The First Priority Podcast

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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An EPIC Summer: Gospel Tools | The First Priority Podcast | Season 5, Ep. 21

Welcome to the First Priority podcast! This summer, we’re diving deep into the new EPIC Guide. To kick things off, we encourage you to check out Brad and Grace’s EPIC Roots overview on YouTube for a solid foundation. 

EPIC Roots is designed to equip student leaders with the tools they need to confidently share the Gospel with their friends and peers. Remember, First Priority clubs are more than just another Bible study or Christian club; we are dedicated to training students to be influential leaders on their school campuses! 

In this episode, join Brad and Steve as they discuss the importance of sharing our stories and the Gospel with friends at school so they can experience eternal life. They delve into what it means to be an influencer for Christ. Join them as they explore the Gospel Tools featured at the beginning of the EPIC Guide, including The Four and The Bridge, and learn how these tools can help you share the Gospel effectively.

Tune in to be inspired, equipped, and ready to make a difference on your campus!

A Christian Non-Profit Inside Look | 2024 SWOT Analysis Overview | Season 5, Ep. 19

In this episode, hosts Brad Schelling and Steve Cherrico dive into the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis that our team collaboratively developed during our recent spring meeting. This comprehensive review highlights key insights and strategic perspectives gathered from our staff, and now shared with you! 

Takeaways:

• The importance of humility and healthy conflict within an organization
• The significance of collaboration and communication in addressing organizational challenges
• The mission to take the Hope of Christ to every student in America as a driving force for the organization
• The need for strategic planning and adaptability to address weaknesses and capitalize on opportunities

Growing Faith and Leadership: Gavin West's First Priority Experience, Season 5, Ep. 18

In this episode, Brad Schelling interviews Gavin West, a First Priority Leadership Scholarship winner and leader of a First Priority club. They discuss Gavin's involvement in First Priority, his upcoming college plans, and his experiences as a leader. Gavin shares his favorite moments and challenges, emphasizing the importance of reading the Bible and trusting God. The conversation highlights the generational leadership development within First Priority and the impact it has on students' lives.

 

Takeaways:

• Reading the Bible and understanding its context is crucial for effective leadership.
• Trust in God and His guidance as you lead.
• Handing off leadership to the next generation is important for the growth and continuity of First Priority clubs.
• Communication and open dialogue within the leadership team are essential for success.
• First Priority provides opportunities for students to grow in their faith and make a positive impact on their schools.
• Leadership development within First Priority is a generational process, with leaders passing on their knowledge and skills to the next group.

The Heroes of First Priority: A Look Into FP Students | Season 5, Ep. 17

In this episode of the First Priority of America Podcast, hosts Steve and Brad dive into the importance of empowering student leadership, the basis of the organization. They explore the legal foundation supporting student-led initiatives in schools and discuss how it enables students to take ownership of their faith while exercising their constitutional rights. The hosts highlight the practical impact and missional focus of student leadership, emphasizing its role in fostering community and spreading the message of Christ.

Highlights:

• Legal Framework: Steve and Brad discuss the legal framework that supports student-led initiatives in schools, emphasizing the importance of students' constitutional rights.
• Practical Impact: The hosts explore how student leadership provides a platform for active engagement in mission work, fostering meaningful connections with peers and spreading the message of hope.
• Peer Influence: They discuss the significance of peer-to-peer interactions in spreading the gospel, highlighting students as credible sources of faith expression who influence their peers through authentic relationships.
• Reaching the Unchurched: Steve and Brad emphasize the role of student-led initiatives in reaching unchurched teenagers, creating opportunities for transformation and spiritual growth.
• Training Future Leaders: They highlight how First Priority equips students with essential leadership skills, preparing them to become influential leaders in their schools and communities.

Teachers in Action, a Conversation with a First Priority Teacher Sponsor, Season 5, Ep. 16

Join host Brad Schelling as he sits down with Lisa Elliot, a dedicated teacher sponsor from Shreveport, Louisiana, in this episode of the First Priority podcast! 

Lisa Elliot, a special education inclusion teacher at Youree Drive Middle School in Shreveport, Louisiana, shares her dedication to students' well-being. She discusses her passion for working with middle school students and navigating the challenges they face, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lisa opens up about the heartwarming stories of student transformation she has witnessed through the First Priority club, emphasizing the impact of faith and community on their lives. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of simple acts of kindness and genuine care in supporting students' spiritual growth and overall well-being. Additionally, Lisa highlights the significance of student-led initiatives within the First Priority clubs and the vital role of teacher sponsors in fostering a supportive environment for students.

A First Priority Podcast Special with Kilton Késs Janvier and Mike Gault

Welcome to a special episode of the First Priority podcast, where we dive deep into the incredible work happening in First Priority South Florida, specifically in Miami-Dade County! 

In this episode, Mike Gault (director of FP Miami-Dade) and Kilton Késs Janvier (associate pastor and FP club coach) sit down with Steve Cherrico, during the hustle and bustle of Youth Pastor Summit Orlando, to share their personal journeys of how they got involved with First Priority and the impact it has had on their lives. 

Episode Highlights:

• Passionate Student Leaders: Mike and Kilton share stories of middle and high school students taking the lead in organizing club meetings and spreading the gospel on their campuses.

• Impact on Campus Culture: From organizing worship nights to leading Bible studies, students are making a tangible difference in their school communities by sharing the hope of Christ.

• Connection with Local Churches: Building strong connections between student-led clubs and local churches is key to sustaining and expanding the impact of First Priority.

• Practical Insights for Church Leaders: Mike and Kilton offer practical insights for church leaders on supporting and engaging with student-led initiatives, emphasizing the significance of youth empowerment and mentorship.

• Celebrating Transformative Stories: The episode features inspiring stories of students overcoming challenges, impacting their peers, and witnessing transformation in their school environments.

For more information on the world of FP Miami-Dade and South Florida, visit https://firstpriority.cc/ or follow their Instagram @firstprioritysf. To hear more from Kilton, follow along on his Instagram @kiltonkess_ 

Thanks for listening!