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Leader's Summit

Lives were transformed at Leader’s Summit and SYATP!

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Watch this incredible video as Jamias, First Priority student leader, shares how he came to Christ through First Priority! It’s such an incredible testimony!

 

Lives were transformed and students were equipped at Leader’s Summit!

On Thursday, September 22, First Priority held its 17th annual Leader’s Summit where nearly 250 students, faculty sponsors and campus coaches were in attendance. We were very encouraged as THREE students professed Christ at Leader’s Summit! “I just wanted to let you know because I am SO encouraged; one of the girls that came today is searching and she prayed to receive Christ as her Lord and Savior,” said First Priority Campus Coach and Local Youth Pastor David Ivestor. “You guys are doing great things!”

This year’s theme was “Are You Ready?” Students were asked a series of questions: “Are you ready to be Gospel-focused? Has the Gospel changed your life? Who is God calling you to share that Gospel message with at your school?” In order to have First Priority at your school, students must lead. We had six amazing students share about what they are doing to take a stand on their campus. Challenges were given to students to have a disciplined time of prayer in their lives and spend time with the Lord so they are full of the Word and not conformed to the world around them. Some students were so vulnerable about sharing personal stories of what God had delivered them from and how their parents were healed of addiction in their lives because of their prayers and faithful witness to be salt and light in front of their families. They spoke about being bold for Christ and they have seen Him do incredible things. High school students have been visiting the middle school near them and praying with students for their campuses. The focus question at Leader’s Summit was, “Are you ready to lead First Priority and see the Gospel go forth at your school?”

Pictured is Moody High School’s First Priority student leadership team

The Call to Share session was based on our EPIC strategy to take the Hope of Christ to every student:
  • Equipping students to know how to share the Gospel
  • Preparing students to share their personal faith story
  • Inviting students to come and share the simple Gospel message with response cards
  • Connecting students to God, a First Priority club, to have community and to connect them to a church family to grow in their faith and be discipled. Are you ready to be strategic to reach your school?

Sessions were led on how to share the Gospel using the Four Icons, how to share your testimony, how to connect students into local churches, and how to overcome objections and take practical steps to get students involved in the local church.

The conclusion of the day was the Call to Prayer and students prayed for one another and many were prayed over to be sent out and ready to reach their school with the Hope of Christ. It was such an incredible life-changing event! We hope you will take a moment to check out more pictures from the day below.

More Leader’s Summit Pictures

 

Thousands gathered locally for See You at the Pole

On Wednesday, September 28, thousands of local students participated in this year’s See You at the Pole™ (SYATP). Millions of students were involved globally. Before school, students joined together at their school’s flagpole in prayer for their friends, school, city, state, nation and the world. Many lives were touched, changed and challenged by one of the nation’s largest prayer movements. First Priority and SYATP are celebrating 32 years this school year!

This year’s SYATP theme was “Aflame” and the scripture verses were Romans 12:11-12 – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

During SYATP, we receive numerous testimonies of how God moved in our schools and through our communities. We hope you’ll take a moment to read a few incredible testimonies below:

“Today we had over 30 high schoolers at See You at the Pole. It was freezing this morning but students still gathered together to pray for our teachers, our administrators, and our fellow peers. I am beyond grateful for the work God continues to show at Moody High School. I know God has great plans for us and He will continue to work not only in my school, but every Saint Clair County School as a whole.” – Kayson, First Priority Student Leader, Moody High School

“We had 85 students at See You at the Pole and 25 students received Bibles. Good things are happening on our campus! Please keep our school and club in your prayers.” – Kathryn, First Priority Faculty Sponsor, Etowah Middle School

“I want to testify about what God did at our See You at the Pole Rally! For the last five years over six churches have come together at different locations to worship and hear the Gospel shared by students! This year, we had seven churches represented and over 300 in attendance! We gave $170 to local missions and most importantly, 10 people professed Jesus as Savior! This generation is passionate about Jesus and sharing the Gospel with those around them, they just need an opportunity to do it!” – Phillip, First Priority Campus Coach and Representative

Please take a moment to check out a great SYATP news article and many other great articles from The Alabama Baptist here.

