Join us for Episode #77 of the Dallas Metro Podcast, featuring special guest Candace Moya! Pastor Clay and Candace, a pastor’s wife with over 24 years of ministry experience, discuss her inspiring journey. Raised in a pastor’s home in West Texas, she grew up immersed in church life, later moving to Phoenix and Dallas. Candace met her husband, Bob Moya, at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), where a chance encounter in the registration line sparked a 29-year marriage. Together, they have three grown children and have dedicated their lives to ministry, including planting a church in Arlington, Texas. With a heart for outreach, Candace’s story is one of faith, family, and perseverance.

In this episode, Candace opens up about her experiences as a pastor’s kid and a pastor’s wife, offering heartfelt insights into the joys and challenges of ministry. She discusses meeting Bob, a former Air Force member, and their shared calling to plant a church in the diverse, booming community of Arlington. Candace reflects on the importance of balancing in-church ministry with community outreach, emphasizing how new believers bring vitality to the church. She also shares her passion for children’s and youth ministry, recounting how their outreach efforts have impacted lives, with many former children now serving as adults in ministry.

Candace offers encouragement to pastors’ wives facing unrealistic expectations, stressing the need for grace, prayer, and partnership in ministry. She also supports the Dallas Metro’s vision to build a debt-free church in the inner city of Dallas, a project aimed at serving children and future generations. Join us as Candace shares wisdom from her journey and calls for support to help Dallas Metro make a lasting impact. Visit dallasmetro.org, click “All In,” and consider a one-time or monthly donation to be part of this life-changing mission. Don’t miss this uplifting episode—like and subscribe and tune in next week!

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Dallas Metro Podcast as Pastor Clay welcomes Kermit Bell, Assistant Superintendent and Missions Director for the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God. Hailing from the small town of Friona, Texas, Kermit grew up in a close-knit community where his family ran a small business. After losing his father at age 12, he was shaped by a supportive local church and a resilient mother who ran the business for 30 years. Kermit felt a divine calling early on, leading him to pursue a business degree at Nelson University, where he met his wife, Cindy. Married for 43 years, they have five adult children and 12 grandchildren, with two great-grandchildren born recently. Kermit served as a pastor in Austin for 33 years, including 15 as senior pastor, before taking on his current role, where he oversees 165 missionary units.

In this heartfelt conversation, host Clay and Kermit explore the transformative power of missions and the importance of living a life of stewardship. Kermit shares how a mission trip to Topeka, Mexico, early in his ministry sparked a passion for global outreach, leading his church to support 150 missionaries and ministries. He emphasizes the value of exposing people to missions to broaden their perspective and combat self-centeredness, drawing parallels to the broader challenges of Western Christianity. The discussion delves into the need for genuine community, the role of the local church, and the impact of prayer, with Kermit referencing the book Lead with Prayer by Ryan Skoog as a catalyst for deepening spiritual life.

The episode also highlights the ongoing work of Dallas Metro Ministries, as Clay shares updates on their new facility project, guided by architect Michael Cathcart and supported by the Lighthouse Church. Kermit encourages pastors to engage in missions, noting that it recalibrates a church’s focus, opens avenues for God’s blessings, and aligns with a kingdom-focused vision. He underscores the proven impact of Dallas Metro, urging listeners to support their mission to build a church for kids in Dallas through donations at metro.org. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, faith, and a call to action for kingdom impact.

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Join us for another inspiring episode of the Dallas Metro Podcast, where host Pastor Clay welcomes longtime friend and dedicated supporter Gina Manis. Gina, a Dallas native with a rich history of service, shares her journey from her early days as a worship leader and fine arts director at Christian Life Assembly to her impactful work with Dallas Metro. Married to Michael, a police officer who transitioned from motorcycle to patrol car duty after a 25-year career, Gina is a proud mother to Richie and Ashlyn, and grandmother to nine. Her deep-rooted faith and passion for ministry began in fourth grade, sparked by joining her mother on a bus route for Dallas First Assembly, and later solidified during a transformative trip to Bill Wilson’s ministry in New York in 1986 while attending Evangel University.

Gina reflects on her long-standing connection with Dallas Metro, including her pivotal role in creating the impactful “Silent Cries in the City” video in 2003, which captured the ministry’s mission to reach underserved children. She shares behind-the-scenes stories of its production, highlighting the collaboration with videographer Chris Kraft and the emotional resonance of the project, particularly a scene where a young girl’s unscripted tears perfectly aligned with the script’s plea, “Please help me.” Gina also discusses her involvement in Dallas Metro’s 20th anniversary banquet, a celebration of Clay and Barb’s ministry that aimed to raise funds and awareness for the organization’s life-changing work. Her stories underscore the power of creative collaboration and the ministry’s enduring impact on the Dallas community.

