Clayton serves as FUMCR's Senior Pastor.
Clayton is originally from Monroe, Louisiana. He received a B.A. in History and Religion from Austin College in 1983, and played on AC's 1981 NAIA National Championship football team. He received a Master of Divinity Degree (1988) and a Doctor of Ministry Degree (1996) from Perkins School of Theology, SMU. Clayton began his ministry as pastor of a three church circuit in Kansas in 1983. From 1986 to 1990, he served as an associate minister at Lovers Lane UMC in Dallas. In 1990, he was appointed to First UMC in The Colony, leading that church through two building programs. In 1996, he was appointed to First UMC, Duncanville where he served until being appointed to Richardson in November of 2001. Clayton led FUMCR through its relocation in 2006, which has allowed for tremendous growth. North Texas Annual Conference members have elected Clayton to be a clergy delegate to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church.
A few of Clayton's favorite things about FUMCR are the congregation's open-minded, compassionate people who have big visions and huge hearts for missions. In his spare time he enjoys his kids' adventures, golf and movies. Clayton and his wife, Lori, are both "preacher's kids." They have three children: Erin, a student at TCU; Katy, a high school student; and Grant, a 7th grader.
One of his favorite scripture texts, which shows his sense of humor, is 2 Kings 2:23-25.
"He went up from there to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, 'Go away, baldhead! Go away, baldhead!' When he turned round and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and then returned to Samaria."
Here are some more fun facts about Clayton:
He loves music of all genres, but particularly classic rock. His favorite movies are The Outlaw Josey Wales, Where Eagles Dare and Hoosiers. Lonesome Dove is a favorite book. Blue Bell ice cream is his favorite food. He roots for the Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers, Stars, LSU Tigers and Austin College Kangaroos.