Thousands of students also participated in SYATP rallies held across the state on the evening of September 28. There were countless decisions made for Christ on this momentous day. During this important prayer event, students were encouraged to humble themselves in prayer and seek the face of God.

More See You at the Pole Pictures

The Gospel Still Works!

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If we’re faithful to share the Gospel,
people will respond!

At our Leader’s Summit on January 26, First Priority student leaders were given a challenge for the month of February to have the highest club attendance during “Invite Week” where the Gospel would be shared.

We are so excited to share the results of the challenge! We had 15 clubs participate and report back to us. Out of these clubs, nearly 1,600 students attended and heard the Gospel, and 95 of them professed Christ as Lord of their lives! Praise the Lord!

Pictured is North Jefferson Middle School’s First Priority club

Congratulations to North Jefferson Middle School for winning the challenge! The entire student body will be blessed with a prize. This will be another opportunity for students to hear the Gospel and feel the love of Christ.

We would like to thank all of the clubs that participated and let you know how proud of you we are! Student leaders were very creative in ways to get students to attend. They were intentional with their efforts and saw HUGE results! Our prayer is that they will keep this passion alive throughout the rest of the school year.

Nearly 200 students have professed Christ this school year thus far and while we are celebrating these changed lives, we know there are many more to be reached. Will you help us reach the 163,814 students across Greater Birmingham? Students need your support and there’s no better time than now! There are multiple ways you can get involved. Click here for more information. Please commit to pray for these changed lives and the ones still to be reached with Christ’s love.

Pictured is Minor High School’s First Priority club

For more club updates and photos, follow us on Facebook!

Lives were transformed at Leader’s Summit!

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Leader's Summit 2022

Lives were transformed and students were equipped at Leader’s Summit!

On Wednesday, January 26, First Priority held its 16th annual Leader’s Summit where more than 150 students, faculty sponsors and campus coaches were in attendance. Due to COVID-19, we were unable to hold Leader’s Summit during the 2020-2021 school year. We, as well as our clubs, were very excited to be back!

This year’s theme was “You Are Not Alone.” The day was filled with worship, encouragement and training. Just since the Leader’s Summit, there have been several decisions for Christ, clubs have doubled in size, and student leaders are planning outreach projects to reach their campus with Christ’s love. Students are inspired and hitting the ground running! “We really enjoyed the Leadership Summit and we are discussing ways to become better leaders, and to increase our attendance and participation,” said Pelham High School First Priority Faculty Sponsor Kim Harrison. “The students are very enthusiastic for the rest of the school year!”

Pictured is Berry Middle School’s First Priority student leadership team

We couldn’t share any better what God did at Leader’s Summit than through 8th grade Berry Middle School First Priority Student Leader Lily Landers. The following is a recap shared by Lily on an Instagram post: “The First Priority Leadership Summit was the best thing ever! It was truly life-changing and really got me connected with the Lord again after some hard circumstances. I’m so thankful for the First Priority ministry and all you do. Thank you for letting us leaders attend and be able to just get away from the distractions and grow more into Him and being a better leader. This was truly a great, life-changing touch of heaven that I will never forget. This summit was filled with revival and the goodness of God. It was a picture of who our God really is. He is who He says He is because He has made my mess into my message, and my test into my testimony. There is nothing that can ever stop our God from doing and working when and how He wants to. People say this generation and culture cannot be fixed and God cannot come through but I know that the enemy cannot prevail against me or my gracious God. I have hope that there will be revival and change. I have hope that there will be restoration in our generation and culture. It starts with us Christians and if you are a Christian, it’s time to come out of hiding and be BOLD for Him. It’s time to speak of Jesus and actually reflect Him in all you do through your actions and words, etc. It’s not I who is the creator of this world but God and I’m a firm believer He has something big coming. It’s time we stop turning to the world and turn to His Word. So, stop turning to the things culture has normalized and what it says is ok. Instead turn to God and see what His Word has to say. Stop turning to what our president has to say, what this culture and world have to say, what your political party says, what the CDC says, and lastly what people say. It’s time to turn to His Word and trust Him. He is how we get to heaven, not the world. In the end, God doesn’t care what political party you are a part of, who you support, or what your plan is. He only cares about you fully surrendering and trusting Him. If we all just turn to God and be bold for Him, this generation and culture would not be what they are. We live in a broken and fallen world that believes in so much sin and keeps running back to it. So this is why we Christians need to stand up, read God’s Word, imitate Jesus, and be an ambassador for Him instead of turning to this world and trying to blend in. If we wait too long, people in this world may never have a chance to see Jesus. So, stop running, give it up and trust God. He has an amazing plan for you. If you still have breath in your lungs, you have a purpose. Step out of your plan, get into His Word, and trust Him.”

