Pastor Clay hosts this episode of the Dallas Metro Podcast with a timely reminder as we step into a new year: God’s promises are new every morning, and He has a plan for your life in 2026. Pastor Clay challenges listeners to slow down, open God’s Word, and pray a simple but powerful prayer—“Holy Spirit, speak to me.” He shares from personal experience why God doesn’t speak to us because of a title, but because we are His children, and how learning to listen can bring clarity, direction, and purpose for the year ahead. In this episode, Pastor Clay also sits down with Natalie Esparza, now part of the Esparza family legacy that spans three generations at Dallas Metro. Natalie shares how God brought her and her husband, Gino, together in 2022, revealing a series of connections that show God’s timing is never accidental. She opens up about her upbringing in Dallas, her close relationship with her mom, her experience at Trinidad Garza Early College at Mountain View, and the dreams she still carries for the future, trusting that God has placed her exactly where she needs to be in this season. The conversation also offers a powerful look inside Dallas Metro’s mission through the Saturday bus ministry and Metro Youth on Tuesday nights, where lives are being shaped week after week. As we look ahead to 2026, this episode points to the vision for a new facility—a true safe place where children and teens can encounter God, find belonging, and grow in faith. If the Lord puts it on your heart, join faith with us and consider partnering in this mission as we prepare to build and reach more lives than ever before. If this episode encourages you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the Dallas Metro Podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.

As we move into the week after Christmas, it’s natural to ask, “What’s next?” Drawing from Isaiah 43:19, this episode looks ahead to 2026 and the promise that God is already doing something new—making pathways through wilderness seasons and bringing hope where things feel dry. It’s a reminder to pause before the year ends and ask what God wants to do in us and through us as we step into a new beginning. In this episode, we sit down with Kevin, a 17-year-old senior at Pinkston High School in West Dallas. Kevin shares honestly about growing up in a large family, carrying responsibility at a young age, and watching his mother model hard work and selflessness through real struggle. He talks about his move from Flint, Michigan to Texas, the challenges of high school, and the dreams he carries for a better future—for himself and for the family he hopes to have one day. Kevin also opens up about how Dallas Metro became a turning point in his life. What began as reluctance turned into connection, mentorship, and renewed direction during a season when he felt off track. As he looks toward graduation, Kevin shares his hopes of pursuing automotive training while staying involved in marching band, and why he believes God still has a plan—even when faith feels hard. His story is a powerful reminder of why the mission of Dallas Metro matters and how a safe, consistent community can help people find their way forward again. Be sure to like and subscribe for more amazing Dallas Metro Podcasts!

In this week’s Dallas Metro conversation, we look at what it really means to put Christ first as we head into Christmas. Clay sits down with Abner, a 16-year-old student from Oak Cliff who shares how a simple invitation from a friend changed the direction of his life.

Abner talks about growing up in a Christian home, finding community at Dallas Metro, serving at summer camp, and discovering his calling as he prays about college and his future. His story is a reminder that God gives every young person a purpose, long before they see it for themselves.

If you’ve ever wondered what our youth camps, DMY nights, or weekly outreach mean to the students we serve, this conversation says it better than we can.

During this Christmas season, would you consider supporting the work of Dallas Metro? Your gift helps us reach more kids and teens who need hope and a place to belong.

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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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