The First Priority Podcast

Align 2024 Session #2: "Encourage" with JD Simpson | The First Priority Podcast | Season 5, Ep. 31

In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, we bring you Session 2 of Align 2024, featuring J.D. Simpson’s message on Encourage. Drawing from Hebrews 10:23-25, J.D. offers three key takeaways:

1. Hold tight to your faith in Christ.
2. Who are you motivating? “Us.”
3. Take advantage of meeting with believers. “Us.”

With over 30 years of ministry experience, J.D. Simpson serves as the Executive Director of First Priority in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and is a national board member for First Priority of America. 

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 10:23-25
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Tune in to be encouraged, challenged, and reminded of the importance of faith, community, and motivation in your walk with Christ.

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Align 2024 Session #1: "Equipped" with Joseph Daley | The First Priority Podcast | Season 5, Ep. 30

In this special episode, we’re sharing a session from our First Priority annual conference, Align 2024. Join us as we hear from Joseph Daley, CEO and President of The Daley Group Real Estate Team in Birmingham, Alabama. Joseph’s career in real estate began at just 22, and he's now a top 5% agent in Birmingham and a recognized leader within Keller Williams Realty International. Beyond his success in real estate, Joseph has a background in ministry, serving as a student leader with First Priority, and continues to support the ministry as an Executive Board member for First Priority of Alabama and Priority Kids of America.

In this talk, Joseph challenges us to consider: “Who do I have to become in order to be the leader God has called me to be?” He explores key principles that guide his own leadership journey:

1. Self-Development – Becoming the best version of yourself.
2. Getting Focused – Identifying and prioritizing your most important 20%.
3. Daily Disciplines – Establishing a singular focus each day to drive progress.
4. Long-Term Planning – Building a 1-3-5 plan to set and achieve meaningful goals.
5. Servant Leadership – Leading others through service and humility.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, Joseph’s story offers inspiration and practical wisdom on becoming the leader you’re meant to be.

The Power of Personal Invitations: Creating a Welcoming Environment for Students | Season 5, Ep. 29

In this episode, Brad Schelling and Steve Cherrico dive into the incredible impact that personal invitations have during Invite Week of the EPIC cycle. They share how a simple invite can transform a student's experience, making them feel welcomed and valued. Brad and Steve reflect on the courage it takes to walk into unfamiliar spaces, like a First Priority club, and how a personal invitation can break down those barriers.

While social media and flyers are great for raising awareness, nothing beats the feeling of being personally invited. They discuss practical tools that First Priority offers—like invitation cards and prayer cards—to help students extend an invitation with confidence and purpose. The conversation also highlights the importance of prayer in this process, encouraging students to pray for their friends as they invite them to be a part of something life-changing.

In the second half of the episode, Brad and Steve share inspiring stories from First Priority clubs, where personal invitations have led to deeper connections with peers, increased church engagement, and decisions to follow Christ. From students requesting Bibles to leading prayers, the ripple effect of one simple invitation is powerful and lasting.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal invitations make it easier for students to enter unfamiliar spaces, fostering a sense of belonging.
• First Priority provides resources like invitation cards and prayer cards to help students confidently invite their peers.
• Prayer is an essential part of the invitation process, building boldness in students to share their faith.

Call to Action: Encourage students to pray for one friend and invite them to their First Priority club this week. Use the resources provided, including invitation cards, to make that personal connection and create a welcoming space for new students to experience the love and hope of Christ.

Preparing for Align 2024: Uniting First Priority Leaders | Season 5, Ep. 28

In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, host Brad Schelling and guests Heather Bundy, Jacob Sharp, and Jenna Doll discuss the upcoming Align 2024 event in Nashville, Tennessee. They share personal introductions, the significance of the event, the lineup of keynote speakers, worship plans, breakout sessions, and plans for the off-site activities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, encouragement, and empowerment within the First Priority community as they prepare for the gathering.

