First Priority held it’s first City-Wide Campus Ministry Network Luncheon of the year on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Valleydale Church. Nearly 75 youth leaders and children’s ministers across the Greater-Birmingham area attended for a time of equipping, encouragement and fellowship. Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch from Shane’s Rib Shack.

First Priority Executive Director Matt Wilson provided the group with a reminder about First Priority and why we do what we do. He shared some very disturbing statistics about how times have changed since the 1950s. “We live in a nation of crisis,” said Matt. “In the 1950s, 75% of students attended church, 35% in the 1970s and 12% attended in the 2000s. It is estimated that only 4% of the next generation will attend church. It is our job to share the story. Students haven’t rejected the Gospel, most have never heard it. First Priority is all about networking and partnering with the local church to share the hope of Christ with students. We don’t want to see that 4% statistic come true. Let’s tell our story every day. We can’t assume students have heard the Gospel; we have to do our part.” Click here to learn more about First Priority and how you can get involved to reach students for Christ.

We would like to give a special thanks to our vendors who helped make this event a huge success: YM360, Altar84, Lifeline Children’s Services and Adventure Bus Charters. Representatives from these organizations provided youth leaders with educational material about their programs and upcoming events. These groups also gave away several nice gifts and youth ministry resources. Please take time to visit their Web sites. We would like to thank all those again who attended and joined us for a great time of growth and fellowship.