Pictured is Odenville Middle School’s First Priority student leaders

More Leader’s Summit Pictures

Students challenged to reach Every Last One at Leader’s Summit

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First Priority hosted its second Leader’s Summit of the 2019-2020 school year on Thursday, January 16, at Gardendale Civic Center. This is the 15th consecutive year the ministry has hosted campus ministry leaders for a day of inspiration and equipping. Nearly 700 students, teachers, youth leaders, parents and volunteers from almost 50 middle and high schools across Central Alabama attended our Leader’s Summits this school year.
Those in attendance heard from several speakers during the day including First Priority staff Greg Davis, Debi DeBoer and Ryan Allen. Students were challenged to finish the school year strong and strive to reach Every Last One. Several students also shared testimonies of how their First Priority club has shared, prayed and cared for their school. Special thanks to Gardendale Civic Center, Chick-fil-A Gardendale and Bud’s Best Cookies for their support.
“I love First Priority because it’s a way to go deeper into our relationship with Jesus in a school setting and it helps stretch me as a leader.”
– Savannah, Student Leader, Springville High School
“I love First Priority because it gives kids a chance that don’t get that chance anywhere else. They might not be able to get to church, but they can get to a meeting at school. I am a part of First Priority because I want to let God’s light shine through me and help people who don’t know God.”
– Addisyn, Student Leader, Corner Middle School
“I love First Priority because it allows me to connect with students at my school that are going through similar situations as me. It is easier to share the Gospel when you can relate to them.”
– Leah, Student Leader, Oneonta High School
“I love First Priority because they are like a family. It is a no-judgement zone where we can tell anything and ask for prayer for anything as well.”
– Salome, Student Leader, Shades Valley High School
GIVE NOW to help First Priority continue to provide training opportunities for middle and high school student leaders!

Students challenged to “focus” on reaching Every Last One at Leader’s Summit

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Last month, First Priority Greater Birmingham held its fall Leader’s Summit at Valleydale Church. This was the first of two leadership training events being held during the 2019-2020 school year. With school systems’ calendars changing, we saw the need to offer multiple summits in order to reach as many students as possible. 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. The fall conference theme was “Focus” where students were challenged to focus on reaching every last student with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The second summit for this school year will be held in January 2020. This is First Priority’s 15th year of holding these important training events and we look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead.

Over 300 students, teachers, youth leaders, parents and volunteers from nearly 30 middle and high schools across Central Alabama attended our event last month. 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.

The morning began with praise and worship followed by the first session led by First Priority Greater Birmingham President Greg Davis. Greg opened with the “Focus” and big vision message and discussed the importance of seeing the bull’s-eye. “We have to stay alert and fixed on the goal of First Priority, which is to reach Every Last One,” said Greg. First Priority’s Debi DeBoer then led an intense training on our HOPE strategy, a 4-week cycle that is repeated every month. Students were given a comprehensive plan they can use along with tools to reach their campus on a larger scale. First Priority Area Director James Cato then encouraged clubs to develop ministry teams using our Bless, Pray, Serve, Tell Strategy. Ministry teams are small groups of Christians on campus in a specific area of ministry outside First Priority clubs. Simply put, ministry teams give every Christian a way to connect on campus by using their spiritual gifts to serve others. Ministry teams encourage students to think “Beyond the Meeting.”

