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I can only imagine

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!
 

Get on board with First Priority!

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First Priority held its first City-Wide Campus Ministry Network Luncheon of the year on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at Valleydale Church in Birmingham. About 50 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 First Priority of America President and CEO Dr. Rick Forbus. Rick brought a phenomenal message about the characteristics of the days of Noah and how they are a representation of what is happening today. Rick began his message by sharing statistics that involve today’s teens. A few he shared included: 3 million adolescents ages 10-17 will face depression; 47% of today’s teens are sexually active; 30% have either been bullied or will bully; 17% of 10th graders smoke marijuana; 25% of 12th graders binge drink; and 1.2 million Americans will drop out of high school. “Today’s teens are faced with peer pressure, social media, on-screen violence and we’ve lost empathy; we don’t care,” said Rick.
 
Today, just like during the days of Noah, Rick said there’s spiritual decline, shameless depravity, strong delusion, and days of sudden destruction. “There’s desperation, but Christians aren’t desperate,” said Rick. “If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone.” Rick believes in the First Priority model and encouraged youth pastors and children’s ministers to get on board if they’re not already because our kids need us desperately. 
 
We would like to thank Rick for sharing such an incredible message and for his passion to see students come to know Christ. We would also like to give a special thanks to Word of Life who sponsored our Lunch and helped make it a huge success. Representatives from Word of Life provided youth leaders with educational material about their camps, programs and upcoming events. Please take time to visit their Web site for more information. We would like to thank all those again who attended and joined us for a great time of growth and fellowship.
 
Go ahead and mark your calendars now for our next City-wide Network Luncheon that will be held on Tuesday, April 17, at Shades Mountain Baptist Church with special guest speaker Andy Erwin, co-director of “I Can Only Imagine.” You DO NOT want to miss this City-wide! Registration coming soon!