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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
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.
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
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.
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
- 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.”
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
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!
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- Website: BryanDrakeShow.com
- Instagram: @bryandrakeshow
- Facebook: Bryan Drake Show
- Twitter (X): @bryandrakeshow