The First Priority Podcast

Why First Priority: Cincinnati Luncheon

Brad and Steve recently traveled to Cincinnati to attend First Priority of Cincinnati’s luncheon. In this podcast, we hear from First Priority partners, Jack Johnston and Kim, who opened the luncheon. Jack discussed the moral decline in the United States, and how First Priority works in the younger generation to bring structure and values to their life. Kim told the audience that the growth has been incredible, and as a parent, she believes that the youth need hope. Brad spoke at the luncheon and shared the mission and what First Priority is. First Priority answers a spiritual question for students. 

 

To learn more about First Priority of Cincinnati, read here: https://firstpriority.club/cincinnati/ 

 

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: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/

Qualities of a Shepherd

On this week’s episode, we revisit Mark Robbins, President of First Priority, at the Fall Conference speaking on the theme of shepherding. Mark explains the skills of being a shepherd. Being humble, learning new things, great endurance, exhibiting the ability to observe and patience are some key qualities to a shepherd. But you can’t overlook your flock! Brad and Steve closed the podcast with a few more words on shepherding and what it looks like. Listen today how to be a good shepherd, being the example of Christ to us!

 

Mark serves as the President of First Priority. He spends most of his day managing the organizational side of the ministry, including fundraising and board development. He was the initiator and director of First Priority Tri-States, the 2nd oldest FP chapter. Mark resides in eastern Kentucky with his wife, Michelle. Mark and Michelle have three children, Nathaniel & Mikaela (Robbins) Gray, Morgan, and Micah. They also have three grandchildren, Sadie B., Beckham and Sutton.

 

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: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/ 

Learning from God with Chris Lane

On this week’s podcast, Chris Lane, Executive Director of First Priority of South Florida, shares with the audience at our fall conference how God is working in South Florida. He credits God with all their growth, and he reminds the audience that this is a ripe mission field. Chris tells of the 10 things God has taught him in his 25 years with First Priority. Listen to how God can use you in First Priority from the things Chris has learned. Brad and Steve finished the episode with a recap of Chris Lane’s points and what they took away. 

 

Chris Lane is the Founder and President of First Priority of South Florida. For the last 25 years, Chris has overseen growth from 1 campus club to close to 300 in 7 Southeast Florida counties. Chris is a graduate of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama where he was a two sport letterman. He has been married to Wendy for 30 years and they have four sons. Chris is Passionate about bringing the life changing message of the Gospel to the next generation. To see more about Chris, click here:   https://firstpriority.cc/staff/ 

 

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: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/ 

Shepherding the Flock

Natalie Kenney, Area Director and Administrator of First Priority of Permian Basin, spoke at our fall conference this past october. She shares the theme of shepherding and what it looks like to shepherd volunteers. Shepherding is showing up. Natalie goes on to explain what showing up can do, and how intentionality can start a conversation. Listen to her key points on how you should be shepherding in your area. Steve and Brad close the podcast talking about what Natalie said and how it does work. 

 

Natalie Kenney is the Area Director and Administrator of First Priority of Permian Basin. Natalie has served in youth ministry since 1998. She has a burden to reach lost people with the Gospel and uses that passion to train students to be missionaries on their campus. Natalie is the leader and main contributor for the writing team that produces the FPPB curriculum. She also coordinates the 115+ volunteers – training and equipping them for success in clubs. You can read more about Shane and Natalie here: https://firstprioritypb.org/staff/ 

 

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: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/ 

25 Years of First Priority of South Mississippi

JD Simpson, Executive Director of First priority of South Mississippi, joins Steve on this week’s podcast. He discusses his experience with launching clubs in his community, growing from four to about fifty clubs since the start. He encourages students to continue to use the tools God has given them to encourage others and so that God can use them. Brad and Steve finish the podcast with numbers of churchers, going over highest attendance and the decisions students have made to follow Jesus. 

