My Story

From Brokenness to Boldness

Hi, I’m Pastor Terry Cuthbertson, and this is how Jesus radically transformed my life.

I grew up in a religious home — my great-grandmother was even a pastor. We went to church and said all the right things, but behind closed doors, I was experiencing deep pain. Abuse—physical, mental, emotional—was hidden behind tradition.

I loved the church, but no one knew how to minister to my wounds. I didn’t know what healing looked like, so I ran. I chased acceptance and identity in all the wrong places. I even enrolled in Bible college, hoping to find purpose. But hurt and bitterness led me to drop out, angry at God and people.

I believed a lie:

“If God is a Father, then He must be abusive too.”
That mindset pushed me deep into rebellion. I started partying, drinking, doing drugs, going to raves. I lost myself completely — there are blackouts in my memory from that time.
But God never gave up on me.

🌪️ A Hug That Changed Everything

Eventually, I landed in Oklahoma — broke, prideful, and living out of my car. One day, a friend (my pot dealer at the time!) told me about a church his girlfriend attended.

“Dude, they hug people when you walk in. I think you just need a hug.”

That night, he practically dragged me there. I walked in, smelling like smoke and feeling like a total outcast — and that’s when Randy, a greeter, ran across the lobby and hugged me.

He said:

“We’re so glad you’re here. We love it when guys like you come.”

That was the first time I felt seen.

💔 Encountering the Father’s Love

That night, the pastor preached about the Prodigal Son.
As I sat in the back, the Holy Spirit wrecked me. I tried to resist — gripping the pew — convinced I deserved punishment. But when I finally went to the altar, I didn’t find shame. I found the Father’s love.

I heard the Lord say,

“Welcome home, son.”

I wept for hours. Everything changed that night.

• Addictions were broken.

• The chaos lost its appeal.

• I just wanted to be close to Jesus.

I started showing up at church every day — rolling up hoses, painting walls — just to stay in the Father's house.

🔥 Today, I’m Living on Mission

Now, I’m the Lead Pastor of Hope City Church in Arcadia, Oklahoma. I lead evangelism teams into the streets, Walmarts, tattoo shops, comic cons — wherever people are hurting and searching.

Why?
Because I believe God is still chasing His prodigal sons and daughters — just like He chased me.

All we ask is one simple question:

“How can I pray for you?”

And we've seen:

• Miracles

• Deliverances

• Salvations

• The fire of God fall in unexpected places

And it all started…

with a hug.