Terry grew up in San Marcos, Texas, and upon graduation from high school, he joined the army for a two-year enlistment. Shortly after his military term was completed, he married his high school sweetheart, Tracy, and began attending Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

Immediately following graduation, the Darnell's moved to Lafayette, Louisiana to work as the Youth Pastor of Family Life Christian Fellowship, Lafayette. The Lord prospered their ministry, and the youth experienced tremendous growth over the next four years.

In December of 1998, Terry and his family felt the Lord calling them to start a new church in the Sugar Land area. The Darnell's moved to Sugar Land in May of 1999, and started Family Life Christian Fellowship in June of 1999.

Terry and Tracy have been married for seventeen years and have three children: Terry, Jr. (14), Ty (11), and Trinity (9).