In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, Steve and Brad sit down with Jody Trautwein from First Priority Alabama, for a powerful and personal conversation on what it really means to be "all in" as a volunteer in student ministry.

From life-changing moments at a Carmen concert to seeing hundreds of students come to Christ across local schools, Jody shares how his own story fuels his passion for raising up Student Leaders and supporting those called to campus ministry. You’ll hear inspiring stories of volunteers stepping up in big ways, from a pastor coaching at four schools weekly to a mom who overcame self-doubt and ended up changing the lives of 100+ students.

💬 Topics include:

• The heart behind volunteer recruitment and retention

• Real examples of lives transformed through student ministry

• How to create easy on-ramps for potential volunteers

• Why staying connected to your “why” matters more than ever

If you're a campus coach, faculty sponsor, student leader, or staff member, this episode is a reminder of why we do what we do, and the fruit that follows when people say yes to God's call.

In this episode of the First Priority Podcast, Brad and Steve sit down with Sarah Leonard, Ministry Director for First Priority in North Carolina District 1. Sarah shares her journey with First Priority, explaining how student-led clubs are thriving across her district, which includes several counties around Raleigh. She highlights students' incredible passion for leading their clubs, the importance of training and communication, and how students creatively share the Gospel through unique outreach ideas like prayer bears and small gifts.

They also dive into some of the challenges clubs face, such as dealing with students who are assigned to clubs but aren’t interested in participating, balancing student commitments, and navigating concerns from parents and school administrators. Sarah emphasizes the value of building strong relationships within schools, staying adaptable to each campus’s culture, and always supporting the students who are leading on the ground.

This conversation is full of practical advice and inspiring stories from someone who truly understands the day-to-day realities of running student-led ministries. It’s a must-listen for anyone involved with First Priority or interested in youth ministry that empowers students to take the lead and share their faith authentically.

In this episode, Steve and Brad welcome Jo Jabbia and Ashley Jones, two newly appointed First Priority District Directors in Houston, Texas. Jo and Ashley share the unique paths that led them to this calling; Jo from youth ministry and Chick-fil-A leadership, and Ashley from event management and a role with the Houston Dynamo.

They reflect on what it's like to launch First Priority in a brand-new region, including the excitement of casting vision for Gospel clubs in schools, the challenges of navigating church unity, and the deep need for leaders who are fully dependent on Jesus. Jo talks about his burden for students who work long hours to support their families and have no time for church, while Ashley shares about the moments that affirmed her calling as students and pastors caught the vision of First Priority.

Together, they unpack their goal of launching 12 clubs each in their first year and their prayer for lasting transformation across Houston’s middle and high schools.

You’ll Hear About:

• How Jo’s time at Chick-fil-A shaped his heart for reaching unchurched students.

• Ashley’s experience moving from the bridal world to the sports world to ministry.

• The real struggles of fundraising and waiting on God’s timing.

• The importance of relational ministry and unified churches.

• Their bold prayer for 24 new clubs launched in Houston by next school year.

Prayer Points:

• Favor and open doors in strategic schools.

• Leaders in Houston who are deeply dependent on Jesus.

• Unity among local churches and youth pastors.

• Students to rise up and boldly share the Gospel.

Resources & More: Learn more about First Priority at firstpriority.club