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Students were encouraged to share the Hope of Christ at this year’s Leader’s Summit
On Tuesday, September 20, 2016, First Priority Greater Birmingham held its 12th Annual Leader’s Summit at Southeastern Bible College. The Summit is a high-impact, one-day conference that features live music and inspirational messages geared toward highly motivated student leaders and teacher sponsors involved in First Priority campus clubs. This year’s conference trained students on our HOPE Strategy and prepared them to lead their First Priority club. This year, our focus was “The how to’s of effective campus ministry,” and the theme was “Seen” based from 1 Corinthians 2:9.
Approximately 600 students, teachers, youth leaders and parents from over 50 intermediate, middle, junior high and high schools across Central Alabama attended this year’s event. Local school boards of education continue to endorse the program, allowing a group of students to attend during the school day and count the event as a field trip. Superintendents continue to excuse First Priority students and teacher sponsors to attend because they see the value in this type of leadership training event. They also witness the positive impact it makes on students’ lives. Superintendent of St. Clair County Schools Jenny Seals told us she continues to approve for students to attend because, “I know that our students will walk away with valuable leadership information that will help to prepare them for whatever paths they may choose.”
Praise and Worship Band The Multis Project kicked-off the morning with upbeat and interactive music that led students into the presence of God. Students enjoyed a day of intense training from First Priority of America’s Director of Ministry Mark Roberts followed by First Priority Greater Birmingham Area Directors James Cato and Debi DeBoer. These directors trained students on the HOPE Strategy, a 4-week cycle that is repeated every month. “God gives us opportunities to be a servant and we must be willing to say ‘yes’ to God’s call,” said James.
To assist with carrying out this strategy, First Priority developed the HOPE curriculum, a comprehensive, informational packet of resources that leads, guides and directs teacher sponsors, campus coaches and students as they prepare for their club meetings. Students were trained on how to use and implement this guide as well.
Following the HOPE training, we held a panel of youth pastors who were available to answer questions students had about how to effectively lead their club. Students also heard an inspiring testimony from Honorary UAB Football Player Timothy Alexander. Timothy was involved in a car accident in 2006 that paralyzed him from the neck down.
Special Thanks To:
“My experience at the Leadership Summit was great. I loved the praise and worship. It truly moved me. From the testimonies, I learned that we should never give up because you don’t know what God has planned for our lives. I am committed to sharing Christ on my campus. I really love sharing the word of God and introducing Him to others!”
– First Priority Student Leader
“I learned many things at the First Priority Leadership Training. One thing I learned is how to use the HOPE strategy to share the love of Jesus, and how not to judge others. Another thing I learned is that you need to act like yourself to witness to others. I loved the Summit! Thank you for inviting us.”
– Salome, First Priority Student Leader
“The Leader’s Summit was life changing!! You and your team did an amazing job equipping and encouraging the students! I was fired up to reach more people after I left! Thank you for all you do for the Kingdom!
– Kim, Parent
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