Tom and Lisa Cates were baptized in Muncie, Indiana at Ball State University as single college students in 1982 and 1983, respectively, Tom finished in 1984 with degrees in Corporate Finance & Accounting. Lisa completed her studies in 1985 with a degree in Elementary Education, and the two were married in 1987.

Their son, Tyler, his wife, Molly and the Cates' granddaughter, Lucy, live in Columbia, South Carolina, and are active in the Columbia Church of Christ. Their daughter, Haleigh and her husband, Lincoln Gifford, live in St. Louis and are active in Missouri in the Gateway Church. 

Tom and Lisa have served in the church in Indianapolis in numerous roles since 1988—as Bible Talk Leaders, House Church Leaders; Tom served as president of the church board, and currently serves as an elder. He has been an entrepreneur for the past 35 years, leading several businesses.