It’s Personal, It’s Relational, and the Time Is Now | Align 2025 Recap

In Session 3 of the Align 2025 series, Permian Basin leaders Shane and Natalie Kenny share what it really takes to build a sustainable First Priority ministry that lasts beyond any one staff member, student leader, or season. Their message is clear: sustainability is not just about club mechanics, it starts with roots. A heart that stays soft for the city. Relationships that go deep with the local church and school leaders. And a sense of urgency to act because the harvest is ready.

This episode wraps the three main Align sessions and sets up the upcoming breakout episodes.

Key Takeaways

• Sustainability starts before the club starts. Shane and Natalie emphasize building a ministry foundation that can outlive you, not just launching a weekly meeting.

• Personal first: love your city and your schools. Ministry becomes fragile when frustration replaces compassion. They challenge leaders to reclaim a burden for their community and campus.

• Potted vs. planted. A powerful metaphor throughout the session: you can travel like a potted plant, or you can put down roots and build something that stands the test of time.

• Relational ministry beats transactional ministry. Networks are not the goal. Serving people is. They challenge leaders to stop viewing relationships as a means to an end.

• Mobilize beyond youth pastors. Relying only on youth pastors for volunteers is not sustainable. Their model expands the volunteer base across the local church, including parents and community members.

• Go through the front door. They stress the importance of meeting principals, building trust with administration, and showing up to serve schools consistently.

• Create the environment so students can lead. Their focus is building the “wall” around student leadership so students can step up with confidence and consistency.

Reflection Questions

• Do I feel compassion for my city right now, or am I running on frustration?

• Am I operating relationally or transactionally with schools, churches, and leaders?

• Who is “on the wall” with me, and where do I need to expand my volunteer base?

• Have I built roots in my community, or am I still trying to lead like a potted plant?