Gina passionately advocates for Dallas Metro’s mission to disciple children, emphasizing the eternal investments made in young lives. She recounts the tragic story of a young man who might have been reached by Dallas Metro’s outreach, underscoring the urgency of expanding the ministry’s reach. With plans for new facilities on 50 acres provided by Lighthouse Church, Gina urges listeners to support Dallas Metro’s vision to double its impact through prayer and financial contributions. Visit metro.org and click “All In” to join the prayer team or make a donation to help build a brighter future for Dallas’s youth. Don’t miss this moving episode filled with stories of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of reaching kids early! Be sure to like and subscribe for more powerful Dallas Metro stories.

Join us for another inspiring episode of the Dallas Metro Podcast as we sit down with Saira Gallegos, a second-generation member of Dallas Metro whose life is a powerful testament to God’s grace and provision. Saira shares her journey from growing up in a challenging neighborhood in Lancaster, marked by gunshots and uncertainty, to finding purpose and opportunity through her faith. Now working at the Dallas County Juvenile Center, Saira recounts how divine timing led her to her current role after a chance encounter at her previous job at 24-Hour Fitness. Despite being denied a promotion due to limited work experience, Saira’s story highlights her unwavering trust in God’s plan, as she started her career at just 19 with only nine months of prior experience, a clear sign of divine favor opening doors.

Saira’s deep connection to Dallas Metro began in her childhood, attending sidewalk programs and summer camps that provided a safe haven from a turbulent home environment. She vividly recalls sitting on tarps in Lancaster, watching programs led by dedicated leaders like Karina, and later progressing from camper to junior worker to dorm leader at Dallas Metro’s camps. These experiences, especially her transformative moments at youth camp, helped Saira deepen her personal relationship with God, moving beyond routine church attendance to a heartfelt commitment. A pivotal moment came during her second youth camp, amidst her parents’ divorce and personal anger, where guidance from mentors like Karina and Tim helped her release bitterness and embrace God’s peace, even leading her to rededicate her life through baptism.

Beyond her spiritual growth, Saira’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her side business crafting chocolate-covered treats, which she used to share her mother Becky’s inspiring story of resilience. As a second-generation Dallas Metro attendee, following in the footsteps of her mother and uncle, Saira embodies the ministry’s mission to redefine “normal” through faith and community. She passionately advocates for Dallas Metro’s vision to build debt-free facilities to serve more children in underserved areas, urging listeners to partner with the ministry at dallasmetro.org/allin. Tune in to hear Saira’s heartfelt story and discover why Dallas Metro is her home, a place that continues to transform lives for generations. Don’t miss this episode—subscribe, share, and join us in believing for miracles in 2025!

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Dallas Metro Podcast as we welcome special guest Shawn Sanseverino, the lead pastor at Grace Place in Dallas. Shawn shares his remarkable journey from his roots in San Jose, California, to his transformative years in Phoenix, and ultimately to his calling in Dallas.

Married for 24 years and father to a 13-year-old daughter, Shawn brings a wealth of personal and ministerial experience to the conversation. His early years were shaped by a move from California to Arizona, where he joined the Master’s Commission, a discipleship program that ignited his passion for ministry through scripture memorization, soul-winning, and hands-on training. Over 12 years, Shawn’s involvement in the program laid a foundation for his lifelong commitment to serving others, a commitment that continues to define his leadership today.

Shawn’s path led him to Grace Place, formerly known as Bethel, where he transitioned from a familiar face within the congregation to its lead pastor.

This episode delves into the complexities of pastoral succession, a topic Shawn navigates with wisdom drawn from the book Next. He recounts the smooth yet intentional transition with his outgoing pastor, emphasizing the importance of preparation, transparency, and board involvement. Shawn’s insights are invaluable for anyone in ministry, as he discusses the necessity of an exit strategy, emergency plans, and financial foresight to ensure a church’s longevity. His candid reflections on the challenges of identity in ministry and the need for new vision to reach future generations offer a fresh perspective on leadership that transcends the pulpit.

The conversation also highlights Dallas Metro’s mission to serve the community, particularly children and families facing trauma and dysfunction. Shawn passionately advocates for the ministry’s trench work, emphasizing the need for facilities to support this vital outreach. As Dallas Metro prepares to break ground on a debt-free facility, Shawn calls on listeners to partner in this vision, underscoring the transformative impact of a space where lives are changed.

Visit dallasmetro.org to learn more about the “All In” campaign and how you can support this mission. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on faith, leadership, and the power of community, and don’t miss Shawn’s challenge to trust God’s plan for every season of ministry. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro podcasts.

