First Priority of Alabama

The Hope of Christ in Every Student

Help us put Bibles in the hands of student leaders

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We have a wonderful opportunity to place a Bible in the hands of every First Priority student leader so they can effectively share the Gospel on their school campus, but we need your help! Would you be willing to purchase Bibles for students to have on campus? You can buy 10 Bibles for $25, 20 Bibles for $50, 30 Bibles for $75, 50 Bibles for $125, or make a general donation to buy more Bibles. The First Priority Bible includes the following inserts: Plan of Salvation, Campus Prayer Guide, First Priority Club Leader Guide, HOPE Cycle, New Believer Bible Study, and Gospel Bible Study.
 
We would love to be able to place a Bible in the hands of student leaders and new believers; will you help us today? We will be purchasing these Bibles over the summer so they will be ready for students when the new school year begins in the fall. We also desire to give a Bible to every student that attends our 2018 Leader’s Summit. Please help us continue to reach students on the public school campus with the hope of Christ by sponsoring Bibles. The Bibles will be shipped to First Priority and we will distribute them to students. You can click below to sponsor online or you may send a check to: First Priority of Alabama, P.O. Box 59365, Birmingham, AL 35259. Please note “Bibles” in the memo line. Thank you for your consideration and support!

Help us put Bibles in the hands of student leaders

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We have a wonderful opportunity to place a Bible in the hands of every First Priority student leader so they can effectively share the Gospel on their school campus, but we need your help! Would you be willing to purchase Bibles for students to have on campus? You can buy 10 Bibles for $25, 20 Bibles for $50, 30 Bibles for $75, 50 Bibles for $125, or make a general donation to buy more Bibles. The First Priority Bible includes the following inserts: Plan of Salvation, Campus Prayer Guide, First Priority Club Leader Guide, HOPE Cycle, New Believer Bible Study, and Gospel Bible Study.
 
We would love to be able to place a Bible in the hands of student leaders and new believers; will you help us today? We will be purchasing these Bibles over the summer so they will be ready for students when the new school year begins in the fall. We also desire to give a Bible to every student that attends our 2018 Leader’s Summit. Please help us continue to reach students on the public school campus with the hope of Christ by sponsoring Bibles. The Bibles will be shipped to First Priority and we will distribute them to students. You can click below to sponsor online or you may send a check to: First Priority of Alabama, P.O. Box 59365, Birmingham, AL 35259. Please note “Bibles” in the memo line. Thank you for your consideration and support!

We need your immediate help to further our ministry!

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We’re very excited to inform you about a wonderful opportunity for First Priority, but we need your help! A few weeks ago, First Priority of Alabama entered a contest for a marketing makeover by a premier marketing company in Birmingham, Uptick Marketing. The winner receives up to $35,000 worth of marketing services for a year. We would love to have an updated, sharp, clean online presence to communicate who we are in order to reach this generation. We desire to utilize all social media platforms to the greatest extent to tell our vision. This makeover would allow us to effectively communicate to a digital generation and have name recognition on who we are and what we do.
 
We have been selected by Uptick Marketing as a finalist in the contest. Now it’s up to the online social world to decide who wins. Part of the contest is receiving the most votes on social media. We wanted to see if you would please take just a moment to vote for us. There are three ways to vote for First Priority of Alabama. Please do the following to vote and share: Visit Uptick Marketing’s Facebook Page here. Scroll down their page until you see the post for First Priority. “Like” that post, share that post, and also click on the Uptick Marketing link and cast your vote on their Web site. It’s that simple! We would be truly grateful if you would cast your vote for us and also share with your friends! Please help us reach more hurting and hopeless students in our public schools with the Gospel! Hurry, voting ends next Friday, May 25!
 

TOMORROW is National Day of Prayer

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The first Thursday in May has been proclaimed a National Day of Prayer by the president of the United States. This year’s theme is “Pray for America – UNITY,” based upon Ephesians 4:3, which challenges us to mobilize unified public prayer for America, “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” The National Day of Prayer is positioned to pray for our nation to experience unity.
 
