Dallas Metro Podcast

Author: Clay Wallace; Producer: Chris Kraft

Since 1988, Dallas Metro has reached tens of thousands of at-risk children through their hands on approach to ministry in the inner-city of Dallas. Each week, Clay Wallace, the founder of Dallas Metro, interviews adults who were once children of the ministry, current and former staff and volunteers, and long time friends of Dallas Metro. These incredible stories will challenge you, inspire you, and help change your perspective on what ministry is and what it can be!

  1. MAR 18

    Dallas Metro Podcast Episode 110 ft. Special Guest Steve Skipper

    In this powerful and encouraging episode, we welcome special guest Steve Skipper to the studio. With nearly 50 years of marriage and over 40 years of missionary service, Steve shares his life journey, ministry experiences, and the lessons he has learned while serving around the world. From his early years in missions in Argentina, Mexico, and beyond, to witnessing revival movements and planting churches, Steve offers a firsthand account of God’s faithfulness across decades of ministry. He also shares deeply personal stories about his family, including the calling placed not only on missionaries but on their children as well, and the importance of supporting “third culture kids” in ministry. A central theme of this conversation is embracing the later seasons of life. Steve speaks candidly about approaching 70 years old, challenging the cultural mindset of retirement, and encouraging believers to remain active, purposeful, and faithful. Drawing from Scripture, including 2 Timothy 4:7, he reminds us of the importance of finishing the race strong and continuing to pour into the next generation. This episode also highlights the value of spiritual legacy, honoring those who have gone before us while stepping into new opportunities to mentor, lead, and serve. Steve emphasizes that experience and wisdom are vital in today’s church and that God is not finished with us yet. Additionally, we discuss the ongoing work of Dallas Metro and an exciting upcoming groundbreaking event. This ministry continues to impact lives by reaching young people, providing resources, and sharing the Gospel through both word and action. Thank you for tuning in. If this message encouraged you, please like, share, and follow to stay connected with future content.

    32 min
  2. MAR 18

    Dallas Metro Podcast Episode 109 ft. Special Guest Darren Harlan

    Welcome, friends. In today’s episode, Clay sits down with Darren Harland for a heartfelt and informative conversation about ministry, life experiences, and the important role hospice care plays in supporting individuals and families during the final stages of life. Darren shares his story of growing up in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, his time in ministry, and how God led him into hospice chaplaincy. After years serving in church ministry, Darren felt called to help people in a different way walking alongside families as they navigate end-of-life care. As a hospice chaplain, he now provides spiritual support, encouragement, prayer, and comfort to patients and their loved ones during one of the most challenging seasons of life. Clay also shares his personal experience caring for his late wife, Barbara, during her struggle with dementia. He reflects on how hospice care provided not only compassionate medical and spiritual support for Barbara but also much-needed help and encouragement for him as a caregiver. Together, Clay and Darren discuss the common misunderstandings surrounding hospice and explain how hospice is not about giving up hope, but about providing comfort, dignity, and holistic care for both the patient and the family. They talk about the team approach within hospice care, which includes nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains working together to support families physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Darren also explains how hospice services can help prevent caregiver burnout and provide resources such as respite care, counseling, and guidance for families making difficult decisions. This episode offers encouragement to anyone currently caring for a loved one or facing end-of-life questions. It is a reminder that no one has to walk through these moments alone and that help is available through compassionate care and faith-filled support. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Clay also shares an exciting update about the upcoming groundbreaking for Metro’s new facilities. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 14 at 1:00 PM at 5525 West Illinois Avenue in Dallas. This new project represents a vision to serve future generations and to build these facilities completely debt-free. If you would like to learn more or partner with this mission, visit the dallasmetro.org and click on the “All In” section. Thank you for tuning in today. If this conversation encouraged you, please like, share, and follow to our channel so more people can hear these important conversations.

