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 #70 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.

Be sure to like and subscribe so you never miss a Dallas Metro Podcast episode.

In this episode Pastor Clay sits down with special guest Michael Cathcart, an accomplished architect whose life story weaves together faith, family, and a passion for design. Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Michael moved there after college in 1992 and raised his family alongside his wife, Stacy Cathcart, who now serves as the Director of Women’s Ministries for North Texas Assemblies of God. The couple nurtured three children—now 33, 30, and 23—and Michael beams with pride over his three grandkids. His journey took a bold turn in 2020 when, amid the uncertainties of COVID, he and Stacy followed God’s call to relocate to Dallas, leaving behind decades in Wichita for a new chapter.

Michael’s architectural expertise shines in this episode as he discusses his role in designing Dallas Metro’s transformative new building project. With a career shaped by a belief that constraints fuel quality design, he’s crafted a debt-free, phased plan that includes a ministry center, a maintenance facility, and a prayer chapel with a covered play area—spaces tailored to serve Dallas’s needy children and empower the next generation of ministry. His connection with Pastor Clay began two years ago when Clay sought not just an architect, but a friend, sparking a collaboration that’s been a blessing to Dallas Metro. Michael’s occasional fishing trips might soon include Pastor Clay, thanks to a mutual friend with a boat, blending his professional gifts with a down-to-earth charm.

Beyond blueprints, Michael’s life reflects a deep commitment to faith and community. From raising his kids in Wichita to embracing grandparenthood’s joys—like watching Jack and Maggie run free while Griffin gears up to crawl—he’s found the “golden years” every bit as fulfilling as promised. In Dallas, he’s not just designing a building but helping address stark realities, like the city’s ranking as third in the U.S. for poor children, with facilities that will store and serve food to those in need. Tune in to hear his story, learn about the visionary project he’s shaping, and discover how you can partner with Dallas Metro at dallasmetro.org under “All In.” Be sure to like and subscribe and never miss an episode. New episodes drop every Wednesday!

Join us for Episode #68 of the Dallas Metro Podcast, where Pastor Clay sits down with Clinton Allen for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation. In this episode, they dive into the evolution of worship music, the power of ministry, and the exciting future of Dallas Metro. Clinton, a seasoned worship leader with a deep passion for Jesus, brings a unique perspective shaped by his years in the field. Together, he and Clay explore how worship has shifted in recent years, the challenges of commercialization, and the hope found in those who use their platforms to advance the Gospel.

Clinton's background is rooted in a love for music and ministry, making him a perfect guest for this discussion. With a career focused on worship, Clinton has witnessed both the highs and lows of the industry, from its artistic roots to its modern-day prominence as a commercial force. His connection to Dallas Metro runs deep, as he shares Pastor Clay’s heart for integrity, community impact, and raising up the next generation. Clinton’s financial background also shines through as he speaks to the “return on investment” of supporting ministries like Dallas Metro, blending practical wisdom with spiritual insight.

Pastor Clay and Clinton reflect on their shared commitment to keeping worship pure and purposeful, all while rallying support for Dallas Metro’s vision of building new facilities debt-free. Clinton praises Clay’s leadership and the ministry’s 30+ years of life-changing work, encouraging listeners—believers and non-believers alike—to invest in this noble cause. Tune in to hear their heartfelt exchange, filled with humor, personal stories, and a call to action for anyone looking to make a lasting difference. Visit dallasmetro.org to learn more and join the mission!

Be sure to like and subscribe to see and hear more exciting Dallas Metro stories like Clinton's.

Pastor Clay and Bob dive into the remarkable story of planting City Chapel in 2001, starting with a handful of former youth group members in South Arlington. What began as a modest gathering in a coffee shop that grew into a full-fledged church, moving from rented spaces to a small building gifted by a local family, and eventually expanding with buses and outreach programs like Sidewalk Sunday School. They reflect on the ups and downs of church planting, including the challenges of COVID, and how Bob’s commitment to prayer and soul-winning— inspired by Pastor Tommy Barnett—has fueled their mission. The discussion also explores how Arlington’s rapid diversification has shaped the church’s approach, pushing Bob to adapt by focusing on caring for people and building a staff that mirrors the community’s changing demographics.

Bob shares his latest initiative, "People Are the Mission," a nonprofit born out of a desire to bridge City Chapel with Arlington through practical outreach like Feed the City, ministries for single moms, first responders, and teachers. Looking ahead, Bob dreams of helping smaller churches (75-150 people) build similar bridges to their communities, preventing closures and fostering growth. Meanwhile, Pastor Clay opens up about Dallas Metro’s vision to construct a debt-free ministry center, warehouse, and 24/7 prayer chapel to meet urgent needs—like food insecurity among Dallas’ children—and create a space for spiritual renewal. Bob encourages listeners to "enlarge their circle of love" by partnering with ministries like Dallas Metro, emphasizing the generational impact of saying yes to God’s call.

Visit DallasMetro.org to join Dallas Metro's mission—your support can make a miracle happen!

Please like and subscribe so you never miss a Dallas Metro Podcast!

Join Pastor Clay on the Dallas Metro Podcast as he welcomes his longtime friend and fellow minister, Mike Robertson. Mike's journey in ministry began alongside his wife Karen, whom he met at Southwestern University. Together, they’ve served in various pastoral roles, from their first lead pastor position in Burleson, Texas, to planting a church in Oceanside, California, and later pastoring a thriving congregation in Visalia, California. Now back in Texas, where he grew up, Mike has shifted his focus to a new passion—helping people navigate finances generously and wisely, inspired by a desire to protect the vulnerable and fund kingdom work.

In this heartfelt conversation, Mike reflects on the lessons learned through decades of ministry, including the surprising challenges of leading a church where dozens were saved weekly. He shares how those experiences shaped his book, The God Nudge, which explores how God uses everyday people to answer prayers through small, divine prompts. Pastor Clay and Mike dive into the power of effective prayer—not asking God to do our will, but aligning with what He wants to accomplish on earth. Their discussion reveals a shared belief that life’s greatest impact comes from being available to God, no matter the season.

The episode also touches on the ongoing work of Dallas Metro, a ministry close to both their hearts. Mike encourages listeners to respond to their own "God nudges" by supporting kingdom efforts like Dallas Metro’s debt-free building project, aimed at empowering the next generation. With humor, wisdom, and a call to generosity, this episode inspires viewers to live with open hands and hearts, trusting God to work miracles through them. Visit dallasmetro.org to learn more about the All In campaign and how you can be part of the miracle today. Don't forget to like or subscribe so you don't miss a Dallas Metro Podcast!