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.

• 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.

• 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?

Brad and Steve bring Storytime with Steve to the Align 2025 conference for a powerful look at how God is moving through Student Leaders across the country. North Alabama Director Ashley Bell shares her own testimony, along with her daughter’s story of faith through suffering. Staff from multiple areas jump in with raw, real stories of students who are overcoming depression, addiction, bullying, loss, and deep personal battles while choosing to share the hope of Christ with their friends. This episode is honest, encouraging, and a reminder that students are leading the way in ways only they can.

📍 Recorded Live from Align 2025, Nashville, TN

In this episode of The First Priority Podcast, Brad and Steve kick off a brand-new series recapping highlights from Align 2025, First Priority’s annual leadership conference. With 65 leaders gathered in Nashville, this event brought together directors, coordinators, and support staff from across the country to unite under one mission: taking the hope of Christ to every student.

The hosts revisit Session One, featuring Chris Lane, Director of First Priority South Florida, who delivered a powerful message centered on three words: Pray. Plant. Press On.

• Pray – Start with prayer and stay in step with the Holy Spirit. Chris challenged leaders to pray fervently, to believe for impossible things, and to ask God to move in every school and student community.

• Plant – You can’t plant without a plan. Be intentional about where and how you invest your time and leadership. Know what seeds you’re planting and what you’re praying will grow.

• Press On – Don’t quit before the harvest comes. Whether you’re a director, coach, or student leader, perseverance produces character and hope. Keep pressing toward what God has called you to do.

Reach out to another director, coach, or student leader and talk through what Pray, Plant, Press On means for your ministry. Remember—linking arms with others isn’t a burden, it’s a blessing.

If this episode encouraged you, leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review, share it with your team, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next five episodes in the Align 2025 series.