In this episode Pastor Clay is joined by special guest Alexis, a joyful worshipper, devoted mom to Joshua Elijah, and manager of three Matt Burke Music Studio locations in North Texas. She shares about her journey from a casual churchgoer to encountering Christ at 15 when a friend invited her to youth group. That moment sparked a passion for worship, a heart for mentoring teens, and a deep commitment to serving with Dallas Metro Kids.

The conversation explores how worship became Alexis’s most authentic connection with God when prayer felt difficult and why guarding joy is so vital. Pastor Clay and Alexis discuss how the enemy tries to discourage believers, particularly worship leaders, by stealing joy and shifting focus from God to self. They emphasize the difference between talent and anointing, the dangers of pride on stage, and the importance of mentorship, accountability, and humility in order to keep worship pure and Spirit-led. Together they highlight biblical reminders from Psalm 42 and Proverbs 4:23 about guarding the heart and staying focused on the true purpose of worship.

Alexis also shares her experience working with Dallas Metro Kids and the long-term impact of reaching children and teens through mentorship and consistent presence in their communities. She recalls stories of lives transformed and explains how a permanent facility would relieve weekly setup burdens and create new opportunities for midweek gatherings, outreach, and discipleship. Pastor Clay closes by inviting listeners to join the All In vision for a debt-free building that will expand the mission to raise faith in the next generation.

Like the episode and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcasts.

Join Pastor Clay on the Dallas Metro Podcast for a heartfelt discussion with special guest Pastor Lane Hastie. Lane, married to his best friend Jennifer for 28 years, is a devoted family man with three children spread across the globe: a son and daughter-in-law in Denver, a daughter teaching special needs in Nixa, Missouri, and his youngest, a missionary associate in Liverpool. With a background in business, Lane was called to ministry, planting a church in Northwest Arkansas for 17 years before serving in Kaufman, Texas, for the past five years. His life has been deeply shaped by mentors like Pastor Bill Wilson, whose faithfulness and commitment to ministry continue to inspire Lane’s work.In this episode, Pastor Lane shares stories of God’s providence, from his daughter’s missionary calling in Liverpool, where she’s part of Heart Liverpool’s church-planting and cafe outreach, to his own journey of planting a church in Rogers, Arkansas. He and Pastor Clay reflect on the importance of perseverance, drawing from Pastor Bill’s example of never quitting, even in the toughest seasons. Lane recounts how re-digging spiritual wells, as inspired by Genesis 26:18-19, brought fresh water to his faith, encouraging listeners to return to God’s Word for personal renewal, regardless of their role as pastors or laypeople.The conversation also highlights Dallas Metro’s mission to raise up new leaders and build a debt-free facility to serve as a safe haven for discipleship. Lane emphasizes the transformative power of this vision, describing the new building as a tool to reach those estranged from God, fulfilling 2 Samuel 14:14. Pastor Clay calls listeners to partner with Dallas Metro by visiting dallasmetro.org and clicking on All In to support this life-changing initiative. Tune in to hear how faithfulness and community can make an eternal impact. Be sure to like and subscribe so you will never miss another Dallas Metro Podcast.

