This blog post was written by Hannah Blackburn.
In this episode of the First Priority podcast, our host Brad Schelling sat down with the First Priority president, Mark Robbins. Mark Robbins began as a First Priority director in one of the oldest chapters in the country, and he is very enthusiastic about the First Priority ministry and sharing some exciting new updates. One amazing First Priority update is that there are now over 1,000 clubs in the country! There have been 500-600 student leaders trained, and many areas are growing exponentially. In another exciting update, First Priority has seen 7200+ students come to know Jesus this school year!
In a continuation of last week’s conversation, Brad and Mark got into the topic of the episode, business leaders and their impact on the First Priority network. The First Priority model focuses on five central networks: the students, student leaders and coaches, teacher sponsors, parents, and the business community. Brad and Mark discussed how business leaders and community leaders focus on the longevity of their community. People like this are central to the First Priority business model. When local business leaders work together with parents, students, pastors, and teachers, they become a huge network of Christians all working together to lead the next generation to Christ. Networking is a core theme of the First Priority model. Although networking through pre-established relationships can feel inconsequential, it’s those established connections that are the most important to creating a strong community of support.
Next, Mark and Brad shared some advice for people new to First Priority. It starts with following God’s lead on your heart. This could mean not becoming distracted and discouraged when things seem to overwhelm you, but instead following God’s lead even when it doesn’t make sense to you. Brad brought up an example of when God led him to call his dentist, and long story short he was able to make a whole new network of business leaders excited about First Priority’s ministry. Business leaders and community leaders are a central part of the First Priority network, and working together with students, teachers, coaches, sponsors, and parents, First Priority is able to see God working and moving in the local community and bringing students to Christ.