You can reach Shawn via email @ ssanseverino@icloud.com

Join us for Episode #72 of the Dallas Metro Podcast, where we welcome back Steve Roemerman, a founding board member of Dallas Metro, for his second appearance on the show. In this conversation with Pastor Clay, Steve shares personal anecdotes about his family, including his two children and five grandchildren, and reflects on his enduring commitment to Dallas Metro’s mission. The episode dives into the organization’s early days, sparked by an unlikely partnership facilitated by mutual friend Lee Lebsack, which blossomed into a lifelong friendship and a shared dedication to bringing hope to Dallas’s inner-city communities.

Steve discusses the profound impact of Dallas Metro, emphasizing the analytics that reveal a remarkable return on investment: for as little as $165–$200, the organization can permanently change someone’s life trajectory. Unlike temporary aid, Dallas Metro focuses on long-term transformation, addressing the stark reality of Dallas’s child poverty rate, which is twice the national average. Through stories like a teenager seeking food for his family during Christmas, Steve highlights the urgent need for a new facility to expand their capacity to store food and serve more families, creating hope where it’s needed most.

The episode underscores the power of hope, rooted in the belief that change is possible and individual choices matter. Steve connects Dallas Metro’s work to biblical principles, citing Proverbs 13 and Colossians 1:6, and shares the vision for a debt-free new building to amplify their impact. Listeners are invited to partner with Dallas Metro by visiting metro.org and joining the “All In” campaign to support the $2 million first phase of construction. Tune in to hear Steve’s compelling call to action and learn how you can help bring hope to the next generation in Dallas’s inner city. Don’t miss this episode—subscribe, share, and be part of our mission to give hope to the hopeless.

Join us for Episode #71 of the Dallas Metro Podcast, featuring special guest Portia Allen. In this engaging conversation, Portia shares her journey as a faith-driven leader, wife, and mother, offering insights into her work with Imago Dei Consulting and her deep connection to the Dallas Metro community. Connect with Portia at porshaallen.com and support Dallas Metro’s mission at metro.org/allin.

Portia Allen, married to Clinton for nearly 16 years and mother to three boys, brings a wealth of experience from her lifelong ties to Dallas. Raised with a strong foundation in faith, influenced by her father and church community, she transitioned from her maiden name, Butler, to Allen, reflecting her personal growth. Through Imago Dei Consulting, a for-profit company rooted in the belief that all are image bearers of God, Portia helps churches and faith organizations foster diversity, belonging, and identity. Her work emphasizes invitation and influence, encouraging leaders to build inclusive communities grounded in faith.

Portia’s connection to Dallas Metro is rooted in shared values of transformation and outreach. She highlights the organization’s impact on families and communities, describing it as “good soil” for sowing hope and change. In this episode, she discusses the importance of intentional relationships, drawing from her experiences to inspire listeners to enlarge their circle of love. Portia also supports Dallas Metro’s ongoing efforts to build new facilities, urging viewers to contribute to a mission that empowers individuals to embrace their identity in Christ. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom and inspiration. Be sure to like and subscribe so you'll never miss another Dallas Metro Podcast.

In Episode #71 of the Dallas Metro Podcast, Pastor Clay welcomes Isai Esparza, a lifelong member of the Dallas Metro community whose journey exemplifies faith and service. Growing up in a large, faith-filled family, Isai was shaped by the examples of his mother and grandparents, who instilled in him the value of serving at Metro. From his earliest memories of sitting on the tarps and knocking on doors as a child, Isai felt a deep connection to the ministry, finding a sense of purpose and belonging that carried him through his formative years.

Isai’s involvement with Dallas Metro deepened as he transitioned from a Metro Kid to a camper, junior worker, and now a dorm leader at Metro Camp. His experiences at camp, particularly during challenging times like his parents’ divorce in high school, provided a sanctuary where he could grow in faith and find peace. A pivotal moment came when he gave $1.50 to the building fund as a child, a small but profound act of childlike faith that reflected his heart for Metro’s mission. Isai’s competitive spirit and leadership shone through at camp, where he focused on encouraging kids who felt left out, drawing from his own experiences to connect with them.

Professionally, Isai worked as an electrician for two years, discovering a passion for hands-on work before answering a higher calling to serve in ministry. Now, he dedicates his time to Dallas Metro’s youth and kids programs, including Tuesday night discipleship sessions. Inspired by 1 Corinthians 7:17, Isai encourages listeners to embrace their God-given assignment, just as he has. Join us to hear Isai’s inspiring story and learn how you can support Dallas Metro’s debt-free building fund to make disciples and impact the next generation. Visit metro.org, click “All In,” and consider donating to help us reach more lives in the DFW area.

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