 

Check out our new releases on our shop at the link here: https://shopfirstpriority.club/collections/special-feature 

 

JD Simpson is the Executive Director of First Priority South Mississippi. This is their 25th year! Before FP, JD was in ministry for 16 years in Louisiana. He heard about First Priority from a man named Benny. In 1999, they started four clubs in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He has four kids, two boys and two girls. https://fpsouthms.org/ 

 

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: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/ 

St. Louis Metro East with Larry Bragg

Steve Cherrico spoke with Larry Bragg who is the Area Director for First Priority of St. Louis Metro East. Larry shares the story of how he came to know First Priority and got involved. Larry has a passion for students because he loves kids and wants to expose them to Christ. 

Brad and Steve wrap up the podcast talk about training students and preparing them to run a club. Tune in to listen to what Brad, Steve and Larry have to say on this week’s episode.

Save the date! Next year's fall conference will be October 28-30. 

Larry Bragg is the Area Director for First Priority of St. Louis Metro East. He has been my first priority for 10 months. He has been married to his wife for 39 years. Before First priority, he was the Managing Director for Chick-Fil-A in his town. 

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: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/ 

 

First Priority of Northern Alabama with Phil Springer

 

Brad Schelling and Steve Cherrico start the podcast off talking about fall conference and club recaps! Steve met with Phil Springer at the fall conference. Listen as Phil talks about how the clubs are growing and the students are on fire for God! Brad and Steve end the podcast discussing what makes First Priority unique.

 

Save the dates! Chapter Spring meetings for Decatur May 6-7, Ft. Lauderdale May 13-14, and district staff is in Nashville May 22-23. 

 

Phil Springer is the Executive Director of First Priority of Northern Alabama. He has been with First Priority for 5 years. He was originally a campus leader. He serves four counties in North Alabama. To see more about FP North Alabama click here: https://www.fpnorthbama.org/our-board.html 

 

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: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/ 

First Priority of South Florida with Fred Revell

On this week’s podcast, Steve Cherrico talks with Fred Revell, Associate Director of First Priority of South Florida. Listen as Fred talks about saturation, and how he doesn’t want to leave any campus behind. He discusses his success and where he sees FP South Florida going, but also what God is doing in his heart. Fred Revell explains his cultural values, and how accountability is one of the hardest things to maintain.   

 

Fred Revell is the Associate Director of First Priority of South Florida, and he has been with them for 23 years. He was a former youth pastor before he became the second staff member for Chris Lane. FP South Florida serves 225 schools in the area. Click the link to read more about Fred here: https://firstpriority.cc/staff/ 

 

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/

State of the Union

Welcome to this week’s podcast featuring Mark Robbins. Today, Brad and Mark talk about numbers of clubs and the way First Priority is growing. Please take a moment to pray for our directors' guidance and wisdom as they lead us forward.

 

Stay tuned to listen to our fall conference here on our podcast! 

 

Mark serves as the President of First Priority. He spends most of his day managing the organizational side of the ministry, including fundraising and board development. He was the initiator and director of First Priority Tri-States, the 2nd oldest FP chapter. Mark resides in eastern Kentucky with his wife, Michelle. Mark and Michelle have three children, Nathaniel & Mikaela (Robbins) Gray, Morgan, and Micah. They also have three grandchildren, Sadie B., Beckham and Sutton.

 

Brad Schelling is the EVP of Operations at First Priority of America. You can read more about him here: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/

The Three E’s

Brad Schelling and Steve Cherrico talk about the “why’s” for First Priority. Listen to the Three E’s and their explanation for them. The Three E’s are Encourage, Equip and Empower. It is about you and the gifts you are able to bring to First Priority. 

 

Encouragement is something that we give and receive. Steve explains it as a cup that leaks, and we need others to keep filling us up to keep encouraging. 

 

We want to Equip and share who we are around the country. 

 

Empowerment is activated by what we have been encouraged and equipped with. There are three levels, Staff, Volunteers and Student Leaders. Empowerment will work its way down to the students.

 

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: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/