On this episode of the First Priority Podcast, hosts Steve Cherrico and Brad Schelling dive into what it takes to build a First Priority club that lasts. They start with an inspiring story from East Tennessee, where a Student Leader’s boldness not only reached her school but also began to impact her unsaved father in unexpected ways.

From there, Steve and Brad unpack the practical steps for launching and sustaining a healthy club: identifying student leaders, engaging school staff and churches, training leaders, and putting the right resources in place. They also explore why it’s important to set realistic expectations, lean on proven processes, and trust God’s timing when starting something new.

Listeners will walk away with encouragement, practical tools, and a reminder that First Priority is a tool in the hands of students, empowering them to share the hope of Christ in their schools and beyond.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• A powerful testimony of a Student Leader reaching her father through prayer and the gospel.

• Identifying leaders, gaining school approval, and building a network of support.

• Using resources like the EPIC Guide, prayer cards, and the First Priority app!

• Planning around key dates such as Invite Week, See You at the Pole, and Christmas outreach.

• Keeping clubs student-led, gospel-focused, and sustainable long term.

📌 Resources Mentioned:

• First Priority HOPE Resources

• First Priority EPIC Resources

• Club Resources

Steve and Brad are back at it with special guest Rachel Gardiner, First Priority Director in North Carolina. In this conversation, Rachel gets real about the challenges and victories of local ministry marketing and storytelling. From navigating unnecessary competition between churches and Clubs to building long-term trust in the community, she shares what she’s learned over six years of leading and growing her district.

You’ll hear how students themselves have become the most powerful storytellers, why authentic partnerships matter more than forced ones, and the creative ways Rachel and her team have engaged parents, pastors, and businesses in the mission. She also opens up about unexpected wins—like students leading bold fundraising efforts during COVID—and practical tips like the “1-2-3 card” that makes connecting with new people simple and effective.

This episode is full of encouragement for leaders at every stage. Whether you’re brand new to First Priority, a seasoned director, or simply passionate about seeing students reach students, Rachel’s wisdom and stories will remind you that the Great Commission is bigger than any one club or organization—and that prayer, persistence, and storytelling are the keys to lasting impact.

This week, we’re joined by the man, the myth, the legend himself: Larry Franks! With 15 years of experience with First Priority in Decatur, Alabama, Larry brings the wisdom, humor, and straight-up practical advice you didn’t know you needed.

From business partnerships to local church collaboration, Larry breaks down how to build authentic, mutually beneficial community connections that fuel your mission without sacrificing your values. Whether you're trying to get into schools, connect with donors, or just figure out where to start, this episode is packed with real talk and real help.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 🔹 Why ministry outside the walls matters. 🔹 How to partner with chambers, rotary clubs, and local businesses. 🔹 Ways to create win-win relationships without always leading with money. 🔹 Common partnership mistakes + how to avoid them. 🔹 Super practical ideas: ribbon cuttings, mentorships, interns, in-kind donations, and more. 🔹 Why relationships are the actual special sauce. 🔹 Encouragement for staying faithful when things feel slow.

Connect with Larry: 📍 Follow First Priority Decatur on socials! @fpdecatural.

Subscribe + Share: If this episode encouraged you, share it with your team or another ministry leader. And don’t forget to subscribe for more practical episodes!

🎧 Taking the hope of Christ to every student!