The First Priority Podcast

Called, Committed, and All In: Volunteer Impact at Its Best | The First Priority Podcast | S6, E8

In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, Steve and Brad sit down with Jody Trautwein from First Priority Alabama, for a powerful and personal conversation on what it really means to be "all in" as a volunteer in student ministry.

From life-changing moments at a Carmen concert to seeing hundreds of students come to Christ across local schools, Jody shares how his own story fuels his passion for raising up Student Leaders and supporting those called to campus ministry. You’ll hear inspiring stories of volunteers stepping up in big ways, from a pastor coaching at four schools weekly to a mom who overcame self-doubt and ended up changing the lives of 100+ students.

💬 Topics include:

• The heart behind volunteer recruitment and retention

• Real examples of lives transformed through student ministry

• How to create easy on-ramps for potential volunteers

• Why staying connected to your “why” matters more than ever

If you're a campus coach, faculty sponsor, student leader, or staff member, this episode is a reminder of why we do what we do, and the fruit that follows when people say yes to God's call.

Navigating Challenges in Student-Led Clubs With Sarah Leonard

In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, Brad and Steve sit down with Sarah Leonard, Ministry Director for First Priority in North Carolina District 1. Sarah shares her journey with First Priority, explaining how student-led clubs are thriving across her district, which includes several counties around Raleigh. She highlights students' incredible passion for leading their clubs, the importance of training and communication, and how students creatively share the Gospel through unique outreach ideas like prayer bears and small gifts.

They also dive into some of the challenges clubs face, such as dealing with students who are assigned to clubs but aren’t interested in participating, balancing student commitments, and navigating concerns from parents and school administrators. Sarah emphasizes the value of building strong relationships within schools, staying adaptable to each campus’s culture, and always supporting the students who are leading on the ground.

This conversation is full of practical advice and inspiring stories from someone who truly understands the day-to-day realities of running student-led ministries. It’s a must-listen for anyone involved with First Priority or interested in youth ministry that empowers students to take the lead and share their faith authentically.

Houston’s Heartbeat – Launching Gospel Movements with Jo & Ashley

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

Meet the Team: Kristi & Logan Join the Mission | Season 6, Ep. 5

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.

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From Riot to Revival: Students Leading the Movement in the Ozarks | Season 6, Ep. 4

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.

Equipping Student Leaders: The Power of Local Engagement with Debi DeBoer | Season 06, Ep. 3

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!

From Tilling Soil to Transforming Lives: First Priority's Growth in Cincinnati | Season 06, Ep. 2

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.

Building Fort Worth’s First Priority Legacy with Will Sherman | The First Priority Podcast | Season 06, Ep. 1

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:
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Align 2024 Session #4: "Commission" with Steve Cherrico & Josh Lane | The First Priority Podcast | Season 5, Ep. 33

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.

Align 2024 Session #3: "Empower" with Kevin Kolb | The First Priority Podcast | Season 5, Ep. 32

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.

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