In Northeast Tennessee, middle and high school students are facing a spiritual crisis. A recent poll among students in Northeast Tennessee revealed that over 75% identified depression and anxiety as their top concerns, with relationship challenges following closely behind. Many students feel lost and hopeless. First Priority exists to empower students to change this reality with the power of the Gospel.
OUR NICHE
Students Reaching Students.
OUR MISSION
To take the Hope of Christ to every student.
OUR VISION
To unite the local church with a plan of action to
influence middle and high schools with the Gospel.
WHY FIRST PRIORITY?
- First Priority is cost-effective, scalable, and utilizes a proven process for success.
- First Priority is accredited by ECFA and Excellence in Giving for accountability, transparency, and financial assessment.
- First Priority tackles a significant need by leveraging local people and resources to create a grassroots movement.
- The First Priority model has the potential to spark revival in America’s schools.
STUDENT TESTIMONIES
2024-2025 IMPACT
- Active Clubs: 35
- Churches Partnered: 62
- Weekly Attendance: 835
- Decisions for Christ: 137
- Student Leaders Trained: 366
COUNTIES
Blount
Carter
Cocke
Greene
Hamblen
Hancock
Hawkins
Jefferson
Johnson
Sevier
Sullivan
Unicoi
Washington
SHAPING NORTHEAST TN’S TOMORROW
130 CLUBS WITHIN 7 YEARS
1,560 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST ANNUALLY BY YEAR 7
75,000 TOTAL STUDENT POPULATION
CURRENT YEAR
2025-2026
- Schools with a Club: 50
GOALS
- Hire 1 PT Staff Member (County Coordinator)
- 100 Church Partners
- 100 Volunteers
- Train 250 Student Leaders
- 250 Decisions for Christ
3-YEAR PICTURE
2027-2028
- Schools with a Club: 80
GOALS
- Hire 2-3 New Staff (County Coordinators)
- 225 Church Partners
- 150 Volunteers
- Train 375 Student Leaders
- 900 Decisions for Christ
7-YEAR PICTURE
2031-2032
- Schools with a Club: 130
GOALS
- Hire 2-3 New Staff (County Coordinators)
- 390 Church Partners
- 260 Volunteers
- Train 650 Student Leaders
- 1,560 Decisions for Christ
First Priority of Northeast TN is an integral part of First Priority of America, a national 501(c)(3) organization. The national objective is to establish over 6,000 Christian clubs on public school campuses within 10 years, aiming for 65,000+ decisions for Christ annually, thus reaching the “tipping point” for influencing the culture of every middle and high school in America. The Northeast TN area is vital for this mission and is backed by the national office.
