The First Priority Podcast

Reaching Students with Shane and Natalie Kenney

On this week’s podcast, Brad Schelling and Steve Cherrico reflected over the words that Shane and Natalie Kenney spoke in San Antonio, Texas. Shane knows First Priority works, and that it reaches people to meet Jesus. He believed in it so much that he sold his roofing company and moved his family to Odessa, Texas. Shane saw the opportunity to influence teenagers, something he wished that he had done. He was ready to work for the kingdom, and not for himself. Now, they have about 42 schools in nine regions. 

 

Natalie goes on to tell her why for First Priority. At 17, her best friend passed away and she realized she did not know how to share her faith. She knew at 17 that she was going to start sharing Jesus with those who sat next to her or interacted with her. She is ready to help equip students to share Jesus, something she wished she should have done. 

 

Shane Kenney is the Executive Director of First Priority of Permian Basin. 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.

 

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/

A Operation Christmas Child Story

Have you ever sent an Operation Christmas Child shoebox? Brad Schelling speaks with Vanessa Mejia-Hutchison, a recipient of Operation Christmas Child. Vanessa tells her story of receiving a shoebox at 10-years-old, and how it gave her assurance in Jesus. Venessa goes on to tell of her story and how she followed the Lord’s voice. Vanessa tells listeners that the shoeboxes are an opportunity to share the gospel! 

 

To get involved with Operation Christmas Child, click the link to go to their website: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/ideas-group-resources/?utm_source=Ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YGOC-B23V&utm_content=MaterialsAndPreprintedBoxes&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw69moBhBgEiwAUFCx2LOYjwUCarqr3MZGktZjjMDbDTbJ2Ogno9CvfP4GCBCPIud-VliOjRoCpzwQAvD_BwE 

 

Vanessa Mejia-Hutchison was a recipient of an Operation Christmas Child shoebox when she was 10-years-old in Honduras. She grew up with her family of six in Honduras, where her parents struggled with money. She wasn’t able to go to school everyday because they could not afford tuition. Because of her trust in Jesus, she was able to go to the University of Oregon and received a Master’s of Curriculum and Instruction. Now, Vanessa is married with a 16-month-old in Oregon. If you’d like to hear more of Vanessa’s story click the the link here: https://video.samaritanspurse.org/vanessas-story-a-gift-of-hope/ 

 

Brad Schelling and Steve Cherico end the podcast with ways that students can be involved with OCC. They encourage student clubs to get together and pack shoeboxes! Email Brad if you have any questions or stories, Brad@fpofamerica.com. 

 

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/ 

God opens doors with Michael Butler

On this week’s podcast Brad Schelling was joined by the Executive Director of FP ArkLaTex, Michael Butler. Michael told Brad that they recently had their yearly fundraiser and he was able to share some of their wins. He is hoping to have 20 school clubs by the end of the calendar year. Listen to hear how God is working in his area and what doors he has open for Michael. 

 

Join us for the fall conference! Click the link to register https://firstpriority.club/events/

 

Michael Butler is the Executive Director of First Priority ArkLaTex. He has been with FP for a few years, and previously was youth and children’s minister in Texas. Michael is married and is also a dad! To see more click here: https://firstp.org/about-us/staff-and-board/ 

 

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/

Saying yes to God with Jacob Sharp

On this week’s podcast, Brad Schelling talks with the Ministry Director of Rutherford Co., Jacob Sharp. Listen to Jacob tell his story of his prayer walk with the Lord, and how it ended at his involvement with FP. Jacob shares a story of a student moving schools, and how he wanted to plant a club at his new school. The club started this school year! 

 

Join us for the fall conference! Click the link to register https://firstpriority.club/events/

 

Jacob Sharp is the Ministry Director of Rutherford Co. Previously, he was a youth and worship pastor, but has been involved with First Priority since 2020. He has been married for three years. See more about him here: https://greaternashville.fpofamerica.com/staff-and-board 

 

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/ 

Church Partnership

What does it mean to be a partner? Churches are connected, engaged and partnered with First Priority. Tune in to listen to Brad Schelling and Steve Cherrico talk about why church partnerships are needed on this week’s podcast. 

