In Northeast Tennessee, middle and high school students are facing a spiritual crisis. A recent poll among students in Northeast Tennessee revealed that over 75% identified depression and anxiety as their top concerns, with relationship challenges following closely behind. Many students feel lost and hopeless. First Priority exists to empower students to change this reality with the power of the Gospel.
MISSION
To take the Hope of Christ to every student.
VISION
Unite the local church to impact the schools with the Gospel through student-led clubs.
CORE VALUES
Gospel-Focused. Student-Led. Local Church-Engaged. Strategy-Based.
NICHE
Student Reach Students
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.
PROVEN PROCESS
2025-2026 IMPACT
- Active Clubs: 58
- Schools with a Club: 49
- Churches Partnered: 65
- Weekly Attendance: 2,462
- Decisions for Christ: 72
- Student Leaders Trained: 331
COUNTIES
Carter
Cocke
Greene
Hamblen
Hancock
Hawkins
Jefferson
Johnson
Sevier
Sullivan
Unicoi
Washington
SHAPING NORTHEAST TN’S TOMORROW
CURRENT YEAR
2026-2027
- Schools with a Club: 65
GOALS
- Train 325 Student Leaders
- See 780 Decisions for Christ
- Network 130 Churches
- Influence 1,885 Students Weekly
3-YEAR PICTURE
2028-2029
- Schools with a Club: 100
GOALS
- Train 500 Student Leaders
- See 1,200 Decisions for Christ
- Network 200 Churches
- Influence 4,000 Students Weekly
7-YEAR PICTURE
2032-2033
- Schools with a Club: 90%
GOALS
- Train 1000+ Student Leaders
- See 1500+ Decisions for Christ
- Network 300 Churches
- Influence 75,000 Students Weekly
First Priority of Northeast TN is an integral part of First Priority of America, a national 501(c)(3) organization. The national objective is to establish over 4,000 Christian Clubs on public school campuses within 10 years, aiming for 65,000+ decisions for Christ annually. The Northeast TN area is vital for this mission and is backed by the national office.
WE’RE
HIRING!
3 Part-Time Positions Available. Full-Time Potential!
COUNTY COORDINATORS
HAMBLEN | GREENE | JEFFERSON
- Lead the Monthly Network Luncheon in your area.
- Check in weekly with your Chapter Director.
- Encourage and resource the Club Coaches of your schools weekly.
- Contact and encourage the Faculty Sponsors of your clubs monthly.
- Fill in for and help find Club Coaches when needed.
Interested?
Email your resume to jobs@firstpriority.org!
For more information, visit firstpriority.org/employment.
