Students inspired to make Christ their First Priority at this year’s Leader’s Summit
On Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, First Priority held its 9th Annual Leader’s Summit at Southeastern Bible College. Over 600 students, teachers, youth leaders and parents from nearly 60 intermediate, middle, junior high and high schools across Central Alabama attended this year’s event. Leader’s Summit is an in-depth leadership training event for students, teacher sponsors and campus coaches involved in First Priority local campus ministries. School boards of education endorsed the program, allowing a group of students from each school to attend the Summit and count the event as an excused absence.
Praise and Worship Band Indelible Worship kicked-off the morning with music that allowed students’ hearts to be opened to receive God’s Word. Students enjoyed a day of intense training that began with Speaker and Artist Ben Glenn who shared about his Attention Deficit Disorder growing up and encouraged students to be the light of Christ despite their disabilities and weaknesses. Ben wrapped up his message with an amazing chalk drawing that depicted Christ as the true light. Students also heard from Local Businessman and Ministry Speaker Gary Wright who challenged students to chase after God instead of their own dreams. “It’s not your dream for your life that matters, but God’s dream that matters,” said Gary. “If you are truly a follower of Jesus, you will always be on mission.” Gary’s message spoke to every person in the room that chases their own dreams and plans rather than God’s will for their life. Author and Pastor David Nasser wrapped-up the day challenging students to make God first in their lives. “God is going to wreck the plans you have for your life when He makes Jesus your First Priority.” Students left the Leader’s Summit feeling challenged and inspired to reach their schools for Christ and to put God first if they really want to know what it means to #leadit.
Bud’s Best Cookies provided cookies for each student in attendance and everyone enjoyed lunch from Chick-fil-A. God moved in mighty ways and students left enthusiastic to use their talents to spread the love and message of Jesus Christ with their peers.
We would like to give a special thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, speakers and band who helped make this event a huge success! We would also like to thank all those again who attended Leader’s Summit. We are already looking forward to next year! Be sure to click on the links below to view pictures from the Summit.
“The Leader’s Summit was amazing and helped me discover what I’m called to do. I have now surrendered to the call of ministry. Thank you First Priority for helping me understand the true meaning of Leadership and helping me find my FIRST PRIORITY.” – Brandon, Student
“The Leader’s Summit was a huge blessing. I never thought I’d see so many kids with their hands in the air praising the Lord. I think they did an amazing job with it, and I want to go every year for the rest of my life. It will continue to be a blessing to me, and I will remember it forever!” – Shelby, Student
“It was an absolute joy to attend Leader’s Summit with 10 of my student leaders. Most of us were first-timers, and throughout the day we continued to be encouraged and inspired to lead wisely using our unique gifts and talents. We loved the diversity among the speakers, and could tell that each was selected with great purpose. My kids are still talking about Ben Glenn’s powerful message to look for ways to turn their perceived weaknesses into strengths, and all for God’s glory. Our students left with an abundance of great wisdom in a variety of areas affecting them currently as student leaders but also that will greatly impact their futures as global citizens going about the business of changing the world.” – Teacher Sponsor, Hueytown Middle School
“I was very proud to have offered this opportunity to my students. They were encouraged, enlightened and delighted to partake in such a wonderful experience. They told all the other students who couldn’t attend that it was a great experience they missed out on. Each speaker had a powerful message that really challenged the kids to step-up as leaders. Everything was great and we’re looking forward to next year.” – Teacher Sponsor, Fairfield High School
“Year after year, Leader’s Summit builds up and pours into some of the strongest student leaders that today’s schools could possibly ask for. I know that the resources and efforts put into Leader’s Summit are felt by those who attend, the administration in their schools, the students they live life with, and most importantly, the Kingdom of God. Thank you for what you have done and will continue to do.” – Youth Pastor Grady Morrison, The Gathering Place Church
Please plan now to sponsor a school to attend next year’s Leader’s Summit. Visit www.gofirstpriority.com or call 205.871.8886 to make a donation.
