Find partners
Biz & Tech Podcasts — Collaboration Platform
Menu
Submit Podcast
The First Priority Podcast

The First Priority Podcast

Hosted by First Priority of America

BusinessReligionSpiritualityChristianityEducationExplicit
WebsiteRSS feed

Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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. We aim 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 those around them. Our core focus is 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 Christian students to share their hope in Christ with their peers. Listen in and join the movement today!

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 4, 2026Episode 11223 min

Personnel Values #4: Eager to Learn (with the NCD1 Interns)

What does it look like to be truly eager to learn? In this episode, Brad is joined by First Priority interns Bella and Gabe from First Priority of North Carolina District 1, to talk about how leadership has shaped their faith, challenged them to grow, and prepared them for the future. Bella and Gabe share how stepping into student leadership and internships has taught them the importance of humility, asking questions, embracing feedback, and trusting God through every opportunity. They also discuss how First Priority has equipped them to lead in their schools while developing skills that will serve them for years to come. This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth begins with a willingness to learn. In This Episode How student leadership builds confidence and strengthens faith Why asking good questions is one of the most valuable leadership skills Learning through feedback, mistakes, and mentorship How God uses different gifts to build stronger teams Encouragement for adults who are developing young leaders Preparing for new seasons while staying grounded in Christ

July 21, 2026Episode 11127 min

Personnel Values #3: Collaborative Team Builder (with the KC Team)

In this episode, Brad and Steve continue the conversation on First Priority’s Personnel Values with a look at what it means to be a Collaborative Team Builder. They are joined by Logan Miller, Jenna Doll, Kristi Olson, and Avari Johnson from the First Priority Kansas City team. Together, they discuss building trust, understanding each person’s strengths, creating healthy team rhythms, and caring for people beyond their performance. The Kansas City team also shares practical lessons on communication, vulnerability, navigating challenges, and asking for help. Whether you serve on staff, lead volunteers or support a Campus Club, this episode offers practical encouragement for building stronger teams and remembering that you are not doing this work alone.

July 7, 2026Episode 11030 min

Personnel Values #2: Passionate & Inspiring (with Jeff and Joe)

What does it look like to live out the value of being Passionate & Inspiring? In this episode, Brad and Steve are joined by Jeff Stanford, Director of First Priority Ozarks, and Joe Maldonado, Executive Director of First Priority Florida Space Coast, to discuss how passion for Christ and the mission inspires students, churches, volunteers, and entire communities to get involved. Together, they explore why passion is more than excitement. It's a commitment to the mission that encourages others to take action. Through stories of student leadership, life change, and ministry impact, they share how living this value creates a culture that points people to Jesus and equips the next generation to reach their peers.

July 1, 2026Episode 10944 min

HOPE Training: Everything You Need to Know

The new school year is almost here, and with it comes HOPE, First Priority's new 4-week cycle designed to equip students to confidently take the Hope of Christ to their campuses. In this episode, Brad Schelling sits down with Fort Worth Director Heather Bundy to walk through everything Club Mentors and Student Leaders need to know before launching this year's Clubs. From training resources and Club structure to the new HOPE Cycle and Gospel Tools, this conversation provides a practical overview of what to expect and how to prepare your team for a successful year of ministry. In This Episode An overview of the new HOPE Club Cycle What's changing and what's staying the same How to use the new training binders and resources The purpose of Intro Week Understanding the HOPE cycle: Help Opportunity Prepare Encounter New Gospel Tools and Holiday Resources Best practices for training Student Leaders Using the First Priority App Planning your Club year and adapting to your campus Tips for ending the school year well and developing future Student Leaders Resources 📘 Download the HOPE Guide https://firstpriority.org/resources 🛍️ Order HOPE Resources https://shop.firstpriority.org 📱 First Priority App https://firstpriority.org/app 🌐 Learn More About First Priority https://firstpriority.org Thank you for investing in students and partnering with First Priority to take the Hope of Christ to every student.

June 23, 2026Episode 10825 min

Personnel Values #1: Christ Follower (with Larry Bragg)

In this episode, Brad Schelling and Steve Cherrico are joined by Larry Bragg, Director of First Priority Metro East, to kick off our new series on First Priority's Personnel Values. The conversation begins with stories of God's faithfulness from across the ministry, including a thriving new Club and student-led growth on campuses. The focus then shifts to our first personnel value: Christ Follower. Larry shares how God called him into First Priority, why following Christ must come before pursuing ministry goals, and how bold faith can influence entire families, schools, and communities. Together, the team discusses radical obedience, encouraging student leaders, staying grounded in Scripture, and what it looks like to remain close to Christ during busy seasons of ministry. In This Episode • Why "Christ Follower" is the foundation of every other value • Larry Bragg's journey from Chick-fil-A to First Priority leadership • Celebrating 419 student decisions for Christ in Metro East this year • The story of a new Club that launched after three years of prayer • How one fifth-grade student's testimony impacted an entire room • Hebrews 10:24 and the challenge to spur others on toward love and good deeds • Radical obedience, bold faith, and trusting God with the next step • Staying connected to Christ when ministry feels overwhelming Connect With First Priority Learn more about First Priority and our mission to take the hope of Christ to every student at FirstPriority.org.