 

Align Highlights: 

• The Align 2024 event aims to unite First Priority leadership.
• Keynote speakers will focus on equipping, encouraging, and empowering attendees.
• Worship will be led by First Priority staff to foster connection.
• Breakout sessions will cover practical topics for youth ministry.
• The event is designed to build relationships among staff members.
• The importance of aligning with the mission of First Priority is emphasized.

Quotes: 

• "We want to align around the mission."
• "It's about equipping, encouraging, and empowering.
• “This conference is all about connecting with people who share the same mission and building relationships that last all year.” 
• “We want to give leaders the tools and encouragement they need to grow their clubs and communities.”
• “I’m excited to see everyone in the same room. That’s what this conference is about—connecting with people who are doing the same work across the country and building those relationships that last all year.”
• “The breakout sessions this year hit on every key part of what we do, and I’m so excited for leaders to walk away feeling more equipped and encouraged.” 
• “We want to give leaders space to engage, serve, and grow with one another, whether it’s through meaningful conversations or just having fun playing games together.”

Unveiling the Gospel: Bryan Drake’s Unique Blend of Illusion and Ministry | Season 5, Ep. 27

In this episode, Steve Cherrico sits down with Christian illusionist Bryan Drake to explore the challenges and triumphs of engaging students in faith, both on public school campuses and in everyday life. Bryan shares inspiring stories from his journey, including his personal involvement with First Priority since high school, and his work as a Christian illusionist. 

They discuss the unique struggles students face today and the growing hunger for truth among young people. Together, they reflect on the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in transforming students’ lives and how, despite their imperfections, God’s grace is sufficient in all circumstances.

Join us for this encouraging episode as we dive deep into the power of the Gospel in the lives of students and how we, as leaders, can make a lasting impact on the next generation.

Connect with Bryan! 

• • Website: BryanDrakeShow.com
  • Instagram: @bryandrakeshow
  • Facebook: Bryan Drake Show
  • Twitter (X): @bryandrakeshow

 

First Priority and Operation Christmas Child: A Partnership of Hope | Season 5, Ep. 26

In this episode, Brad sits down with Devon Rachae, pastor and Operation Christmas Child ambassador, to discuss the powerful partnership between First Priority and Operation Christmas Child. Devon shares his inspiring story of receiving a shoebox as a child and how it transformed his life, ultimately leading him to become a pastor and dedicate his life to serving others through this ministry.

Throughout the conversation, Brad and Devon highlight the impact that simple shoebox gifts can have on children around the world, illustrating how each one is not only packed with love but also prayer. From incredible stories of children whose lives were forever changed to the ripple effect of hope that these gifts bring to entire communities, they explore the true power of the Gospel in action.

Listeners will be encouraged to get involved—whether through packing shoeboxes, praying over the children receiving them, or supporting Operation Christmas Child's mission to spread the love of Jesus. This episode is a reminder that everyone can play a part in bringing the hope of the Gospel to those who need it most.

Key Takeaways:

• The partnership between First Priority and Operation Christmas Child helps share the Gospel through shoebox gifts.
• Devon’s personal experience as a shoebox recipient led him to a life of serving God as a pastor.
• Every shoebox, packed with prayer and love, has the potential to change a child's life.
• The power of prayer and the Holy Spirit are essential in the work of Operation Christmas Child.
• Even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, impacting children and their communities for Christ.

An EPIC Summer: First Priority Roles | The FP Podcast | Season 5, Ep. 25

Welcome to the grand finale of our EPIC Summer Series! Over the past few months, we’ve explored the ins and outs of First Priority’s EPIC Roots, offering insights, training, and practical tips to prepare you for a successful school year. In this final episode, we’re zeroing in on the vital roles that keep First Priority Clubs running smoothly: Club Coaches, Faculty Sponsors, and Student Leaders.

We’ll dive deep into the responsibilities outlined on pages 8 & 9 of EPIC Roots, ensuring that each role is clearly understood. Club Coaches will learn how to assess student leadership and maintain strong relationships with school administration. Faculty Sponsors will receive guidance on how to stay organized and ensure the club operates within school guidelines. Student Leaders will get tips on promoting the club’s mission, leading meetings, and following up with students who make faith decisions.

