SUMMER 2025 11 God led Michael Clayton (’74) from a neighboring community of Oak Cliff to attend DBU (then known as Dallas Baptist College) as part of a greater plan that would unfold over several decades. His story is a reminder that God continually leads His people along paths of His choosing, not according to our plans. As we walk closely with Jesus through every twist and turn in the journey, we end up exactly where we are meant to be. Clayton jumped headlong into campus life as a DBU student, participating in Ministerial Alliance, serving as senior class president, and working as the assistant to the former President Charles Pitts. Like several young men his age, he felt called to vocational ministry and continued on a traditional course after graduation, pastoring four churches, mentoring students, and serving with single adults. He earned a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and received various certifications in nonprofit management, public speaking, and leadership training. His ministry journey eventually led him to preach in hundreds of churches and serve alongside notable leaders from that era such as Bill Weber, Bailey Smith, and Tom Elliff. However, in middle age, God’s surprising sovereignty came into play as Clayton’s career led him off the traditional path. God Opens Another Door Clayton began attracting a broader audience, including secular groups such as businesses, non-profits, and corporate organizations—teaching biblical principles in a winsome way without citing the Bible chapter and verse. To Clayton’s surprise, God opened doors to coaching, consulting, and leadership development in diverse industries. In what Clayton assumed would be his last career move before retirement, he served as the vice president of Advancement at Criswell College in Dallas. However, his attempt at retirement turned into yet another season of service as a consultant with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, where he assisted churches with fundraising and Cooperative Program giving. Today, Clayton reflects on how God prepared him for speaking to thousands, raising millions for non-profits, co-authoring an Amazon bestselling book, participating in nearly a thousand radio/TV interviews, meeting global leaders and preachers, and earning numerous accolades. Yet Clayton considers his family to be his greatest achievement. Shortly after graduating from DBU, he married Dee Olive. Almost 51 years later, they have built a life centered on faith and enjoy three adult children (two of whom also graduated from DBU), their spouses, and nine grandchildren. Ever ready for the next chapter God has in store, Clayton jokes, "It's not over until it's over, and Jesus hasn't called me home yet!" Scan the QR code for the full and inspiring story of how God directed Michael Clayton’s journey and the role DBU continues to play in his life. THE FAITHFUL SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD DBU Alum Michael Clayton “ Without Jesus in control, I would never enjoy His perfect will and direction for His unique path for my life.”
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