In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, Steve and Brad sit down with Jody Trautwein from First Priority Alabama, for a powerful and personal conversation on what it really means to be "all in" as a volunteer in student ministry. From life-changing moments at a Carmen concert to seeing hundreds of students come to Christ across local schools, Jody shares how his own story fuels his passion for raising up Student Leaders and supporting those called to campus ministry. You’ll hear inspiring ...
Jun 19, 2025•32 min•Ep. 95
In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, Brad and Steve sit down with Sarah Leonard, Ministry Director for First Priority in North Carolina District 1. Sarah shares her journey with First Priority, explaining how student-led clubs are thriving across her district, which includes several counties around Raleigh. She highlights students' incredible passion for leading their clubs, the importance of training and communication, and how students creatively share the Gospel through unique outrea...
Jun 05, 2025•29 min•Ep. 94
In this episode, Steve and Brad welcome Jo Jabbia and Ashley Jones, two newly appointed First Priority District Directors in Houston, Texas. Jo and Ashley share the unique paths that led them to this calling; Jo from youth ministry and Chick-fil-A leadership, and Ashley from event management and a role with the Houston Dynamo. They reflect on what it's like to launch First Priority in a brand-new region, including the excitement of casting vision for Gospel clubs in schools, the challenges of na...
May 19, 2025•30 min•Ep. 93
In this episode, Brad and Steve sit down with Logan Miller and Kristi Olson, the newest members of the First Priority team in Kansas City. They share their stories, what brought them to First Priority, and the passion they have for student-led ministry. The conversation dives into what’s working, what’s still hard, and what’s next as the movement grows. From celebrating student wins to building stronger systems, this episode is all about staying faithful, creating space for students to lead, and...
May 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 92
This week, Brad, Steve, Jeff Stanford, and Steve Snapp dive into the ongoing story of First Priority of the Ozarks! Jeff discusses the growing shift to fully student-led clubs, where students take ownership of planning, marketing, and sharing the Gospel with their peers. Steve Snapp brings an incredible story of change at a local High School, where a past riot has given way to revival as students step up to lead with bold faith. This movement is about more than just FP clubs—it’s about empowerin...
Feb 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 91
In this episode, Steve Cherrico sits down with Debi DeBoer, who has been with First Priority Greater Birmingham for over 27 years. Debi shares her inspiring story from youth ministry to equipping Student Leaders through First Priority. Debi highlights how their Leadership Summit has grown from a single event to multiple city-wide gatherings, expanding student participation and enhancing community outreach. With over 600 Student Leaders trained this past year, the Summit serves as a catalyst for ...
Feb 11, 2025•20 min•Ep. 90
In this episode, Steve Cherrico sits down with Justin Theriot, District Director of Greater Cincinnati, and Ty Singleton, new Area Coordinator. Together, they discuss the journey of bringing First Priority to Cincinnati, from Justin's early days of "tilling soil" alone to the incredible growth the District is experiencing today. With 15 active clubs and plans to exceed 20 schools by year-end, they share powerful stories of students encountering the Gospel and lives being transformed on public sc...
Jan 28, 2025•20 min•Ep. 89
Welcome to Season 6 of the First Priority Podcast! Join host Steve Cherrico and guest Will Sherman, District Director for First Priority in Fort Worth, Texas, as they dive into the mission of uniting local churches to take the Hope of Christ to students across the United States. Will shares his journey from youth ministry to leading a First Priority district, the significance of Fort Worth as the birthplace of the ministry, and how empowering students to share the Gospel remains at the heart of ...
Jan 14, 2025•16 min•Ep. 88
In this final session of ALIGN 2024, join Steve Cherrico and Josh Lane as they deliver a powerful commission to everyone involved in the First Priority mission. Building on the momentum from the previous sessions, this episode challenges listeners to step into the mission field with renewed passion, clarity, and focus. If you haven’t listened to the first three sessions of ALIGN 2024, we highly encourage you to catch up! Each session builds on the next, leading to this compelling finale. Steve a...
Dec 17, 2024•43 min•Ep. 87
In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, we dive into Session #3 of Align 2024 with another keynote speaker, Kevin Kolb. Kevin shares how building authentic connections and fostering a positive culture can inspire transformation in our lives, teams, and communities. In this episode, Kevin EMPOWERS us by: Highlighting how vulnerability fosters connection and cultural change. Sharing actionable steps to build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Encouraging us to lead through faith and a...
Dec 03, 2024•38 min•Ep. 86
In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, we bring you Session 2 of Align 2024, featuring J.D. Simpson’s message on Encourage. Drawing from Hebrews 10:23-25, J.D. offers three key takeaways: Hold tight to your faith in Christ. Who are you motivating? “Us.” Take advantage of meeting with believers. “Us.” With over 30 years of ministry experience, J.D. Simpson serves as the Executive Director of First Priority in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and is a national board member for First Priority of A...
Nov 19, 2024•42 min•Ep. 85
In this special episode, we’re sharing a session from our First Priority annual conference, Align 2024. Join us as we hear from Joseph Daley, CEO and President of The Daley Group Real Estate Team in Birmingham, Alabama. Joseph’s career in real estate began at just 22, and he's now a top 5% agent in Birmingham and a recognized leader within Keller Williams Realty International. Beyond his success in real estate, Joseph has a background in ministry, serving as a student leader with First Priority,...
Nov 05, 2024•49 min•Ep. 84
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 be...
Oct 22, 2024•28 min•Ep. 83
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 f...
