This week, Pastor Clay continues our Advent journey in Luke chapter 2, reflecting on the moments Mary and Joseph never planned for, and the ways God still works through the unexpected. From a manger with no room to spare to the hurried questions racing through Joseph’s mind, we’re reminded that even in a busy season, the real invitation is to pause and ask Jesus, “What’s Your plan for today?”

Clay is joined by Elisha, a sophomore from the West Dallas area and a member of the Sunset High School varsity drill team. She shares how her neighborhood shaped her, what her school means to her, and how dance gave her new confidence and community. Elisha talks about her dream of becoming a dance teacher, the family she’s found through Dallas Metro Youth, and how God changed her life at summer camp. Her story highlights the impact of mentors like Karina, Tito, and her directors at school who helped her grow and believe in her future.

Clay closes by sharing the heart behind the new Dallas Metro facilities and why the vision isn’t about buildings — it’s about building lives. As the city works through the permit process and phase one approaches, he invites listeners to partner in helping the ministry expand and reach more families across Dallas. To learn more or give toward the All-In campaign, visit dallasmetro.org. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcasts!

In this first Advent episode of the season, Pastor Clay opens the by reminding us what Christmas is truly about. Beyond the noise, the gifts, and the stories we all grew up with, Advent points us back to the coming of Jesus. It’s a simple message, but one worth slowing down for—Christ left heaven to step into our world, and that changes everything.

Today’s conversation features Miya Rivera, a student from West Dallas who has been connected to Dallas Metro since she was in fourth grade. She talks about growing up in Villa Creek, moving schools, and the first day her family heard the music from Sidewalk Sunday School echoing through the apartments. What began as curiosity has become a steady walk of faith. Miya shares how she prays now, reads her Bible every day, feels called to serve others, and hopes to pursue nursing after graduation. Her story is honest, grounded, and a reminder of the quiet ways God works through simple faithfulness.

As we look toward the future of Dallas Metro, Pastor Clay shares about the new building project and the opportunity it creates to reach even more kids just like Miya. If you’d like to see the vision, visit dallasmetro.org and click on “All In.” Your support helps us move one step closer to breaking ground and doubling our impact in West Dallas. Thanks for spending part of your Advent season with us. Be sure to like and subscribe so you never miss a Dallas Metro podcast!

As we step into the Thanksgiving season, Pastor Clay sits down with Pastor Gordon Butler and James Musyoki for a special milestone episode — the 100th Dallas Metro podcast. Instead of waiting until the end, this one starts with an encouraging word built around Colossians 3:15 and the reminder to let peace rule in our hearts. Clay shares honestly about years when holiday pressures felt overwhelming, how the Lord confronted his attitude, and how gratitude reshaped his perspective.

From there, the conversation turns into a look back and a look forward. Clay and James revisit the early challenges of forming Dallas Metro as a standalone ministry — lack of resources, distrust in the neighborhoods, mistakes made, lessons learned, and surprising moments when God opened doors they didn’t even know to knock on. They walk through their turning points, from church partnerships to Toys for Tots, to raising up leaders from within the neighborhoods they serve. James also shares how his multicultural background and strong church upbringing shaped the way he ministers today, and why he hopes the next executive director comes from the very kids growing up in the program.

The episode closes with honest talk about current challenges, leadership, mission drift, the future ministry center, and the heart behind the “all in” campaign. Clay and James share their hopes for the next generation, what they would change if they were launching the ministry today, and why visiting families every week remains their core. As Dallas Metro prepares for the next season, Clay invites listeners to pray, partner, and help position the next generation to win. Catch the full conversation and celebrate 100 episodes with us! Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcasts!

Pastor Clay and Lawrence trade stories about children’s ministry that wasn’t “babysitting” but the real presence of God—what they learned from mentors like Richard and Dottie, what a move of the Spirit looks like in a room full of kids, and why commitment still beats convenience. Lawrence also speaks plainly about today’s culture, the gaps between age groups, and the simple ways a local church can bridge them: pray, open the Word, show up, and expect God to move.

Lawrence and Pastor Clay talk about Dallas Metro’s next step: a new facility next to Lighthouse. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcasts!

Pastor Gary Meek joins Pastor Clay for a candid, hope-filled conversation on calling, pressure, and the real cost of ministry. From grandkids and trout in South Fork to shepherding in Irving, he shares how God kept meeting him “already at the fire” and how a late-in-life step into pastoring reshaped his definition of success—less about size, more about stewarding the capacity God put in you.

They get honest about the numbers behind pastoral fatigue, the family toll, and the “busyness gospel.” You’ll hear practical wisdom from Exodus 18 (Jethro’s advice), why meaningful time in the Word and prayer must come first, and how raising up new leaders—including teens and young adults—can lift the load. Post-COVID lessons, avoiding secular scorecards, and putting your spouse and kids first all take center stage.

If you’re at a crossroads, this episode will steady your hands: stop chasing someone else’s blueprint, ask the Father what He’s calling you to build, and walk with Him daily. To support community outreach and the new facilities vision, visit dallasmetro.org and click “What’s All In.” Your seed matters—every gift helps us serve more families and raise up the next generation of leaders.

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In this episode Pastor Clay is joined by special guest Dr. Dan Langston for a warm, story-filled conversation about faith, teaching, and the next generation. Together they look back on their shared history in Arlington, their time at Bethel Assembly, and the people who helped shape their ministries. Dr. Dan recalls the early days, funny staff memories, and the lessons that have stayed with him through decades of ministry and teaching. He also shares about his lifelong love for Arlington’s Fourth of July parade, his journey from youth pastor to professor at Nelson University, and why he believes teaching remains one of the most powerful ways to shape lives for eternity.

They talk about his book, Future Without Fear: Celebrating Victory in Revelation, and the surprising way it came together—with encouragement from fellow pastors and support from churches that believed in making Scripture accessible and hopeful. Dr. Dan describes the deep joy of seeing students grasp grace for the first time, including the story of a Navy veteran who came to Christ in his class and now pastors a church in Oregon.

As the conversation turns toward the future, Pastor Clay invites listeners to partner in the mission of equipping the next generation through Dallas Metro. You can be part of what God is doing by visiting dallasmetro.org, clicking on All In, and selecting What is All In to see the vision for new facilities that will double the ministry’s weekly impact. Through faith, partnership, and prayer, this miracle will become a reality—empowering tomorrow’s leaders to reach their city for Christ.

Subscribe to the Dallas Metro Podcast for more real conversations with people who are living out their faith in practical ways. Like, share, and join us as we continue to build hope in the heart of Dallas. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcasts!

In this episode Pastor Clay is joined by special guest Jeremy Moss from Lighthouse, a longtime partner in ministry with Dallas Metro. Jeremy shares about his family, his years of service at Lighthouse, and the lessons he’s learned through seasons of change and faith. Together they talk about staying rooted, trusting God’s timing, and keeping your eyes fixed on Christ when life feels uncertain.

You’ll hear stories about family, ministry, and the deep history of the Lighthouse Church—from reel-to-reel radio editing to generations of prayer shaping a community. Jeremy reflects on what it means to serve faithfully for the long haul, and Pastor Clay reminds listeners that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between seasons or wondered what’s next, this conversation will encourage you to stay the course, stay in community, and trust God’s plan.

Learn more or support the mission at www.dallasmetro.org

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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.

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