Our country desperately needs prayer now more than ever before. We would like to encourage you to take time tomorrow to gather with your family, coworkers, friends and intercede on behalf of your community, leaders and nation. Prayer brings people together; it brings unity. Pray for our president and government officials. Pray for our great nation that’s currently broken. Pray for our students, teachers and school administrations. Pray for their safety. School shootings are becoming rampant. Students face an enormous amount of peer pressure to become part of what is considered normal by the world’s standards. Without prayer, these students will not be able to stand against the insurmountable odds they will face from childhood until they leave this world. Click here for 24 Biblical virtues you can pray over students tomorrow.
 
There are many prayer gatherings and events happening all over the country tomorrow. Click here for more information about National Day of Prayer, resources and to find events taking place in your community.

24 Biblical Virtues to Pray Over Students

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24 Virtues to pray over students

Please join us in praying for students, teachers, faculty and administration. Praying for the students in our area is not just a privilege…it is a necessity. Students live in a tough world! Each day, students are subjected to literally thousands of offensive images and words. They also face an enormous amount of peer pressure to become part of what is considered normal by the world’s standards. Without prayer, these students will not be able to stand against the insurmountable odds they will face from childhood until they leave this world. Please pray for the safety of each school campus. Please be in constant prayer for students who don’t know Christ. Please pray that Christian students will be bold in sharing their faith and that God will take away any fears they may have. When you pass by a school, pray for that school. Make a school zone your prayer zone. The prayers for our students are endless. We have put together a prayer guide to help you. Below are 24 Biblical virtues that you can pray over students. Will you join this prayer movement? Commit today to pray!

  1. Salvation—”Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” (Isa. 45:8; 2 Tim. 2:10)

 

  1. Growth in Grace—”I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 3:18)

 

  1. Love—”Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in them.” (Gal. 5:25; Eph. 5:2)

 

  1. Honesty and Integrity—”May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection.” (Ps. 25:21)

 

  1. Self-Control—”Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self-controlled in all they do.” (1 Thess. 5:6)

 

  1. Love for God’s Word—”May my children grow to find Your Word more precious than much pure gold and sweeter than honey from the comb.” (Ps. 19:10)

 

  1. Mercy—”May my children always be merciful, just as their Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

 

  1. Respect (for self, others, and authority)—”Father, grant that my children may show proper respect to everyone, as Your Word commands.” (1 Pet. 2:17)
  2. Biblical Self-Esteem—”Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:10)

 

  1. Faithfulness—”Let love and faithfulness never leave my children, but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts.” (Prov. 3:3)

 

  1. Courage—”May my children always be strong and courageous in their character and in their actions.” (Deut. 31:6)

 

  1. Purity—”Create in them a pure heart, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their actions.” (Ps. 51:10)

 

  1. Kindness—”Lord, may my children always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” (1 Thess. 5:15)

 

  1. Generosity—”Grant that my children may be generous and willing to share, and so lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age.” (1 Tim. 6:18-19)

 

  1. Peace-Loving—”Father, let my children make every effort to do what leads to peace.” (Rom. 14:19)

 

  1. Joy—”May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thess. 1:6)

 

  1. Perseverance—”Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for them.” (Heb. 12:1)

 

  1. Humility—”God, please cultivate in my children the ability to show true humility toward all.” (Titus 3:2)

 

  1. Compassion—”Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion.” (Col. 3:12)

 

  1. Faith—”I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children’s hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them.” (Luke 17:5-6; Heb. 11:1-40)

 

  1. A Servant’s Heart—”God, please help my children develop servant’s hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not men.” (Eph. 6:7)

 

  1. Self-Discipline—”Father, I pray that my children may acquire a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair.” (Prov. 1:3)

 

  1. Gratitude—”Help my children to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph. 5:20; Col. 2:7)

 

  1. A Heart for Missions—”Lord, please help my children to develop a desire to see Your glory declared among the nations, Your marvelous deeds among the peoples.” (Ps. 96:3)

Andy Erwin shares his story at City-wide

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First Priority held its second City-Wide Campus Ministry Network Luncheon of the year on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Birmingham. Nearly 100 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 Ragtime Cafe.
 
Our special guest speaker was Andy Erwin, co-director of the new film “I Can Only Imagine.” First Priority Greater Birmingham President Greg Davis and YM360 President Roger Davis interviewed Andy in a Q&A type setting. Andy shared his story about working in the movie industry and creating faith-based films like “I Can Only Imagine” that provide opportunities for the Gospel to be shared. Andy is very passionate about his work and believes he is called to move youth emotionally to a place where they want to know more about Christ. “The movie is an evangelistic tool,” said Andy.
 
