Steve and Brad are back at it with special guest Rachel Gardiner, First Priority Director in North Carolina. In this conversation, Rachel gets real about the challenges and victories of local ministry marketing and storytelling. From navigating unnecessary competition between churches and Clubs to building long-term trust in the community, she shares what she’s learned over six years of leading and growing her district.

You’ll hear how students themselves have become the most powerful storytellers, why authentic partnerships matter more than forced ones, and the creative ways Rachel and her team have engaged parents, pastors, and businesses in the mission. She also opens up about unexpected wins—like students leading bold fundraising efforts during COVID—and practical tips like the “1-2-3 card” that makes connecting with new people simple and effective.

This episode is full of encouragement for leaders at every stage. Whether you’re brand new to First Priority, a seasoned director, or simply passionate about seeing students reach students, Rachel’s wisdom and stories will remind you that the Great Commission is bigger than any one club or organization—and that prayer, persistence, and storytelling are the keys to lasting impact.

This week, we’re joined by the man, the myth, the legend himself: Larry Franks! With 15 years of experience with First Priority in Decatur, Alabama, Larry brings the wisdom, humor, and straight-up practical advice you didn’t know you needed.

From business partnerships to local church collaboration, Larry breaks down how to build authentic, mutually beneficial community connections that fuel your mission without sacrificing your values. Whether you're trying to get into schools, connect with donors, or just figure out where to start, this episode is packed with real talk and real help.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 🔹 Why ministry outside the walls matters. 🔹 How to partner with chambers, rotary clubs, and local businesses. 🔹 Ways to create win-win relationships without always leading with money. 🔹 Common partnership mistakes + how to avoid them. 🔹 Super practical ideas: ribbon cuttings, mentorships, interns, in-kind donations, and more. 🔹 Why relationships are the actual special sauce. 🔹 Encouragement for staying faithful when things feel slow.

Connect with Larry: 📍 Follow First Priority Decatur on socials! @fpdecatural.

Subscribe + Share: If this episode encouraged you, share it with your team or another ministry leader. And don’t forget to subscribe for more practical episodes!

🎧 Taking the hope of Christ to every student!

In this episode, Brad is joined by Kansas City Area Coordinator Jenna Doll to talk about student engagement and retention in First Priority clubs. They cover what it takes to build strong, healthy clubs that students want to be part of, and how to create a culture that keeps them coming back.

Topics Covered:

• Creating real and relevant club environments

• Why relationships and consistency matter

• Strategies for empowering student leaders

• Using social media to boost student involvement

• The role of Campus Coaches in club health

• Planning with vision for each individual school

Whether you're an area leader, coach, or volunteer, this episode offers practical ideas and encouragement to help your clubs grow stronger!