11.8K
Downloads
231
Episodes
In a world filled with stress and pressure to perform, anxiety about cultural expectations, and depression from being isolated to a screen, the culture in America is killing our teenagers from the inside out. We aim to provide hope and inspiration by taking the Hope of Christ to Every Student. We want to provide teens a place to belong, opportunities to make a positive difference, and bring life-changing transformation to their life and those around them. Our core focus is to help 300,000 students in 4,650 different schools experience the hope of Christ by December 31, 2023. This podcast is part of our strategy to get the word out to the believers of Jesus in the United States to help encourage, equip, and empower Christian students to share their hope in Christ with their peers. Listen in and join the movement today!
Episodes
Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
In this episode, Steve and Brad welcome Jo Jabbia and Ashley Jones, two newly appointed First Priority District Directors in Houston, Texas. Jo and Ashley share the unique paths that led them to this calling; Jo from youth ministry and Chick-fil-A leadership, and Ashley from event management and a role with the Houston Dynamo.
They reflect on what it's like to launch First Priority in a brand-new region, including the excitement of casting vision for Gospel clubs in schools, the challenges of navigating church unity, and the deep need for leaders who are fully dependent on Jesus. Jo talks about his burden for students who work long hours to support their families and have no time for church, while Ashley shares about the moments that affirmed her calling as students and pastors caught the vision of First Priority.
Together, they unpack their goal of launching 12 clubs each in their first year and their prayer for lasting transformation across Houston’s middle and high schools.
You’ll Hear About:
-
How Jo’s time at Chick-fil-A shaped his heart for reaching unchurched students.
-
Ashley’s experience moving from the bridal world to the sports world to ministry.
-
The real struggles of fundraising and waiting on God’s timing.
-
The importance of relational ministry and unified churches.
-
Their bold prayer for 24 new clubs launched in Houston by next school year.
Prayer Points:
-
Favor and open doors in strategic schools.
-
Leaders in Houston who are deeply dependent on Jesus.
-
Unity among local churches and youth pastors.
-
Students to rise up and boldly share the Gospel.
Resources & More:
Learn more about First Priority at firstpriority.club
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
In this episode, Brad and Steve sit down with Logan Miller and Kristi Olson, the newest members of the First Priority team in Kansas City. They share their stories, what brought them to First Priority, and the passion they have for student-led ministry. The conversation dives into what’s working, what’s still hard, and what’s next as the movement grows. From celebrating student wins to building stronger systems, this episode is all about staying faithful, creating space for students to lead, and laying a foundation for long-term impact.
Read the rest of this entry »Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
This week, Brad, Steve, Jeff Stanford, and Steve Snapp dive into the ongoing story of First Priority of the Ozarks! Jeff discusses the growing shift to fully student-led clubs, where students take ownership of planning, marketing, and sharing the Gospel with their peers.
Steve Snapp brings an incredible story of change at a local High School, where a past riot has given way to revival as students step up to lead with bold faith. This movement is about more than just FP clubs—it’s about empowering students to make a lasting impact in their schools.
The team also talks about the unique challenges and opportunities of working with Gen Alpha. This generation craves authenticity and real connection, and they’re ready to step into leadership when trusted and equipped.
Share this episode with a friend and help us spread the message of student-led revival in schools! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to support the podcast.
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
In this episode, Steve Cherrico sits down with Debi DeBoer, who has been with First Priority Greater Birmingham for over 27 years. Debi shares her inspiring story from youth ministry to equipping Student Leaders through First Priority.
Debi highlights how their Leadership Summit has grown from a single event to multiple city-wide gatherings, expanding student participation and enhancing community outreach. With over 600 Student Leaders trained this past year, the Summit serves as a catalyst for mobilizing students to share the Gospel on their campuses.
Key Takeaways:
- “Why do you expect students to come to you? Go where they are.” — Debi shares her ministry philosophy.
- The importance of equipping student leaders to be missionaries on their campuses.
- How localized events can increase participation and strengthen community engagement.
We’d love to hear what resonates with you from Debi’s story. Tag us on social media with #FirstPriorityPodcast and share your thoughts!