Students then enjoyed lunch from Chick-fil-A. After lunch, Joey Hill concluded the day with sharing about limits being our launching pads to trust God and press into the heart of God. “If we have the heart of God, we will have the goals of God to go and reach our campus,” said Joey. Students left enthusiastic and ready to reach Every Last One!

“This year’s Leader’s Summit was a wonderful training ground for students to be prepared to share the Gospel with Every Last One in their schools. It gave them the tools and vision to help see what was possible when God moves through students on campus.”
– Campus Coach, North Jefferson Middle School
Special thanks to our wonderful sponsor: Chick-fil-A!
 
GIVE NOW to help First Priority continue to provide training opportunities for middle and high school leaders!
 

Students challenged to reach their campus with the Gospel at Leader’s Summit!

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On Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, First Priority Greater Birmingham held its 14th Annual Leader’s Summit at Valleydale Church. 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 focus was “Truth or Dare” where students were challenged to share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Over 500 students, teachers, youth leaders, parents and volunteers from nearly 50 middle 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.
Praise and worship was led by Jeremy Moore who shared a testimony about when he was a First Priority student leader at his school several years ago and how much he enjoyed attending Leader’s Summit. To correspond with this year’s theme, each student in attendance received a First Priority Bible that 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. Our keynote speaker, First Priority South Florida Executive Director Chris Lane, used these inserts during his training. Chris inspired students to share the hope they have in Jesus with their peers and that as campus missionaries there needs to be a sense of urgency. He shared from Mark 2 about the paralyzed man who was brought to Jesus by the faith of his four friends that would stop at nothing including digging a hole in the roof just to lay him before Jesus. Their faith got Jesus’ attention and the man was forgiven and healed. The crowd was shocked and amazed. The story concluded with Mark 2:12b, “We have never seen anything like this!” Wouldn’t it be incredible if that is what this generation would see in their school this year? “Wow, God saved my friend and did the miraculous! Revival has fallen and changed my campus! Look what God did; we have never seen anything like this!” Chris wrapped up his sessions by having the students gather in groups to pray specifically for their campus. It was a powerful moment to see students truly broken over the needs of their school.
This year, students witnessed a sample First Priority club meeting led by student leaders, their teacher sponsor and campus coach. Our goal with the sample meeting was to demonstrate the correct way to hold a First Priority club meeting. Also, during this time, First Priority’s Debi DeBoer and James Cato discussed how the power of multiplication can happen in students’ clubs if they will invite and invest in others.
Students then enjoyed lunch from Chick-fil-A. After lunch, students were challenged to have a plan in place to reach their campus effectively. Debi and James led an intense training on our HOPE strategy, a 4-week cycle that is repeated every month. Students were given a comprehensive plan they can use along with tools to reach their campus on a larger scale. To conclude the day, First Priority’s Ory Hampton dared students to reach their campus with the great commission and read from Matthew 28:19-20. Students left enthusiastic and ready to reach their campus for Christ!
“This year’s Summit gave the students many ideas on how to lead the club, reinforced that the students must lead (not the adults), empowered them to step up and be the ones to change their school, and gave the leaders a chance to get to know each other better (away from school).”
– Gail, Campus Coach
“The Leader’s Summit is valuable not only to me, but my co-sponsor and student leaders. The Summit is encouraging and powerful for all of my students, but particularly informative for the new leaders.”
– Kathryn, Teacher Sponsor
 
“We loved receiving the Bible and having several different speakers instead of just one. We loved the band, the club training sessions, and the tips on how to bring more students into the club. We loved the prayer time and being guided to pray for specific things.”
– Group of First Priority Student Leaders
Special thanks to our wonderful sponsor: Chick-fil-A!