Dr. Janet Bentley-Ewers: A Today’s Purpose Woman to Watch in 2025

Dr. Janet Bentley-Ewers is a wife, mother, dancer, award-winning YouTube influencer, and founder of Level Up with Janet E. Above all, she is a child of God whose journey is a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and service. From overcoming childhood hardships to thriving in ministry and the arts, she has dedicated herself to empowering others and making a lasting impact in her community.

Today’s Purpose Woman sat down with Dr. Janet for an inspiring conversation. Discover what makes her one of our Women to Watch in 2025!

What led you to pursue a calling in ministry, and how has your faith shaped that journey?

My faith has always been the foundation for everything I do- including my family, career, and interactions with others. As a young child growing up in New York City, I endured several hardships including poverty and homelessness so I understand how it feels to not have enough and I think my servant’s heart stems from that place.  My calling for ministry started 15 years ago when I joined a church in Pennsylvania called Faith International Church.  

As I fasted and prayed seeking increased intimacy with God, opportunities began to arise in serving and leading ministries that allowed my gifts to flourish- the same gifts I had been using in the marketplace since graduating from college in 1998- organizational skills, follow-through, building alliances with others, my financial acumen and the ability to build effective teams. As my relationship with the Almighty grew deeper, He opened my eyes, ears, and heart to new inspirations (including dance and praise dance), new opportunities to serve others, and ways to always allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide every action and decision I make, whether in the corporate or church environment or in social settings.

Can you share an experience in your ministry that has profoundly impacted your life and those you serve?

For me, the experience of being able to infuse God into everything I am passionate about, including my love for dance, is paramount. I started as a praise dancer in 2011 with no formal dance training or experience but felt that God wanted me to build my dance technique and acumen so I could take it back and use it for His glory in the Kingdom. So I started taking ballet and modern dance, and eventually took classes in mostly all the dance genres, including contemporary, jazz, and African. I was and am currently part of several pre-professional dance companies in Pennsylvania and now Atlanta, GA. Throughout my time in dance, I have always been in and/or led praise dance teams, and building that dance technique assisted in my role as a praise dance leader.   

The training is also instrumental in my current role as Director of Creative Arts at The Father’s House Church in Peachtree Corners, GA- a role I have had for the past 5 years. Seeing the impact of dance on my students (I call them my dance sons and daughters) has been phenomenal, with 4 of my past students now leading praise teams in their ownrespective churches. In September 2024, I opened a dance studio called Metro Atlanta Dance in Roswell, GA, culminating in a full circle experience of what had been told me by God when I started praise dance in 2011- continue to build the dance technique of others in the Kingdom, my community and the world.

In what ways do you feel your ministry is making a difference in the lives of women and families in your community?

Throughout my time working and serving others, whether in the marketplace, in my community, or at church, I have strived to make a measurable impact- from providing financial literacy courses to working on large-scale resource events that bring healthcare-related resources to the community. My intent is always to leave that individual or family in a better position, financially, knowledge-wise, and spiritually, than where they began. My infusion of arts and as Director of Creative Arts for my church also allows me to venture into other arenas outside of the normal business marketplace and build alliances with dancers, studio owners, and other creatives in their own space which leads to better partnerships in that area as well.  

How do you balance your personal life, faith, and ministry responsibilities, and what advice would you give others?

While it is indeed an intricate balance, it can be done! Faith and family come first, and I believe as we serve God according to His will and our purpose, our ministry work and business will naturally flow from that. The key is to keep God first and have faith that He will orchestrate your day and your life, putting you in front of the people that you need to encounter, in the places that you need to be to be successful, and give you uncommon knowledge and wisdom of how to proceed and move forward in those interactions and spaces. Surrendering my day to His will and trusting in His divine plan for me has been a game-changer in my life and the advice I would give to others to do as well.

Who are the women who inspire you, and how have they influenced your path?

Several women have inspired me throughout my journey, including my former pastor, Pastor Terry Lynch, Elder Amelia Wood, Elder Claire Carter, my former dance leader and now business leader in her community, Keshia Hoskins-Simmons, and owner of DiPA Dance, LaShaun Dodds.  All of these women have inspired me through their leadership, their servitude to their church and community, and their commitment to seeing others succeed and be the best they can be. Last but never least, I want to mention my mother, a woman of God who has always aspired to do better with her entrepreneurial spirit, which has always inspired me to level up and do better in life. Love you Mum and love you all!

What legacy do you hope to leave within your community?

I hope to leave a legacy of building relationships and alliances that align with God’s purpose for my life while incorporating all that God is into everything I touch—His peace, His love, His reconciliation, and His joy. If I can impart that in every interaction, business and otherwise, fulfilling my God-given purpose, then I have done all I can do, and that is my legacy.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my passion and purpose!