Join us for Episode #92 of the Dallas Metro Podcast, featuring the inspiring Fred Lynch, a trailblazer in gospel hip hop and a dedicated community servant. Fred, a founding member of the pioneering gospel rap group PID (Preachers in Disguise), has been married for 34 years and is a proud father to two grown children, Asia and Jordan. With a journey that began as a youth pastor in Oak Cliff, South Dallas, at just 17, Fred has spent decades spreading the word of God through music, ministry, and mentorship. His career highlights include being among the first gospel rap groups signed nationally in 1988, alongside legends like Stephen Wiley and Michael Peace, and his lifelong commitment to connecting with youth and families through faith and art.In this heartfelt conversation, Pastor Clay reconnects with Fred, reminiscing about their shared history with Dallas Metro and their early days working together in street outreach. Fred shares how his passion for hip hop, sparked by memorizing “Rapper’s Delight” as a kid, evolved into PID’s mission to reach youth through rap infused with gospel messages. He discusses the group’s recent comeback, signing with a label to release new singles like “Take Him to Church,” “Favor,” and “Cross the Bear,” available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music under “Hey Preachers.” Fred also opens up about his “tent-making” job as an Uber and Lyft driver, where he uses his rides as a mobile pulpit to listen, pray, and share faith with passengers, offering profound stories of connection, like the retired minister who felt seen during a ride to dialysis.The episode dives deeper as Fred shares his latest venture, the Proverbs Daily podcast, inspired by his 40-year practice of reading a chapter of Proverbs daily. This five-minute daily show unpacks one verse with life lessons, prayer, and cultural insights, centered around his theme verse, Proverbs 4:23—“Above all else, guard your heart.” Fred and Clay discuss the importance of staying on the path of faith, course-correcting through life’s challenges, and finishing strong as leaders with growing influence. Fred also champions Dallas Metro’s mission to build a debt-free facility to double their community impact, urging listeners to support the “All In” campaign at dallasmetro.org. Tune in for a powerful blend of nostalgia, faith, and vision for the future. Be sure to like and subscribe for more exciting Dallas Metro Podcasts!

Join Pastor Clay on Episode #91 of the Dallas Metro Podcast as he welcomes Julie Kline, a dedicated volunteer and passionate advocate for community outreach. Julie brings a wealth of enthusiasm for ministry and service. Married to her first and only love, Julie's commitment to her faith and values shines through, shaped by her experiences growing up in Grand Prairie, Texas, and her long-standing involvement with Dallas Metro. Her heart for helping others, inspired by her family's legacy of service, has made her a vital part of the nonprofit's mission to impact lives through compassion and outreach.In this heartfelt conversation, Julie shares her journey of faith, reflecting on her choice to wait for marriage before fully committing to her spouse, a decision rooted in her desire to honor God and avoid the pain of her parents' divorce. She and Pastor Clay discuss the importance of commitment in relationships, challenging the modern notion of "trial runs" in marriage and emphasizing the value of steadfast love and responsibility. Julie's perspective, shaped by her own standards and experiences, offers listeners a refreshing take on building meaningful, God-centered relationships, while Pastor Clay underscores the pitfalls of starting families without true commitment, drawing from their shared convictions.The episode also delves into Julie's deep connection with Dallas Metro, from her early days volunteering at a small church in Grand Prairie to her current involvement in initiatives like the Christmas store and golf tournaments. She highlights the transformative power of volunteering, sharing stories of children and families touched by the ministry's outreach, such as Sidewalk Sunday School, and the joy of teaching kids simple yet meaningful skills. Julie emphasizes the importance of family traditions in creating lasting memories and stability, encouraging listeners to get involved with Dallas Metro's mission. Pastor Clay closes by urging the audience to support the ministry's new facility project, a legacy-building effort to expand their reach, inviting everyone to show up faithfully and invest in a future that changes lives for generations. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcast episodes.

