The First Priority Podcast

First Priority of America
The First Priority Podcast

In a world filled with stress and pressure to perform, anxiety about cultural expectations, and depression from being isolated to a screen, the culture in America is killing our teenagers from the inside out. Our purpose is to provide hope and inspiration by taking the Hope of Christ to Every Student. We want to provide teens a place to belong, opportunities to make a positive difference, and bring life-changing transformation to their life and to those around them. It is our core focus to help 300,000 students in 4,650 different schools experience the hope of Christ by December 31, 2023. This podcast is part of our strategy to get the word out to the believers of Jesus in the United States to help encourage, equip and empower the Christian students to share their hope in Christ with their peers. If you are someone who wants to bring the light of Jesus into the lives of teenagers, then you are in the right place! Listen in and join the movement today!

  1. 22 OCT

    The Power of Personal Invitations: Creating a Welcoming Environment for Students | Season 5, Ep. 29

    In this episode, Brad Schelling and Steve Cherrico dive into the incredible impact that personal invitations have during Invite Week of the EPIC cycle. They share how a simple invite can transform a student's experience, making them feel welcomed and valued. Brad and Steve reflect on the courage it takes to walk into unfamiliar spaces, like a First Priority club, and how a personal invitation can break down those barriers. While social media and flyers are great for raising awareness, nothing beats the feeling of being personally invited. They discuss practical tools that First Priority offers—like invitation cards and prayer cards—to help students extend an invitation with confidence and purpose. The conversation also highlights the importance of prayer in this process, encouraging students to pray for their friends as they invite them to be a part of something life-changing. In the second half of the episode, Brad and Steve share inspiring stories from First Priority clubs, where personal invitations have led to deeper connections with peers, increased church engagement, and decisions to follow Christ. From students requesting Bibles to leading prayers, the ripple effect of one simple invitation is powerful and lasting. Key Takeaways: Personal invitations make it easier for students to enter unfamiliar spaces, fostering a sense of belonging. First Priority provides resources like invitation cards and prayer cards to help students confidently invite their peers. Prayer is an essential part of the invitation process, building boldness in students to share their faith. Call to Action: Encourage students to pray for one friend and invite them to their First Priority club this week. Use the resources provided, including invitation cards, to make that personal connection and create a welcoming space for new students to experience the love and hope of Christ.

    28 min
  2. 8 OCT

    Preparing for Align 2024: Uniting First Priority Leaders | Season 5, Ep. 28

    In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, host Brad Schelling and guests Heather Bundy, Jacob Sharp, and Jenna Doll discuss the upcoming Align 2024 event in Nashville, Tennessee. They share personal introductions, the significance of the event, the lineup of keynote speakers, worship plans, breakout sessions, and plans for the off-site activities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, encouragement, and empowerment within the First Priority community as they prepare for the gathering.   Align Highlights: The Align 2024 event aims to unite First Priority leadership. Keynote speakers will focus on equipping, encouraging, and empowering attendees. Worship will be led by First Priority staff to foster connection. Breakout sessions will cover practical topics for youth ministry. The event is designed to build relationships among staff members. The importance of aligning with the mission of First Priority is emphasized. Quotes:  "We want to align around the mission." "It's about equipping, encouraging, and empowering. “This conference is all about connecting with people who share the same mission and building relationships that last all year.”  “We want to give leaders the tools and encouragement they need to grow their clubs and communities.” “I’m excited to see everyone in the same room. That’s what this conference is about—connecting with people who are doing the same work across the country and building those relationships that last all year.” “The breakout sessions this year hit on every key part of what we do, and I’m so excited for leaders to walk away feeling more equipped and encouraged.”  “We want to give leaders space to engage, serve, and grow with one another, whether it’s through meaningful conversations or just having fun playing games together.”

    30 min
  3. 10 SEPT

    First Priority and Operation Christmas Child: A Partnership of Hope | Season 5, Ep. 26

    In this episode, Brad sits down with Devon Rachae, pastor and Operation Christmas Child ambassador, to discuss the powerful partnership between First Priority and Operation Christmas Child. Devon shares his inspiring story of receiving a shoebox as a child and how it transformed his life, ultimately leading him to become a pastor and dedicate his life to serving others through this ministry. Throughout the conversation, Brad and Devon highlight the impact that simple shoebox gifts can have on children around the world, illustrating how each one is not only packed with love but also prayer. From incredible stories of children whose lives were forever changed to the ripple effect of hope that these gifts bring to entire communities, they explore the true power of the Gospel in action. Listeners will be encouraged to get involved—whether through packing shoeboxes, praying over the children receiving them, or supporting Operation Christmas Child's mission to spread the love of Jesus. This episode is a reminder that everyone can play a part in bringing the hope of the Gospel to those who need it most. Key Takeaways: The partnership between First Priority and Operation Christmas Child helps share the Gospel through shoebox gifts. Devon’s personal experience as a shoebox recipient led him to a life of serving God as a pastor. Every shoebox, packed with prayer and love, has the potential to change a child's life. The power of prayer and the Holy Spirit are essential in the work of Operation Christmas Child. Even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, impacting children and their communities for Christ.

    30 min
  4. 27 AUG

    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.

    25 min

About

In a world filled with stress and pressure to perform, anxiety about cultural expectations, and depression from being isolated to a screen, the culture in America is killing our teenagers from the inside out. Our purpose is to provide hope and inspiration by taking the Hope of Christ to Every Student. We want to provide teens a place to belong, opportunities to make a positive difference, and bring life-changing transformation to their life and to those around them. It is our core focus to help 300,000 students in 4,650 different schools experience the hope of Christ by December 31, 2023. This podcast is part of our strategy to get the word out to the believers of Jesus in the United States to help encourage, equip and empower the Christian students to share their hope in Christ with their peers. If you are someone who wants to bring the light of Jesus into the lives of teenagers, then you are in the right place! Listen in and join the movement today!

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