 

Join us for the fall conference! Click the link to register https://firstpriority.club/events/

 

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 the Lakeshore with Sandy Mast

Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling host this week’s podcast with First Priority Coordinator of FP of the Lakeshore, Sandy Mast. Sandy explains the growth in her area and how students' siblings were wanting First Priority in their schools. They are currently in nine schools and hope to expand to 20 clubs in ten schools. Sandy discusses the lessons she has learned since working for FP. 

 

Join us for the fall conference! Click the link to register https://firstpriority.club/events/

 

Sandy has been a long-time active youth minister in the tri-cities community and has been involved with First Priority over the years.  She holds a degree in early childhood education and worked for Head Start as a teacher and volunteer coordinator for 10 years before being called into High School ministry.  She has been on staff at Covenant Life Church in Grand Haven since 1995, with a five-year break from that position to work with Young Life.  Sandy continues to work for Covenant Life as their Senior High Youth Director and will continue in that role. https://firstprioritylakeshore.com/first-priority-ottawa-county/  

 

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/ 

 

Brad Schelling and Kristina Sears talk about communication for the clubs

How is your club doing? We want to hear from you! Brad Schelling and Kristina Sears hopped onto this week's podcast and talked about how communication is key and the goals for FPoA.

 

If you have any questions/comments/concerns/ reach out to Brad Schelling at Brad@fpofamerica.com, or Kristina Sears at Kristina@fpofamerica.com. 

 

Join us for the fall conference! Click the link to register https://firstpriority.club/events/

 

Brad Schelling is the EVP of Operations at First Priority of America and Kristina Sears serves as the Systems and Communications Director. Read more about them here: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/

Meet the new Fort Worth Area Coordinator, Heather Bundy

Fort Worth's new Area Coordinator Heather Bundy, joins Steve Cherrico on this week's podcast to talk about her gifts of teaching and leadership that led her to First Priority. 

 

Fall Conference registration is live! Click the link to register https://firstpriority.club/events/

 

Heather Bundy lives in Roanoke, TX. Heather was raised in a multi-denominational household. She knew she believed in God throughout school, and in college she truly fell in love with the Lord. Heather was originally a head administrator of a school, but her passions are working with churches and kids so they know the Lord. She is excited to build relationships and see the clubs grow. 

 

Steve Cherrico is the Executive Director of FP Greater Nashville as well as regional Manager of FPoA. You can read more about them here: https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/

 

 

Meet the new Kansas City Area Coordinator, Jenna Doll

Kansas City's new Area Coordinator Jenna Doll, joins Steve Cherrico on this week’s podcast to talk about her heart and mission for First Priority. Jenna shares her story of being called to ministry and how her passion for sharing the gospel bleeds into the mission and ministry with First Priority. 

 

Fall Conference registration is live! Click the link to register https://firstpriority.club/events 

 

Jenna Doll lives in Kansas City, MO. Jenna has been actively sharing the gospel since she was 12 years old. Because of her story and sharing her faith at a young age, she is passionate about helping students do the same. Jenna has been working in ministry since March 2022 and is excited to be a part of the First Priority Kansas City team.

 

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

Meet the District Director for First Priority of the Ozarks, Jeff Stanford

First Priority of the Ozarks is the newest launched district of First Priority. In this week's episode First Priority of the Ozarks District Director, Jeff Stanford, introduces himself and shares his story and journey with First Priority.

Jeff Stanford is a 25 year youth ministry veteran. After serving FPSFL for 10 years as director of Palm Beach and Treasure Coast he and his family moved to Springfield, MO. The last 3 years he has worked as sales and service agent for the Local Geico Office there, all the while building a foundation that is now First Priority of the Ozarks. Click the link to read more about Jeff https://firstpriority.club/about-us/staff-and-board/

 

Fall Conference registration is live! Click the link to register https://firstpriority.club/events

 

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