But it’s not just about roles and responsibilities—this episode also includes words of encouragement tailored to each role, helping you feel equipped and inspired as you step into the new school year. Whether you’re new to First Priority or a seasoned leader, this episode will give you the tools and motivation to make a lasting impact.

If you missed any part of our summer series, don’t worry! You can catch up on all the episodes in our dedicated playlist. Join us as we close out the summer with a powerful look at what it means to lead, serve, and inspire through First Priority.

Gen Z and Religion: Insights from the Global Youth Culture Report with Sam McCullough

In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, Sam McCullough from OneHope discusses the findings of the Global Youth Culture report, which explores the attitudes and behaviors of Gen Z in relation to religion. The report identifies different personas, including the hurt nones, apathetic nones, nominal Christians, progressive committed Christians, and all-in committed Christians. 

The personas highlight the challenges and beliefs of young people, such as the struggle with mental health, the conflict between identity and scripture, and the tensions between culture and faith. The report emphasizes the importance of scripture engagement and the role of the church in reaching and guiding young people.

Takeaways:

• Mental health is a significant challenge for young people, with high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
• There is a need to bridge the gap between scripture and culture.
• Scripture engagement is crucial in guiding young people and helping them navigate their faith.
• The church plays a vital role in supporting and encouraging young people, but there is a need for churches to be more accepting and less judgmental.
• The report highlights the importance of reaching out to nominals and helping them become committed Christians.
• "35% of Gen Zers had suicidal thoughts in the last three months."
• "46% of Christian teens never read the Bible on their own."
• "Only 7% of those who identify as Christian are all-in committed Christians."

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An EPIC Summer: Invite-Week Events | Season 05, Episode 23

Welcome back to the First Priority Podcast! In this episode, hosts Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling share the importance of Invite-Week Events for First Priority clubs as they aim to take the hope of Christ to every student!

Events Mentioned:

• September 25th, 2024: See You at the Pole
• Operation Christmas Child Packing Party: Anytime before November 18th, 2024 (National Collection Week: November 18th-25th)
• Thanksgiving Party (Host during Invite Week)
• Christmas Party (Invite Week Push)
• Easter (Invite Week Push)
• April 7th-11th, 2025: National Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
• May 1st, 2025: National Day of Prayer
• May 1st, 2025: National Principal Appreciation Day
• May 5th-9th, 2025: National Teacher Appreciation Week

Join Brad and Steve as they explore how to make the most of these events, provide practical tips for planning, and share their personal experiences and successes. Whether you're a student leader, a club coach, or just interested in learning more about First Priority, this episode offers valuable insights into organizing impactful events that align with the First Priority mission.

An EPIC Summer | The Power of Planning | Season 5, Episode 22

Welcome to another episode of the First Priority Podcast with your hosts, Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling! In this episode, Brad and Steve discuss the importance of strategic planning for FP Clubs and how to use the EPIC Guide to train Student Leaders to lead their club schedule efficiently! 

The two kick off the episode by sharing updates on First Priority's exciting developments across the country, but quickly dive into the heart of the episode by breaking down the EPIC Guide's monthly and weekly planning sheets on pages 23 and 26 of EPIC Roots.

They explain how these tools help in organizing and executing the four-week EPIC plan, which includes Equip, Prepare, Invite, and Connect weeks. This detailed walkthrough ensures that Student Leaders can effectively share the Gospel and connect with their peers.

Tune in to hear about:

• The significance of the monthly planning sheet and how it helps maximize the school year.
• The role of each week in the EPIC plan and why none should be skipped, but can be adjusted as needed. 

Don't miss this episode filled with practical tips, humorous anecdotes, and valuable insights into making your First Priority clubs more effective and impactful! 

Enjoying the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your network! For more information on First Priority and to access the EPIC Guide, visit firstpriority.club! 

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