Andy also shared about “I Can Only Imagine” resources that YM360 and City on a Hill partnered to develop. These resources include a youth ministry Bible study, student devotional, video series, church campaign kit, small group kit, journal and much more. The movie and resources allow you to grow deeper with your students. These tools are great for churches and families who want to help others see themselves through God’s eyes and find healing in his approval, purpose and eternal hope. For youth ministry resources, click here. For church resources, click here.
 
We would like to thank Andy for sharing his story about the movie industry and his passion to provide opportunities for the Gospel to be shared through the making of faith-based films. We would also like to give a special thanks to YM360, Servant Life and Fund The Nations/52Threads, who sponsored our Lunch and helped make it a huge success. Representatives from these organizations provided youth leaders with educational material about their camps, programs and upcoming events. Please take time to visit their Web sites for more information. We would like to thank all those again who attended and joined us for a great time of growth and fellowship. Be sure to check out photos from the event and tag yourself!
 
Click below to watch the trailer and learn more about this incredible movie!

I Can Only Imagine in theaters today!

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I CAN ONLY IMAGINE opens in theaters across the U.S. TODAY! Gather your youth group, friends and family together, get your tickets, and then experience this incredible true story. A compelling story of forgiveness that shows us we are never too far from God’s love and our eternal home in Heaven. This is a perfect movie to bring students, friends, neighbors, or family members that need to hear the story of God’s love. You can also get group rates here.
You can find resources by clicking on the image below that can help teenagers get the most out of this powerful story of forgiveness, hope and redemption. 

Join us for our next City-wide Network Luncheon

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We would like to invite you to our next City-wide Campus Ministry Network Luncheon that will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, 2017 Columbiana Road, Birmingham, AL 35216. Join us for FREE lunch and a great time of networking and fellowship. Come be equipped and encouraged as we’d like to show our appreciation for all you do!
 
Our special guest speaker is Andy Erwin, co-director of the new movie “I Can Only Imagine” that hits movie theaters today. Best known as the Erwin Brothers, Jon and Andy are a directing team that focuses on creating faith-based and inspirational feature films. Their debut feature, released by Samuel Goldwyn, was a coming of age drama titled “October Baby.” The duo completed filming their second feature film, “Moms’ Night Out,” in 2014. The Erwin Brothers’ third feature film, “Woodlawn,” was released theatrically nationwide in October 2015. Click here to learn more about Andy.
 
We are very excited about our sponsors who will have many great give-a-ways and free youth ministry resources at this City-wide Luncheon. You don’t want to miss it! Please join us for a time of equipping, encouragement and fellowship. Don’t wait, register today!
 

3x your impact! Support First Priority just by shopping!

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Did you know that you can support First Priority just by shopping on Amazon? That’s right, when you designate First Priority of Alabama as your charity of choice at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to First Priority. What’s more, from now until the end of March, Amazon will triple the donation rate to 1.5% on your first eligible purchase! We hope you’ll take advantage of this great and simple opportunity to support First Priority. All you have to do is log-in to your Amazon account HERE and begin shopping; it’s that simple!
 
Amazon’s program called AmazonSmile allows shoppers to select their favorite charitable organization to receive a percentage of the purchase as a contribution from Amazon. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know, the same products, same prices, same service! The benefit: you are helping First Priority reach students with the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
 
CLICK HERE to get started today. Designate First Priority of Alabama as your charity of choice and start shopping! You will know your purchase is supporting First Priority when you see, “Supporting First Priority of Alabama” in the top left corner of Amazon’s Web site.

Join us for reTHINK Student Apologetics Conference

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Who’s waiting for your students? When they leave the relative safety of their homes, youth ministry or church, who is waiting for them at school, or the university? What contrary ideas will the culture throw their way? What challenges will confront their faith in Christ? How will they answer questions about the LGBT movement, Islam, the reliability of the Bible, evolution, etc.? Are they ready?
 
The reTHINK Apologetics Student Conference exists to provoke a new generation to rethink their worldview, recapture the truth, and then reengage the world for the cause of Christ. This conference is designed for junior high, high school and college-aged students. It will be held Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, AL 35243. This is a great conference for families, youth groups, anyone! For more info, schedule, list of speakers and to register, click here. This is going to be such an incredible conference for your students!
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