June 2, 2026Episode 10721 min

What Makes a Successful First Priority Leader? | Personnel Value Series Introduction

In this episode, Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling kick off a new podcast series focused on the five personnel values that shape the culture of First Priority. These values help define the characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors that contribute to healthy leadership and effective ministry. Together, they discuss the difference between ministry core values and personnel core values, explore how these values were developed through EOS® and Traction®, and share why they continue to guide the way First Priority leaders serve students, churches, schools, and communities. The conversation also highlights exciting updates from FP Connect, stories of new club opportunities across the country, and a preview of the upcoming episodes that will take a deeper look at each individual core value. In This Episode • Updates on FP Connect and new club opportunities across the country • The difference between ministry core values and personnel core values • An overview of First Priority's five personnel values: Christ Follower Passionate & Inspiring Collaborative Team Builder Eager to Learn Confidently Driven • Why culture matters in ministry leadership • How strong values create healthy teams and sustainable growth Coming Next The next episode takes a deeper look at the first core value, Christ Follower, featuring special guest Larry Bragg from First Priority Metro East.

March 20, 2026Episode 10646 min

Align 2025 Breakout: Funding the Mission | Season 7, Episode 2

Raising money for ministry can feel like the hardest part of the work… but what if it actually became one of the most life-giving parts of it? In this breakout session from Align 2025, Joe Maldonado shares how his First Priority region grew to 50+ clubs across multiple counties while keeping things simple, relational, and sustainable. Instead of chasing big events or complicated strategies, Joe walks through a clear, repeatable approach built on relationships, small gatherings, and sharing real stories of impact. From Director Dinners to Monthly Donors and Church Partnerships, you’ll hear exactly how he structured a plan that funded growth without adding pressure. If fundraising has ever felt frustrating or disconnected from your calling, this episode will help you rethink it as part of the mission and give you a practical way to move forward. ⚡ What You’ll Walk Away With: A simple framework for funding your ministry without big events. How to turn relationships into long-term support. Practical ways to build a steady monthly donor base. A clearer, more confident way to invite people in. 🔗 Links & Resources First Priority → https://firstpriority.org Youth Pastor Summit → https://slulead.com

March 6, 2026Episode 10535 min

Align 2025 Breakout: Social Media | Season 7, Episode 2

Brad and Steve introduce another breakout session from Align 2025, featuring Logan Miller and Tayana Bradley on social media marketing for First Priority. In this conversation, Logan and Tayana share practical ways Chapters can use social media to tell the story of what God is doing on campuses. From simple posting rhythms to empowering students to share what’s happening at their clubs, the session focuses on keeping the mission visible and helping more students hear about First Priority. You’ll hear: • How Chapters can consistently share club stories online • Simple systems that help directors and students post regularly • Why social media matters for growing awareness and celebrating what God is doing in schools • Real examples from the Kansas City chapter and national content efforts If you want practical ideas for sharing the First Priority story and reaching students where they already spend time online, this breakout session is worth the listen. 🙌📱

February 20, 2026Episode 10450 min

Align 2025 Breakout: The Culture Index | Season 7, Episode 1

In this episode, Steve and Brad recap a practical breakout session from the Align 2025 Conference: the Culture Index! Download this worksheet before you start listening. Hosted by Ashley Jones and Travis Neff, they break down how this profiling tool helps teams understand how they’re wired and how that wiring impacts leadership, communication, hiring, and burnout. 🧠 Learn what the core traits reveal about drive, social style, pace, detail, logic, creativity, and energy capacity. 🤝 Discover how understanding your teammates reduces conflict and increases trust. 📊 See how Culture Index can clarify your next hire and strengthen team health. 🔥 Identify where you may be operating outside your natural wiring. This conversation is not about labeling people. It’s about building stronger, healthier teams so we can serve the mission of First Priority with clarity, unity, and purpose.

December 19, 2025Episode 10346 min

It’s Personal, It’s Relational, and the Time Is Now | Align 2025 Recap

In Session 3 of the Align 2025 series, Permian Basin leaders Shane and Natalie Kenny share what it really takes to build a sustainable First Priority ministry that lasts beyond any one staff member, student leader, or season. Their message is clear: sustainability is not just about club mechanics, it starts with roots. A heart that stays soft for the city. Relationships that go deep with the local church and school leaders. And a sense of urgency to act because the harvest is ready. This episode wraps the three main Align sessions and sets up the upcoming breakout episodes. Key Takeaways Sustainability starts before the club starts. Shane and Natalie emphasize building a ministry foundation that can outlive you, not just launching a weekly meeting. Personal first: love your city and your schools. Ministry becomes fragile when frustration replaces compassion. They challenge leaders to reclaim a burden for their community and campus. Potted vs. planted. A powerful metaphor throughout the session: you can travel like a potted plant, or you can put down roots and build something that stands the test of time. Relational ministry beats transactional ministry. Networks are not the goal. Serving people is. They challenge leaders to stop viewing relationships as a means to an end. Mobilize beyond youth pastors. Relying only on youth pastors for volunteers is not sustainable. Their model expands the volunteer base across the local church, including parents and community members. Go through the front door. They stress the importance of meeting principals, building trust with administration, and showing up to serve schools consistently. Create the environment so students can lead. Their focus is building the “wall” around student leadership so students can step up with confidence and consistency. Reflection Questions Do I feel compassion for my city right now, or am I running on frustration? Am I operating relationally or transactionally with schools, churches, and leaders? Who is “on the wall” with me, and where do I need to expand my volunteer base? Have I built roots in my community, or am I still trying to lead like a potted plant?

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing

More Business podcasts

One moment, please...

BusinessInvesting

One moment, please...

Business

Swallow Your Pride Podcast

BusinessCareersInterviews guests

One moment, please...

Business

One moment, please...

Business
MACRA

MACRA

MACRA Website

Business