The First Priority Podcast

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. 

Meet the Team | Steve Snapp & Tishana Cundiff

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! 

• Tishana Cundiff: Interim Director, Heritage. 
• Steve Snapp: Area Coordinator, The Ozarks.

 

Building Networks for Impact, a Conversation with Mark Robbins | Season 5, Ep. 10

In this episode of the First Priority podcast, host Brad Schelling sits down with Mark Robbins, president of First Priority of America, for an insightful conversation about the importance of building networks in the context of ministry and community impact. Mark shares his journey with First Priority, highlighting the growth and impact of the organization over the years.

Key Highlights:

• Introducing Mark Robbins: Mark shares his background and journey with First Priority, emphasizing his passion for empowering students and communities.

• Milestones and Growth: The episode celebrates First Priority reaching a significant milestone of a thousand clubs, reflecting on the impact of the organization's growth and the number of students reached with the gospel.

• Community and Business Leaders: Mark and Brad discuss the pivotal role of business and community leaders in supporting and advancing the mission of First Priority. They highlight the importance of networking and building relationships with key influencers to drive positive change in communities.

• Encouragement for New Directors: Mark offers words of encouragement for new directors and leaders entering the realm of student ministry, emphasizing the significance of trusting in God's plan, being confident in one's purpose, and persevering through challenges in fundraising.

Stay Connected:

Stay updated with the latest news and events from First Priority by visiting our website and following us on social media. Don't miss out on opportunities to make a difference in your community!

• First Priority Website
• Scholarship Application
• Spring Meeting Registration - Decatur
• Spring Meeting Registration - South Florida

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Priority podcast. Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations and updates from First Priority. Until next time, keep making a difference in your world!

Community Impact: First Priority's Role in Local Transformation | Season 5, Ep. 9

Join hosts Brad Schelling, EVP of Operations at First Priority of America, and Steve Cherrico, Executive Director of FP Greater Nashville and Regional Manager for FPoA, on the First Priority Podcast as they lead an exploration into the impact of First Priority on communities, and the impact of Business + Community Leaders on First Priority. 

This Month's Focus: Throughout this month, the podcast zeroes in on the Business + Community Leaders aspect of First Priority. In this episode, Brad and Steve delve into how First Priority clubs have the potential to revolutionize communities, stressing why leaders should actively engage and invest in this mission.

Brad and Steve also speak on the indispensable role that business leaders play in supporting and advancing the mission of First Priority clubs, emphasizing both the contributions they make and the significance of their involvement.

Don't miss out on this episode of the First Priority Podcast, where Brad and Steve unravel the pivotal role of Business + Community Leaders in propelling community transformation through First Priority clubs. Tune in, gain insights, and be inspired to enact positive change in your community.

Links Mentioned: 

• T-Shirt Competition
• Spring Meeting Registration - Decatur
• Spring Meeting Registration - South Florida

Church Partnerships, a Conversation with Ryan McMichael | Season 5,Ep. 8

In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, Brad Schelling welcomes special guest Ryan McMichael to discuss the mission of First Priority and the importance of church partnerships in reaching every student in the United States with the Hope of Christ. Ryan, an area director with First Priority Greater Nashville, shares insights from his experience working with students and churches in Maury County and South Williamson counties.

• Ryan shares his background and transition from student ministry to First Priority, emphasizing the importance of equipping students and leaders for ministry.
• He discusses the impact of First Priority in local schools, highlighting the transformation in student leadership and campus culture.
• The conversation delves into the significance of church partnerships in school outreach and the tangible results seen in changed lives and communities.

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Brad Schelling is the EVP of 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. 

 

Engaging Churches in School Ministry | Season 5, Ep.7

Join hosts Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling as they delve into the vital topic of engaging local churches in school ministry on this episode of the First Priority Podcast. With a mission to take the hope of Christ to every student in the United States, Steve and Brad emphasize the central role of the local church in achieving this goal.

They discuss the importance of incorporating a missional component into student ministries, fostering a "sticky faith," where students seamlessly integrate their faith into their daily lives. Drawing from their own experiences and insights, Steve and Brad show the reciprocal relationship between student ministries and local churches, highlighting the mutual benefits each brings to the other. Tune in to gain valuable insights into fostering meaningful connections between churches and schools. 

Looking ahead, Steve and Brad tease an upcoming interview that will provide deeper dives into successful church-school partnerships in various settings. 

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Brad Schelling is the EVP of 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.