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
In this episode, Steve Cherrico sits down with Justin Theriot, District Director of Greater Cincinnati, and Ty Singleton, new Area Coordinator. Together, they discuss the journey of bringing First Priority to Cincinnati, from Justin's early days of "tilling soil" alone to the incredible growth the District is experiencing today. With 15 active clubs and plans to exceed 20 schools by year-end, they share powerful stories of students encountering the Gospel and lives being transformed on public school campuses.
Ty reflects on his personal testimony—how a peer's boldness to share the Gospel saved his life—and why this mission resonates deeply with him. They dive into the unique challenges and opportunities within Cincinnati's public schools, the hunger among students for truth, and the pivotal role of student leaders in spreading hope.
Justin, a homeschooler called to public school ministry, shares how his fresh perspective is shaping his approach, while Ty highlights the importance of peer-to-peer evangelism in reaching today’s students.
Tune in to hear about the growing impact in Greater Cincinnati, how God is moving through First Priority, and the vision for even greater expansion in the region.
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Welcome to Season 6 of the First Priority Podcast! Join host Steve Cherrico and guest Will Sherman, District Director for First Priority in Fort Worth, Texas, as they dive into the mission of uniting local churches to take the Hope of Christ to students across the United States. Will shares his journey from youth ministry to leading a First Priority district, the significance of Fort Worth as the birthplace of the ministry, and how empowering students to share the Gospel remains at the heart of their mission.
Key Highlights:
- Will Sherman's Background: Will discusses his 21+ years in ministry, his family, and his passion for leadership and empowering students.
- Fort Worth's Legacy: Learn about First Priority’s roots in Fort Worth, Texas, where a group of youth pastors in 1982 united to create a student-led Gospel movement.
- Overcoming Challenges: Will shares obstacles faced in launching clubs, including navigating administrative roadblocks, and how patience and grace helped open doors.
- Unique Club Model in Texas: Discover how large schools in Texas host multiple First Priority clubs, with different Student Leaders and Sponsors for each lunch period.
Subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring stories of students, leaders, and communities working together to share the Gospel. Learn how you can support First Priority or start a club in your area by visiting firstpriority.club.
Connect with Us:
Follow us on social media and join the conversation!
- Facebook: First Priority of America
- Instagram: @fpofamerica
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
In this final session of ALIGN 2024, join Steve Cherrico and Josh Lane as they deliver a powerful commission to everyone involved in the First Priority mission. Building on the momentum from the previous sessions, this episode challenges listeners to step into the mission field with renewed passion, clarity, and focus.
If you haven’t listened to the first three sessions of ALIGN 2024, we highly encourage you to catch up! Each session builds on the next, leading to this compelling finale. Steve and Josh call us to reflect on the impact of First Priority’s mission and remind us that our work is a response to the Gospel and a reflection of God’s Kingdom.
Tune in to hear how you can take what you’ve learned, align it with your calling, and step boldly into the mission field to make a lasting difference.
Key Takeaways:
- A Renewed Sense of Purpose: Practical and spiritual insights to carry the mission forward.
- The Power of Community: Stories and reminders of how the First Priority network makes an eternal impact.
- Encouragement to Persevere: A heartfelt commission to embrace the challenges of ministry with faith.
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, we dive into Session #3 of Align 2024 with another keynote speaker, Kevin Kolb. Kevin shares how building authentic connections and fostering a positive culture can inspire transformation in our lives, teams, and communities.
In this episode, Kevin EMPOWERS us by:
- Highlighting how vulnerability fosters connection and cultural change.
- Sharing actionable steps to build stronger, more meaningful relationships.
- Encouraging us to lead through faith and authenticity.
Join us for this inspiring conversation as Kevin unpacks how we can transform our spheres of influence by leading with intention and Christ-centered love.
Read the rest of this entry »Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
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:
- Hold tight to your faith in Christ.
- Who are you motivating? “Us.”
- 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.
Subscribe and share this episode to spread encouragement to those in your ministry and community.
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
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:
- Self-Development – Becoming the best version of yourself.
- Getting Focused – Identifying and prioritizing your most important 20%.
- Daily Disciplines – Establishing a singular focus each day to drive progress.
- Long-Term Planning – Building a 1-3-5 plan to set and achieve meaningful goals.
- 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.