The First Priority Podcast

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! 

First Priority Partners: Teachers Empowering Student Leaders | Season 5, Ep. 14

In this episode, hosts Brad and Steve dive into the crucial role of teacher sponsors in facilitating student-led clubs, particularly focusing on First Priority clubs in schools across the United States; they explore the responsibilities and significance of teacher sponsors within the context of promoting faith-based activities on school campuses.

Highlights: 

• Explanation of the custodial role of teacher sponsors within school clubs, ensuring students have the necessary resources and support.
• Guidance on accessing club resources through local staff members or online platforms like the First Priority website.
• Discussion on the relationship-building aspect of being a teacher sponsor, fostering trust and support among students and faculty.
• Addressing common concerns and misconceptions regarding the presence of Bibles and religious discussions in school clubs.
• Recognition and gratitude for the dedication of secondary school educators, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping young minds.

Join Steve and Brad as they discuss the dynamics of being an FP Club teacher sponsor and the impact teachers can have on student-led initiatives within schools.

Campus Calling: Rachel Gardiner's Heart for Reaching Students with the Gospel, Season 5. Ep. 13

Join hosts Brad and Steve in an insightful conversation with Rachel Gardiner, a high school teacher turned First Priority Director in Johnston County. Together, they dive into Rachel's story, her passion for empowering students, and her vision for spreading the message of hope across campuses.

Highlights: 

• Rachel's Transition: Rachel's journey from being a high school teacher to assuming the role of Executive Director of First Priority in Johnston County.

• Passion for Gospel: Rachel's innate passion for spreading the gospel, evident in her words and actions throughout her teaching career and current leadership role.

• Navigating Challenges: Insights into the challenges Rachel faced in bridging the gap between education and ministry, and how she overcame them to empower students effectively.

• Empowering Student Leaders: Rachel's commitment to empowering student leaders, instilling in them the confidence and tools needed to share the message of Christ on their campuses.

• Understanding Spiritual Climate: Rachel's perspective on the importance of understanding the spiritual climate of schools, and how it informs effective outreach strategies.

• Personal Growth: Reflections on Rachel's personal growth and development as she transitioned into her role at First Priority, navigating obstacles and seizing opportunities along the way.

• Vision for Expansion: Rachel's vision for expanding First Priority's reach, both within Johnston County and beyond, driven by a desire to see more students impacted by the hope of Christ.

A Conversation with New Kansas City District Director, Chelsea Robbins

Join host Brad Schelling in this episode of the First Priority Podcast as he welcomes Chelsea Robbins, the new District Director of First Priority Kansas City! Learn about her experiences on the road to her eventual role at First Priority; Chelsea's story is fascinating! She discusses the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that led her to her current position.

Tune in as they explore the importance of educating teachers about the Equal Access Act, overcoming obstacles, and nurturing a culture of compassion in the local church. 

 

Breaking Through Ceilings: Business Wisdom for Ministry Growth with Joseph Daley | Season 5, Ep. 11

In this episode of The First Priority Podcast, host Brad Schelling sits down with Joseph Daley, a former FP student leader turned real estate agent and board member of First Priority Birmingham. Reflecting on Joseph's longstanding journey within the organization, Brad and Joseph discuss First Priority and its impact on youth leadership and spiritual growth.

Highlights:

• Joseph shares his experience as a student leader in First Priority, inspired by the guidance of Debbie DeBoer, his area director.
• The conversation explores the challenges and lessons learned in navigating cultural shifts within high school communities.
• Joseph discusses his transition from student leadership to board membership and his ongoing commitment to serving campus communities.
• Brad and Joseph emphasize the importance of mentorship and succession planning in nurturing the next generation of leaders within organizations like First Priority, ensuring a legacy of positive change.
• He shares personal experiences from his journey in business, highlighting the crucial role of hiring and partnering with others to overcome limitations and achieve growth.
• The discussion delves into the concept of leveraging strengths and partnerships, both in business and ministry, to foster growth and overcome challenges.
• Joseph offers advice for individuals considering involvement in First Priority or similar initiatives, stressing the importance of understanding the organization's vision, identifying personal contributions, and persevering through challenges with faith and endurance.
• The conversation concludes with insights on the spiritual aspect of leadership and the power of prioritizing a deeper relationship with God amidst life's distractions.

Join Brad and Joseph as they celebrate the resilience and enduring impact of First Priority in empowering youth and fostering community change.

Meet the Team | Ashley Bell + Tyler Wilkes

Meet the First Priority Team! Join Brad and Steve in this special bonus episode of the podcast where we get to meet 2 of FP's newest teammates!  

• Ashley Bell: Director, North Alabama.
• Tyler Wilkes: Regional Director, Metro Atlanta, Cherokee County.