In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Dhati and Angie Lewis—church planters, leaders at Blueprint Church in Atlanta, and founders of MyBLVD—to talk about one of the most important and often overlooked topics in ministry: how to build a thriving marriage and family while leading at a high level.

With over 25 years of marriage, six children, and decades of ministry experience, Dhati and Angie share the intentional rhythms and decisions that have sustained their relationship and family through the challenges of church planting and leadership.

They discuss the importance of intentionality, from setting a firm foundation early in marriage (including making divorce a non-option) to consistently learning from others, reading, and seeking wisdom for each new season of life. They also unpack how marriage evolves through different seasons—raising young kids, leading a growing church, and transitioning into empty nesting—and how leaders must regularly reset expectations and communication.

The conversation also addresses parenting in ministry, including how to give children both structure and freedom as they grow, and how to navigate difficult moments when kids begin forming their own beliefs and decisions.

Dhati and Angie also share powerful insights into multi-ethnic ministry, the challenges and blessings of raising a family in a diverse church context, and the importance of surrounding your family with a strong, supportive community.

Finally, they offer practical tools for communication and emotional health in marriage, emphasizing the importance of being present, creating shared language, and consistently engaging one another with honesty and grace.

This episode is a must-listen for church planters and leaders who want to build not just a successful ministry—but a healthy, lasting marriage and family alongside it.

Table of Contents

00:00 – 02:30
Introduction to Dhati & Angie Lewis and their family.

02:30 – 06:00
Building a strong marriage foundation and intentionality early on.

06:00 – 09:00
Why making divorce "not an option" shaped their relationship.

09:00 – 12:00
Navigating different seasons of marriage and resetting expectations.

12:00 – 15:00
Parenting while planting a church: structure, freedom, and grace.

15:00 – 18:00
Raising kids in ministry and handling real-life challenges.

18:00 – 20:30
Multi-ethnic ministry: challenges and blessings for families.

20:30 – 24:00
Parenting advice: community, honesty, and shared learning.

24:00 – 27:00
Marriage tools: communication, emotional health, and being present.

27:00 – 27:50
Final encouragement for leaders balancing family and ministry.