The First Priority Podcast

Join hosts Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling as they delve into the vital topic of engaging local churches in school ministry on this episode of the First Priority Podcast. With a mission to take the hope of Christ to every student in the United States, Steve and Brad emphasize the central role of the local church in achieving this goal. They discuss the importance of incorporating a missional com...

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 act...

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 piv...

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 se...

Join Brad and Steve in this episode as they discuss what parent involvement in a First Priority Club looks like. There are 4 ways parents can get involved: Prayer Participation Promotion Provision Learn how these elements contribute to the success and growth of First Priority Clubs by tuning in!  - Brad Schelling is the EVP of Operations at First Priority of America and Steve Cherrico is the Execu...

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 Coor...

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 Che...

Steve’s favorite 2023 episode is with Ben Trueblood, Reaching the Unseen. As we recap our favorites for the year, get prepared for our 2024 podcast schedule!    Brad and Steve talk with Ben Trueblood about reaching those who are unseen. Ben Trueblood who has worked for Lifeway for the last 12 years, shares his heart with Brad and Steve about what God is doing and will do in the lives of the younge...

This holiday season we are recapping Brad and Steve’s favorite podcast episodes. Brad’s favorite episode is announcing the scholarship winners to the podcast! Thanks for tuning in this year, we hope to see you next year.    Tune in to this week’s podcast as Brad Schelling gets a chance to speak with both scholarship winners. Since 2022, First Priority has offered a scholarship opportunity for seni...

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 be...

On this week’s episode, we revisit Mark Robbins, President of First Priority, at the Fall Conference speaking on the theme of shepherding. Mark explains the skills of being a shepherd. Being humble, learning new things, great endurance, exhibiting the ability to observe and patience are some key qualities to a shepherd. But you can’t overlook your flock! Brad and Steve closed the podcast with a fe...

On this week’s podcast, Chris Lane, Executive Director of First Priority of South Florida, shares with the audience at our fall conference how God is working in South Florida. He credits God with all their growth, and he reminds the audience that this is a ripe mission field. Chris tells of the 10 things God has taught him in his 25 years with First Priority. Listen to how God can use you in First...

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...

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...

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 wha...

  Brad Schelling and Steve Cherrico start the podcast off talking about fall conference and club recaps! Steve met with Phil Springer at the fall conference. Listen as Phil talks about how the clubs are growing and the students are on fire for God! Brad and Steve end the podcast discussing what makes First Priority unique.   Save the dates! Chapter Spring meetings for Decatur May 6-7, Ft. Lauderda...

On this week’s podcast, Steve Cherrico talks with Fred Revell, Associate Director of First Priority of South Florida. Listen as Fred talks about saturation, and how he doesn’t want to leave any campus behind. He discusses his success and where he sees FP South Florida going, but also what God is doing in his heart. Fred Revell explains his cultural values, and how accountability is one of the hard...

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 organiz...

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 enco...

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 do...

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 shar...

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 con...

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 li...

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 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...