The First Priority Podcast

Ryan McDermott, a team member of SLU (Student Leadership University), brings us a word of encouragement on leading this generation of students. Ryan talks about the "tide" of student leadership and what it means for this generation currently.    Ryan McDerm0tt is the Next Generation Pastor for Christ Fellowship Church in West Palm Beach Florida where he has served for the last 13 years. Prior to this, he served in youth ministry as a youth pastor for 5 years. Ryan also is a team member of SLU (Student Leadership University).    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  

Welcome to another episode of the First Priority Podcast with your hosts, Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling! In this episode, Brad and Steve discuss the importance of strategic planning for FP Clubs and how to use the EPIC Guide to train Student Leaders to lead their club schedule efficiently!  The two kick off the episode by sharing updates on First Priority's exciting developments across the country, but quickly dive into the heart of the episode by breaking down the EPIC Guide's monthly and weekly planning sheets on pages 23 and 26 of EPIC Roots. They explain how these tools help in organizing and executing the four-week EPIC plan, which includes Equip, Prepare, Invite, and Connect weeks. This detailed walkthrough ensures that Student Leaders can effectively share the Gospel and connect with their peers. Tune in to hear about: The significance of the monthly planning sheet and how it helps maximize the school year. The role of each week in the EPIC plan and why none should be skipped, but can be adjusted as needed.  Don't miss this episode filled with practical tips, humorous anecdotes, and valuable insights into making your First Priority clubs more effective and impactful!  Enjoying the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your network! For more information on First Priority and to access the EPIC Guide, visit firstpriority.club!  ----more---- First Priority, student ministry, EPIC Guide, campus coaches, planning sheets, Equip Week, Prepare Week, Invite Week, Connect Week, strategic planning, Gospel, ministry success stories, youth ministry, campus ministry, campus clubs.   

Summary:    In this podcast episode, the hosts interview Larry Crawford, a campus coach at Christiana Middle School. Larry shares his background and role as a campus coach, as well as his passion for supporting students. He discusses the growth of the club and the impact it has had on students' lives. Larry also talks about his church's missional focus and their involvement in various outreach activities. The conversation highlights the importance of the Big C Church and the role of individual churches in the larger Kingdom of God.   Takeaways: First Priority Campus Coaches play a vital role in supporting and mentoring students in their faith journey. Student-led clubs can have a significant impact on school campuses, leading to spiritual growth and transformation. Churches should have a missional focus and actively engage in outreach activities to make a difference in their communities. The Big C Church encompasses all believers and churches, working together to spread the message of Jesus. ----more---- 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. 

In today's episode, we're excited to explore the crucial role of church-based training in equipping leaders for school ministry. This is part of our new series on our Essential Networks, where each month we unpack one of the five key elements. Today, we're zooming in on the church, detailing the proven process and offering an essential network overview. Our focus is on church leaders and their pivotal role in the context of school ministry. These leaders play a key part in the First Priority model.  We'll start by providing an overview of what FP church-based leaders are and how they fit into the larger framework. Understanding their role is essential for creating effective and impactful connections between the church and the club. In our next episode, tune in as we hear directly from Larry, a Campus Coach at Christiana Middle School. Larry will share insights, experiences, and perspectives on the topic, providing a real-world perspective on the role of church leaders in school ministry. Join us next week as we continue this important conversation on Church-Based Training. Remember, these discussions are not just informative but serve as a source of inspiration and practical guidance for anyone involved in FP.  - 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. 

Join Brad, Steve, and Debi DeBoer, the director of FP of Alabama, on this week's episode of the First Priority Podcast! Debi has been with First Priority for 26 years and her passion and excitement for the mission continues to grow everyday. Tune in to be encouraged and inspired to keep taking the Hope of Christ to Every Student.  - Debi DeBoer has been on staff for the past 26 years and is now serving as Ministry Director for The Greater Birmingham area. She got involved with campus ministry when there was a void of students at her local church. Why should the church expect people to come to us when God commanded us to "Go and make disciples..." ? What a privilege to train and equip students and develop the leader within. Debi is passionate about this generation and wants to make sure they are grounded in biblical truth and not a product of the culture around them. She is a mother of three children, Lindi, Lani and Joppe and is happily married to James DeBoer. She enjoys reading, traveling, relaxing at the lake, and spending time with friends and family. - 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. 

Join us in this special episode of The First Priority Podcast as Steve Cherrico sits down with Haley Wherry, an Area Coordinator in FP Northeast TN, to delve into the topic of God's calling on one's life. In this insightful conversation, Haley shares his experiences, wisdom, and reflections on the topic as it relates to First Priority and youth ministry.  Haley Wherry is a First Priority Area Coordinator and Trainer in the Northeast Tennessee District. He has been involved with youth and college ministry for over 30 years, serving as Youth Pastor, Interim Pastor, Campus Ministry Coordinator, Event Coordinator and more. He has worked for First Priority since 2009 and loves empowering students and encouraging youth workers. Haley has a heart for Northeast Tennessee having been born and raised in the region. He and his wife, Kelly, have two children and one grandchild: Brock who is married to Raleigh with their son Zebedee, and Barrett who is married to Richie. 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. 

Brad and Steve discuss the mission, vision, and niche of First Priority of America in detail and share how it will remain the same, even in a New Year. Even though 2024 will bring fresh experiences and new challenges, we are still here to Take the Hope of Christ to Every Student.  Connect With Us: Instagram Facebook 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. 

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/

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/ 

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/ 

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/   

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/

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/   

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/

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/ 

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/

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/ 

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/

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/   

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/