Dallas Metro Podcast Episode #90: A Conversation with Pastor Tommy BarnettJoin us for an inspiring Episode #90 of the Dallas Metro Podcast, where Pastor Clay sits down with the remarkable Pastor Tommy Barnett, a trailblazer in American Pentecostalism whose ministry has left an indelible mark on Phoenix, Arizona, and beyond. With a career spanning over seven decades, Pastor Tommy’s innovative leadership, passion for outreach, and commitment to serving the underserved have made him a revered figure in the Assemblies of God and a global influence through the Dream Center movement.Pastor Tommy Barnett’s journey in ministry began at the age of sixteen, preaching the gospel with a fervor that would define his life’s work. Before arriving in Phoenix in 1979, he pastored Westside Assembly of God in Davenport, Iowa, growing the congregation from 76 to over 4,000 members, showcasing his early knack for church growth. In Phoenix, he took the helm of Phoenix First Assembly, now Dream City Church, transforming it into one of the largest Assemblies of God congregations in the United States. His 33-year tenure was marked by creative ministry approaches, including large-scale illustrated sermons and theatrical productions, which attracted diverse audiences and fostered a vibrant church community. Beyond numerical growth, Barnett’s vision for practical compassion led to the founding of the Dream Center movement in 1994 alongside his son Matthew, starting in Los Angeles and expanding to the Phoenix Dream Center in 2002. The Phoenix Dream Center has become a cornerstone of community outreach, serving tens of thousands monthly with food distribution, addiction recovery programs, and support for those facing homelessness, human trafficking, and poverty. Even after transitioning leadership to his son Luke in 2011, Pastor Tommy remains active as a co-pastor, Chancellor of Southeastern University, and a global speaker, continuing to inspire through his books, such as Multiplication and What If?, and his involvement in the Dream Center Global Network.In this special episode, Pastor Clay reflects on meeting Pastor Tommy in the 1980s at a conference and attending his pastor school in Phoenix, where innovative outreach methods like bus ministries left a lasting impression. Pastor Tommy shares stories of his early days, recalling how he grew Phoenix First Assembly by filling buses with “unsaved people” who packed the church, leading to hundreds giving their hearts to Christ. He discusses his best-selling book, The Miracle in the House, and how Pastor Clay himself was a “miracle” in the audience, inspired to reach children in Dallas through Metro Ministries. At 87, Pastor Tommy’s passion for dreaming big remains unshaken. His book What If? captures his philosophy of stepping out in faith, asking, “What if I try this?”—a mindset that led to buying buses, founding Dream Centers, and pursuing God-given opportunities despite uncertainty.The conversation delves into Pastor Tommy’s reflections on his life, where he shares two things he’d do differently: dream bigger and take bigger risks, as every God-given dream he pursued exceeded his expectations. His latest dream is to help others achieve theirs, a mission that fuels his role at Southeastern University and his global ministry efforts. He emphasizes the power of prayer, recounting how Prayer Mountain at Dream City Church became a reality after years of persistence, inspired by a visit to Dr. Cho’s prayer-centric church in South Korea. Pastor Tommy also shares insights on three revivals he’s witnessed— the Voice of Healing, the Charismatic Renewal, and the current “relevant revival”—urging churches to stay focused on soul-winning to sustain God’s movement.For those feeling discouraged, Pastor Tommy offers encouragement: hold onto your dream for at least five years, stay faithful where God has placed you, and trust that God will bring it to pass if it’s His will. He and Pastor Clay discuss the importance...

Join us for another inspiring episode of the Dallas Metro Podcast, featuring special guest David Garza and our host, Pastor Clay. David, a Fort Worth native, shares his remarkable journey of faith and resilience. Born in Louisville but raised in the 817 area, David spent his early years in Grapevine and South Lake, Texas, overcoming challenges like the loss of his father at age seven. Now a devoted husband to Lucia and father to daughters Ariana (15) and Eva (6), David lives near Northeast Mall in Fort Worth. His career as a retail development manager for T-Mobile spans over two decades, and he recently launched Trinity Roast, a coffee roasting side hustle with his wife, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and love for community.

In this episode, David recounts his path from a single-parent household to becoming a pillar of strength, guided by his Christian upbringing and the lessons from his parents. He shares fond memories of his father playing the accordion during church services and how his faith has been a cornerstone throughout his life. Introduced to Dallas Metro through his friend Vince at Abundant Life church, David spent years volunteering, particularly with youth in South Dallas. He describes the transformative impact of Dallas Metro, a ministry that offers a safe haven and spreads love and faith to children in the community, emphasizing its vital role in changing lives for the better.

