The First Priority Podcast

What is a Vision Casting?

Larry Franks, Director of Training at First Priority of America, talks about planning and preparing a vision casting event but he also challenges us to know our mission and what we are called to. 

After 25 years of serving on staff in the local church, Larry Franks became the Executive Director of First Priority of Greater Decatur in November 2014. He is adding to his role in Decatur as a part-time Director of Training for First Priority of America where he will be overseeing and coaching Aaron and Victor in their roles in the TN-1 District. His heart’s passion is to see students come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, and for them to realize that there is HOPE. Larry has enjoyed watching God grow First Priority in Morgan, Lawrence, and Cullman Counties from its beginning in 2009 on 18 campuses to currently being on 56 campuses. There have been over 5,000 students say YES to the HOPE of Christ on the public school campus over the last 12 years. Larry was awarded the Lynn C Fowler Non-Profit Professional of the Year by the Decatur-Morgan Chamber of Commerce. First Priority of Greater Decatur was also awarded the Non-Profit of the Year by the Decatur City School System. Clothe Our Kids, a ministry of First Priority Greater Decatur received the Non-Profit of the Year by the Decatur City School System in 2019. Larry is married to Jessica (34 years) and has two daughters, Chelsea (28) and Hannah (22). Larry and Jessica are expecting their first grandchild in February 2022. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and is an avid Georgia Bulldog fan.

You can learn more about First Priority Decatur here: https://fpdecatur.org/

FP Central Valley Area Coordinator Justin Lopes shares his heart of why he does First Priority.

On today's episode, FP Central Valley Area Director Justin Lopes, shares how First Priority has impacted his life and his ministry and why he continues to want to take the hope of Christ to every student in the Central Valley of California. 

Justin has been with First Priority for over 8 years. He is currently the Area Director for the Central Valley. His desire is for all students to hear about the hope of Christ! His goal is to help the local church come up with a plan of action in reaching their local campuses. Justin also serves as an associate pastor for The Rock church of Turlock. 

The State of the Union of FPoA from the President and EVP of Development.

On today's episode of the FP Podcast, FP President Mark Robbins, and EVP of Development, Warren Robold deliver the State of Union of FPoA. Mark and Warren share what the goals are towards taking the hope of Christ to every student. 

Brad Schelling is the Director of Ministry Operations at First Priority of America and Steve Cherrico is the Executive Director of FP Greater Nashville as well as a Regional Manager for FPoA. Mark Robbins is the President of FPoA and Warren Robold is the EVP of Development of FPoA You can read more about them here: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board

FP Permian Basin Executive Director Shane Kenney

On today's episode of the FP Podcast, FP Permian Basin Executive Director Shane Kenney shares an encouraging and challenging word, during a devotional at the Fall Conference in October. 

Shane has been working with students since 1998. He has served as a youth pastor in Florida for many years as well as coaching at the local school. It was during that time that he got a burden for campus ministry. In February of 2011 he joined First Priority in West Florida. In July of 2013 he moved his family to West Texas to become the Executive Director in the Permian Basin. Shane lives in Odessa, TX with his wife, Natalie and oldest daughter Tori. His youngest daughter Tristan currently lives in Anchorage, AK. Find out more about FP Permian Basin here: https://firstprioritypb.org/staff/

Another peak into Fall conference with Board Members Leon Drennan and Kevin Kolb

FP Podcast hosts Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling talk about the Fall Conference that took place in Fort Worth, TX. They share an excerpt of the conference, featuring board members Leon Drennan and Kevin Kolb.

Brad Schelling is the Director of Ministry Operations at First Priority of America and Steve Cherrico is the Executive Director of FP Greater Nashville as well as a Regional Manager for FPoA. Leon Drennan is the National Board Vice Chairman and Kevin Kolb is a National Board Member. You can read more about them here: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board

Board Members Mike Roberts & Cary Brown share their passion for First Priority.

FP Podcast hosts Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling talk about the Fall Conference that took place in Fort Worth, TX share an excerpt of the conference, featuring board members Mike Roberts and Cary Brown.

Brad Schelling is the Director of Ministry Operations at First Priority of America and Steve Cherrico is the Executive Director of FP Greater Nashville as well as a Regional Manager for FPoA. Mike Roberts is the board treasurer and Cary Brown is the board chairman. You can read more about them here: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board

What is First Priority’s Core Target?

FP Podcast hosts Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling talk about the core target of First Priority and what First Priority is doing to reach their mission "To Take the hope of Christ to every Student". Listen today on the FP Podcast!

Brad Schelling is the Director of Ministry Operations at First Priority of America and Steve Cherrico is the Executive Director of FP Greater Nashville as well as a Regional Manager for FPoA. You can read more about them here: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board

What is First Priority’s Core Focus?

FP Podcast hosts Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling talk about the core focus of First Priority, consisting of our Passion and Niche. Come find out what really drives First Priority.

Brad Schelling is the Director of Ministry Operations at First Priority of America and Steve Cherrico is the Executive Director of FP Greater Nashville as well as a Regional Manager for FPoA. You can read more about them here: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board

Who is First Priority and who makes it run?

FP Podcast hosts Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling meet with Kristina Sears, Susan Cagna, and Janice Blanchett to talk about who First Priority is and who keeps First Priority running everyday.

Brad Schelling is the Director of Ministry Operations at First Priority of America, Steve Cherrico is the Executive Director of FP Greater Nashville as well as a Regional Manager for FPoA. Kristina is the Systems and Communications Director, Janice Blanchett is the Executive Assistant and Bookkeeper, and Susan Cagna is the Resource and Event Coordinator. You can read more about them here: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board

What is the target market and the uniques of First Priority?

FP Podcast hosts Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling talk about the target market and uniques of First Priority. It comes down to this simple sentence: Influencers and connectors who care about impacting the moral, social, and spiritual direction of the next generation. 

Brad Schelling is the Director of Ministry Operations at First Priority of America and Steve Cherrico is the Executive Director of FP Greater Nashville as well as a Regional Manager for FPoA. You can read more about them here: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board