Oct 08, 2024•30 min•Ep. 82
In this episode, Steve Cherrico sits down with Christian illusionist Bryan Drake to explore the challenges and triumphs of engaging students in faith, both on public school campuses and in everyday life. Bryan shares inspiring stories from his journey, including his personal involvement with First Priority since high school, and his work as a Christian illusionist. They discuss the unique struggles students face today and the growing hunger for truth among young people. Together, they reflect on...
Sep 24, 2024•31 min•Ep. 81
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 ch...
Sep 10, 2024•30 min•Ep. 80
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 ea...
Aug 27, 2024•25 min•Ep. 79
In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, Sam McCullough from OneHope discusses the findings of the Global Youth Culture report, which explores the attitudes and behaviors of Gen Z in relation to religion. The report identifies different personas, including the hurt nones, apathetic nones, nominal Christians, progressive committed Christians, and all-in committed Christians. The personas highlight the challenges and beliefs of young people, such as the struggle with mental health, the confl...
Aug 13, 2024•37 min•Ep. 78
Welcome back to the First Priority Podcast! In this episode, hosts Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling share the importance of Invite-Week Events for First Priority clubs as they aim to take the hope of Christ to every student! Events Mentioned: September 25th, 2024: See You at the Pole Operation Christmas Child Packing Party: Anytime before November 18th, 2024 (National Collection Week: November 18th-25th) Thanksgiving Party (Host during Invite Week) Christmas Party (Invite Week Push) Easter (Inv...
Jul 30, 2024•24 min•Ep. 77
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 we...
Jul 16, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 22
Welcome to the First Priority podcast! This summer, we’re diving deep into the new EPIC Guide. To kick things off, we encourage you to check out Brad and Grace’s EPIC Roots overview on YouTube for a solid foundation. EPIC Roots is designed to equip student leaders with the tools they need to confidently share the Gospel with their friends and peers. Remember, First Priority clubs are more than just another Bible study or Christian club; we are dedicated to training students to be influential lea...
Jul 02, 2024•21 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, hosts Brad Schelling and Steve Cherrico dive into the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis that our team collaboratively developed during our recent spring meeting. This comprehensive review highlights key insights and strategic perspectives gathered from our staff, and now shared with you! Takeaways: The importance of humility and healthy conflict within an organization The significance of collaboration and communication in addressing organizational cha...
Jun 04, 2024•32 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, Brad Schelling interviews Gavin West, a First Priority Leadership Scholarship winner and leader of a First Priority club. They discuss Gavin's involvement in First Priority, his upcoming college plans, and his experiences as a leader. Gavin shares his favorite moments and challenges, emphasizing the importance of reading the Bible and trusting God. The conversation highlights the generational leadership development within First Priority and the impact it has on students' lives. ...
May 14, 2024•21 min•Ep. 74
In this episode of the First Priority of America Podcast, hosts Steve and Brad dive into the importance of empowering student leadership, the basis of the organization. They explore the legal foundation supporting student-led initiatives in schools and discuss how it enables students to take ownership of their faith while exercising their constitutional rights. The hosts highlight the practical impact and missional focus of student leadership, emphasizing its role in fostering community and spre...
May 07, 2024•20 min•Ep. 73
Join host Brad Schelling as he sits down with Lisa Elliot, a dedicated teacher sponsor from Shreveport, Louisiana, in this episode of the First Priority podcast! Lisa Elliot, a special education inclusion teacher at Youree Drive Middle School in Shreveport, Louisiana, shares her dedication to students' well-being. She discusses her passion for working with middle school students and navigating the challenges they face, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lisa opens up about t...
Apr 30, 2024•12 min•Ep. 72
Welcome to a special episode of the First Priority podcast, where we dive deep into the incredible work happening in First Priority South Florida, specifically in Miami-Dade County! In this episode, Mike Gault (director of FP Miami-Dade) and Kilton Késs Janvier (associate pastor and FP club coach) sit down with Steve Cherrico, during the hustle and bustle of Youth Pastor Summit Orlando, to share their personal journeys of how they got involved with First Priority and the impact it has had on the...
Apr 26, 2024•18 min•Ep. 71
In this episode, hosts Brad and Steve dive into the crucial role of teacher sponsors in facilitating student-led clubs, particularly focusing on First Priority clubs in schools across the United States; they explore the responsibilities and significance of teacher sponsors within the context of promoting faith-based activities on school campuses. Highlights: Explanation of the custodial role of teacher sponsors within school clubs, ensuring students have the necessary resources and support. Guid...
Apr 16, 2024•22 min•Ep. 70
Join hosts Brad and Steve in an insightful conversation with Rachel Gardiner, a high school teacher turned First Priority Director in Johnston County. Together, they dive into Rachel's story, her passion for empowering students, and her vision for spreading the message of hope across campuses. Highlights: Rachel's Transition: Rachel's journey from being a high school teacher to assuming the role of Executive Director of First Priority in Johnston County. Passion for Gospel: Rachel's innate passi...
Apr 09, 2024•36 min•Ep. 69
Join host Brad Schelling in this episode of the First Priority Podcast as he welcomes Chelsea Robbins, the new District Director of First Priority Kansas City! Learn about her experiences on the road to her eventual role at First Priority; Chelsea's story is fascinating! She discusses the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that led her to her current position. Tune in as they explore the importance of educating teachers about the Equal Access Act, overcoming obstacles, and nurturing a ...
Apr 02, 2024•19 min•Ep. 68
In this episode of The First Priority Podcast, host Brad Schelling sits down with Joseph Daley, a former FP student leader turned real estate agent and board member of First Priority Birmingham. Reflecting on Joseph's longstanding journey within the organization, Brad and Joseph discuss First Priority and its impact on youth leadership and spiritual growth. Highlights: Joseph shares his experience as a student leader in First Priority, inspired by the guidance of Debbie DeBoer, his area director...
Mar 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 67
