and concerts. Since that time more that 5,000 people have prayed to receive Christ as a direct result of God’s use of Terry Chupp.

In 1989 Terry’s local church family confirmed the evidence of his calling. First Baptist Church of Lilburn interim pastor Dr. Joe Ford licensed Terry into the gospel ministry. In 1990 Dr. James Merritt of the First Baptist church of Snellville presided over Terry’s ordination.

Terry left the competitive side of the fishing trail in 1991 to concentrate on the ministry. During those years God assembled a board of directors to provide Terry with Godly counsel and accountability.

They also oversee the administrative portion of the ministry. Many of the fishing professionals accompany Terry to churches and other events to share their personal testimony of what Jesus has done in their lives.

In the fall of 1994 God reopened the door for Terry on the competitive side of the trail. That year he rejoined the B.A.S.S circuit in the eastern and central divisions. In 1995-1996 Terry qualified as one of the Top 100 pros in the world.

Since the beginning of this ministry all entry fees have been paid either by Terry’s sponsors and/or any prize money he has won in competition. Terry and his board of directors, in their desire for the highest degree of integrity, made the commitment that money donated to the ministry would never be used for entry fees.

In October of 1997 Team Jesus Ministries, Inc. was incorporated and given an official 501(c) (3) nonprofit status by the Internal Revenue Service in January of 1998.

"God continues to give me vision of what He wants this ministry to become," he said. "As He leads and confirms, I know that even more exciting opportunities to lead people to our Savior will be opened."