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.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Marc Estes, pastor, author, and CEO of Visitor Reach—an AI-driven platform helping churches connect with people in today's digital-first culture.

Marc shares insights from over 40 years in ministry, including his time as senior pastor of Manor House in Portland and his leadership in global church movements that have helped plant churches around the world. Today, his focus is helping churches adapt to a rapidly changing culture—especially in how they engage people spiritually.

At the heart of the conversation is a critical shift: the church must move from a "come and see" model to a "go and be" model. Marc explains that while past generations responded well to invitations, today's culture requires churches to proactively engage people where they already are—relationally, emotionally, and especially digitally, where people spend hours each day searching for meaning, connection, and truth.

Marc also unpacks key ideas from his book, The Road We Must Travel, using the parable of the Good Samaritan to challenge leaders toward a more relational, incarnational approach to ministry. He outlines six key attributes of effective ministry today, including going to people, engaging in healing and discipleship, investing in outreach, multiplying leaders, and building a legacy that extends beyond one generation.

The conversation closes with a hopeful yet urgent challenge: while cultural pressures are rising, so is spiritual openness—with a significant percentage of people searching for answers. Marc believes we may be on the edge of a new spiritual awakening—but only if the church is willing to change how it engages the world.

Resources mentioned:
Visitor Reach: a tool to help you connect with guests and follow up thoughtfully
Use code: STADIA if you decide to try it
Note: This is an affiliate link, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Timestamps:

00:00 – 02:00
Introduction to Marc Estes and his ministry background.

02:00 – 05:00
From senior pastor to CEO: launching Visitor Reach.

05:00 – 08:00
Why churches must engage people in digital spaces.

08:00 – 12:00
Cultural shifts: from "come to church" to "go to people."

12:00 – 18:00
The Good Samaritan framework and the "gospel of go."

18:00 – 23:00
Discipleship, healing ministry, and relational investment.

23:00 – 27:00
Funding outreach and prioritizing mission over maintenance.

27:00 – 31:00
Multiplication: measuring success by sending, not seating.

31:00 – 35:00
Are we on the edge of a spiritual awakening? Final thoughts.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Frank Bealer, CEO of Generis, to talk about leadership, church growth, and building healthy ministry environments that reach the next generation.

Frank shares his journey—from coming to faith as a teenager in a small rural church, to serving in student ministry, to helping shape family ministry strategies at churches like Elevation Church, and now leading one of the nation's top generosity and stewardship organizations.

At the core of the conversation is a practical and eye-opening framework for church leaders: most growth limitations come down to three key areas—parking, kids' space, and the auditorium. Frank explains how these often-overlooked factors directly impact whether new people feel comfortable engaging and returning.

He also challenges leaders to think from a guest's perspective, especially families with young children, and to evaluate whether their environments feel safe, engaging, and welcoming—not just technically within capacity.

Beyond facilities, Frank shares insights on leadership development and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of focused learning, intentional relationships, and smaller, more meaningful leadership environments rather than just consuming more content.

Finally, the conversation highlights emerging trends—especially how young adults are returning home after college and how churches must adapt to engage them and their families in new ways. Frank encourages leaders to think differently about how they disciple and support this generation in a changing cultural landscape.

Table of Contents:

00:00 – 02:30
Introduction to Frank Bealer and his journey to faith.

02:30 – 06:30
Early ministry experiences and passion for the next generation.

06:30 – 09:00
Transition into leadership roles and Generis.

09:00 – 14:30
The 3 biggest growth barriers: parking, kids space, and auditorium.

14:30 – 17:00
How to evaluate your church from a guest's perspective.

17:00 – 19:30
Leadership growth: focused learning and building relationships.

19:30 – 22:30
Why smaller, intentional leadership environments matter.

22:30 – 27:30
Emerging trends: young adults returning home and family ministry shifts.

27:30 – 28:15
Closing thoughts and encouragement for church leaders.