In the Ozarks, middle and high school students are facing a spiritual crisis, marked by rising anxiety, depression, increased suicide rates, broken homes, and substance abuse. With 90-95% of these students lacking a relationship with Jesus and 87% not attending church, there’s an urgent need for change. Remarkably, it takes just 16% of a population to start a movement—presenting a unique opportunity to transform the lives of these students.
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.
2023-2024 IMPACT
- Active Clubs: 11
- Churches Partnered: 30
- Weekly Attendance: 161
- Decisions for Christ: 57
- Student Leaders Trained: 35
CURRENT AREA
GREATER SPRINGFIELD
- 30,000 Students
- 38 Schools
SHAPING THE OZARKS TOMORROW
156 CLUBS WITHIN 10 YEARS
1,896 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST ANNUALLY BY YEAR 10
103,000 TOTAL STUDENT POPULATION
2024-2025
- Annual Budget: $390,000
- Schools with a Club: 25
GOALS
- Launch 14 New Clubs
- Train 125 Student Leaders to engage 500 Students Weekly
- Hire and train 1 Full-Time Area Coordinator
3-YEAR PICTURE
- Annual Budget: $445,000
- Schools with a Club: 50
GOALS
- Launch 25 New Clubs
- Train 250 Student Leaders to engage 1,000 Students Weekly
- Establish 150 Total Church Partnerships
- Launch in the Greater Joplin Area and NW Arkansas
10-YEAR PICTURE
- Annual Budget: $1,100,000
- Schools with a Club: 156
GOALS
- Launch 106 New Clubs
- Train 925 Student Leaders to Engage 3,160 Students Weekly
- Establish 474 Church Partners
- Launch in the Greater Branson Area and Rural Ozarks
First Priority of the Ozarks is an integral part of First Priority of America. The Ozarks, backed by the national office, which operates as a 501(c)(3) organization, is fully supported to ensure its success. The Ozarks will be instrumental in achieving the organization’s broader goals.
