Dallas Campus Explodes with Growth and Awesome Testimonies

The Gospel is going forth with power and might throughout the nations, including in our own backyard. Today, we are excited to share how God is at work in the lives of our students in Dallas, Texas!

Charis DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) was established in 2006. Over the years, six dedicated directors—Rod Kennedy, Kitty Potts, James Bennett, Julie O’Toole, Jose Valdez, and Linda Paris—have each left a unique and lasting impact on the campus. The current director at Charis Dallas is Kelly Dailey, who stepped into the role in 2022. She has been blessed to see the last three graduating classes, the most recent of which celebrated 18 Year 2 graduates!

Throughout the years, Charis DFW has operated in several locations across the metroplex, and they are currently in what they believe to be their best location yet—centrally located in the Mid-Cities area. Their administrative office is in Bedford, and they host Hybrid Saturdays at Trinity Leadership Charter School in North Arlington. This central location is ideal for their students, many of whom travel up to six hours or even fly in to attend classes each hybrid weekend.

When Kelley stepped into leadership during the 2022–2023 school year, they had 20 students and celebrated four graduates that year. For the 2024–2025 school year, 48 students were enrolled! Half of them attended part-time and half attended full-time. This year, Kelley watched online as four DFW alumni graduated from Year 3 in Woodland Park: representing Ministry, Leadership, Film & Production, and Global Training School!

All U.S. Extension Campuses offer Year 1 and Year 2 programs. One unique aspect of Extension Campuses is the flexibility they provide through both full-time and part-time enrollment options. Full-time students complete either Year 1 or Year 2 in a single academic year, from September through May. Part-time students attend at approximately half the pace, taking two academic years to complete one year of the program.

All U.S. Extension Campuses also offer the Saturday Hybrid model. At Charis DFW, students complete their coursework and exams at home, then come together on campus two Saturdays each month. These Saturdays are a powerful time of connection and activation. They begin with worship, followed by live teachings streamed from the main campus in Woodland Park. Students also engage in rich class discussions based on the courses they’ve been watching throughout the week and receive hands-on training through Interactive Groups (IAGs), mission trip preparation, and other practical ministry experiences. Beyond academics, these Saturdays are also a time for building community. Through shared meals, potlucks, and fellowship, students form strong bonds and experience the joy of growing together as the Charis family.

On Saturdays, Kelley is assisted by her husband, Joel, and a dedicated team of about 10 alumni who graduated from either the DFW or Woodland Park campuses. These volunteers facilitate class discussions and IAGs, helping guide the conversation, encourage participation, and ensure discussions stay focused and fruitful. Several new graduates from this year are eager to stay connected and become facilitators next year! Additionally, current students contribute through service hours by helping with setup and teardown.

Over the past few years, Charis DFW has been focused on two main priorities: campus growth and deep, quality discipleship in the Word—equipping their students not just to learn, but to go out and do what they are called to do. “It’s a joy to see our graduates stepping into ministry and purpose with boldness,” Kelley shares.

Due to consistent growth, they outgrew their original space and moved further into Dallas in Fall 2024. Then, in January 2025, the Lord opened an awesome door for them to relocate to their current location. Kelley says, “This location has been a true blessing—beautifully situated, with plenty of parking, a welcoming environment, and a deep connection to our mission.” The founders are strong supporters of AWM and Charis; their hospitality has allowed the Charis DFW to flourish, and they’ve just signed a contract to remain there through the 2025–2026 school year.

Another major focus has been local outreach. For students who can’t join international mission trips and anyone else who wants to, Kelley has facilitated community outreach in their own city and aims to do at least one outreach per quarter during the school year, including supporting local church events, Thanksgiving food distribution, and outreach to a homeless shelter.

Charis DFW continues to grow—not only in numbers but also in impact. “We are raising up bold leaders who are equipped, activated, and ready to advance the Kingdom in their communities and beyond,” Kelley shares.

They have seen God move in extraordinary ways at Charis DFW. See below to read three amazing testimonies! But these are just a few of the many testimonies they have witnessed—others include financial breakthroughs, miraculous tuition provision, family restoration, and personal transformation. Kelley shares, “God is so faithful, and we are honored to see Him move so powerfully through the lives of our students.”

When asked what she most enjoys about directing this school, Kelley states, “What’s not to love? This is, without a doubt, my favorite job I’ve ever had. It’s a tremendous joy to watch our students grow in their knowledge of the Lord, begin to understand their identity in Christ, and step boldly into their God-given calling. One of the most rewarding parts is seeing old mindsets and religious traditions fall off as they are transformed by the Word throughout their Charis journey. I love walking alongside them through every part of the experience—from Interactive Groups and mission trips to local outreaches and classroom discussions. And I might be one of the rare people who genuinely enjoy administrative work and systems, so this role is a perfect fit for me!”

Finally, Kelley shares, “I miss you all in Woodland Park, and I am privileged to be a part of this amazing ministry. Thank you, Andrew, Jamie, Mike, and Carrie, for trusting me with this amazing campus!”

We are excited about what the future holds for Charis DFW! Stories like this one would not be possible without your faithful partnership. Thank you!