    30 min
  3. MAR 18

    Dallas Metro Podcast Episode 108 ft. Special Guest Marco Luna

    Pastor Clay welcomes Marco Luna, Lead Pastor of The Gathering Church in Oak Cliff, Dallas. Pastor Marco shares the journey of planting The Gathering Church in 2010 through the North Texas District and reflects on sixteen years of ministry marked by faith, perseverance, and a deep commitment to reaching second and third generation Hispanic families. This conversation explores the unique calling to minister in Oak Cliff and the importance of creating a church home for English speaking Latino believers who often feel overlooked or underserved. Pastor Marco discusses how the church began with only his immediate family and how God has faithfully added new believers over the years, many of whom had no previous church background. Pastor Clay and Pastor Marco also address the challenges facing pastors and churches in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. They speak candidly about leadership pressures, the necessity of honoring the Sabbath, and the spiritual discipline of guarding one’s heart. Emphasis is placed on maintaining personal devotion to Christ, prioritizing marriage and family, and remaining faithful in both small and significant decisions. Special Announcement: Groundbreaking Celebration – March 14 at 1:00 PM A special announcement is made regarding the upcoming groundbreaking celebration for Dallas Metro on Saturday, March 14th at 1:00 p.m. This milestone represents continued dedication to serving children and families throughout the community. The vision is to complete this project debt-free and remain focused on the mission of reaching the next generation with the Gospel. For more information about the groundbreaking and ways to partner financially, please visit dallasmetro.org and select the “All In” page. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode has encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe to help us continue spreading the message of hope and faith!

    30 min
  4. FEB 12

    Dallas Metro Podcast (Episode #107) Featuring Special Guest Timothy Thomas

    Timothy Thomas’s story is woven into the story of Dallas Metro itself. From growing up in West Dallas, surrounded by the steady faith of his grandmothers, to encountering Dallas Metro programs in neighborhood streets, schools, and camps, Tim’s childhood was shaped by consistency in places where life often felt unstable. Metro wasn’t just a weekly program — it was a constant presence. The same people showed up, year after year, offering safety, structure, and the message that God had not forgotten these neighborhoods or the kids growing up in them. Some of the most formative moments came at Metro Camp. For Tim, camp wasn’t just fun — it was transformative. It was where he learned to fish, where he experienced God’s presence in a tangible way, and where prayer became personal. Years later, he would realize that what felt like simple moments at the time were actually planting lifelong foundations. The prayers spoken over that land, long before buildings or programs existed, created a place where generations would encounter hope, peace, and calling. As a teenager, life brought new challenges — including instability at home and the fear of eviction — but Metro remained a steady anchor. In moments of uncertainty, leaders and mentors stood beside him, reminding him to trust the Lord and keep his foundation firm. That consistency mattered. While the neighborhood demanded hard choices, Metro provided a safe place where Tim didn’t have to choose sides — only faith. Over time, those relationships deepened, eventually leading him not only into leadership, but into meeting his future wife through Metro’s youth ministry and mission trips. Today, Tim serves on staff at Dallas Metro, carrying forward what was given to him. From a child’s perspective, the need for a permanent facility is simple: kids need a place they can always find. A physical home where help, prayer, food, guidance, and safety are always available — not just once a week, but whenever life hits hard. A building becomes more than walls; it becomes a refuge for children not yet born, a safe haven for families in crisis, and a visible reminder that someone is here to stay. Giving toward this facility isn’t just building something new — it’s protecting the next generation’s chance to grow up with the same hope, consistency, and faith that shaped Tim’s life. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcasts!

    33 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Since 1988, Dallas Metro has reached tens of thousands of at-risk children through their hands on approach to ministry in the inner-city of Dallas. Each week, Clay Wallace, the founder of Dallas Metro, interviews adults who were once children of the ministry, current and former staff and volunteers, and long time friends of Dallas Metro. These incredible stories will challenge you, inspire you, and help change your perspective on what ministry is and what it can be!