David’s story is a testament to breaking cycles and embracing personal responsibility, even in the face of adversity. He offers heartfelt advice to young people from single-parent homes, encouraging them to stay strong in their faith and take action to forge a better path. David also shares a moving prayer in Spanish for those seeking guidance. Pastor Clay and David discuss Dallas Metro’s vision to build a debt-free ministry center to empower the next generation, urging listeners to visit dallasmetro.org, explore the “All In” section, and consider a sacrificial gift to support this life-changing mission. Tune in for a conversation filled with hope, faith, and a call to action to make a difference in South Dallas.

Welcome to the Dallas Metro Podcast, hosted by Pastor Clay, a dedicated servant of God who has faithfully led Dallas Metro Ministries alongside his wife, Barbara, to serve the children and families of inner-city Dallas. With a heart for community and a calling to share God’s love, Pastor Clay brings warmth, humor, and spiritual insight to every episode. In this episode, he sits down with his brother-in-law, Chris Grimm, a man whose life story is a testament to resilience and faith. A Pennsylvania native and lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Chris has been married to Pastor Clay’s sister, Lisa, for 26 years. Together, they raised their daughter, Elizabeth, who is now living her dream as a fourth-grade math and science teacher. Chris’s journey, marked by significant health challenges from birth, offers a powerful backdrop to this heartfelt conversation.Chris Grimm shares his remarkable story of overcoming a congenital heart condition, Tetralogy of Fallot, diagnosed at birth when survival odds were slim. Born a “blue baby” in the 1960s, Chris underwent multiple surgeries, including aortic and pulmonary valve replacements with rare St. Jude’s mechanical valves in 1984. Despite living with only one functioning lung and navigating ongoing health challenges, including a current wait for a heart transplant due to a persistent infection, Chris’s faith remains unshaken. Now 60, he reflects on a life sustained by God’s grace, from his career as an electrical engineer working on movie and security systems across the U.S. and Canada to adapting to a “new normal” after a severe illness in 2008. His story is one of perseverance, humor, and trust in God’s plan, offering inspiration to anyone facing life-altering challenges.In this episode, Pastor Clay and Chris dive into themes of faith, resilience, and community impact. Chris encourages listeners facing limitations to stay strong in their faith, lean on God, and do what they can, trusting that God will handle the rest. The conversation also highlights Dallas Metro Ministries’ vision to build a new debt-free ministry center to serve future generations. Pastor Clay invites listeners to partner with this God-driven mission by visiting dallasmetro.org and contributing to the “All In” campaign. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro stories on the Dallas Metro Podcast.

Erika joins Pastor Clay as a special guest for the Dallas Metro Podcast. Erika, a dedicated volunteer and longtime participant in the Dallas Metro ministry, recently celebrated her 40th birthday. Born in El Salvador, she immigrated to the United States in 1986 with her mother and two older sisters, Anna and Jessica, later joined by younger sisters Maria and Cindy. Growing up in the diverse Apple Creek neighborhood in Dallas, Erika navigated a challenging environment marked by cultural barriers and community struggles, but found protection and guidance through her mother's vigilance and the ministry's outreach. Today, she is a loving mother to her 11-year-old son, RJ, who shares her passion for football and cheers for the Cowboys, while Erika continues to give back to the community that shaped her faith and resilience.

In this heartfelt conversation with Pastor Clay, Erika reflects on her early encounters with the Dallas Metro truck that brought games, Bible teachings, and a sense of belonging to her neighborhood after school. She shares fond memories of summer camps at the Jacksonville campground, where primitive conditions did little to dampen the powerful spiritual experiences, and how her relationship with God deepened through consistent involvement. Erika also discusses overcoming initial hesitations from her protective mother, the pivotal role of volunteers like Barbara in building trust across language barriers, and her transition from participant to interpreter and youth volunteer, driven by a desire to pass on the support she received.

The discussion highlights the transformative impact of faith in facing fear, drawing from Isaiah 41:10 as a guiding nugget, and emphasizes the need for extravagant generosity to fund a new ministry center debt-free. Erika urges viewers to consider sacrificial giving to propel Dallas Metro's mission forward, ensuring future generations benefit as she and her sisters did. Visit dallasmetro.org to learn more and contribute to this ongoing dream.