The separation of church and state limits what teachers and students can discuss in the classroom.  However, the First Priority Club at Lancaster High School has found a way to celebrate their faith publicly.  It’s less about preaching religion and more about community.   Although the club is student-led, they have a teacher who mentors the club. LHS science teacher Amanda Thompson said that the group focuses on fellowship. 

“First Priority is just a group for like-minded individuals to come together and have a safe space to have fellowship with each other. I think it’s good that kids have a chance to come together in school and have morals and values. There’s no formal joining process. It’s just a matter of coming; just come and enjoy it. You learn and meet new people and make new friends. A lot of times, there is food, which is always a nice enticement for people, but just come and enjoy and have a nice fellowship,” said Thompson.

Each Wednesday, the students find new ways to teach each other about their faith. LHS sophomore Vivian Worthington explained that the group has a multi-tiered mission.

“First Priority is a club that is all about having a Christ-centered community in such a large school. We study scripture, create and learn lessons, and try our best to spread the love of Jesus,” she said. 

LHS sophomore Brinkley Conklin shared how she feels about being a member of First Priority.

“The thing I like best is seeing God through our school. It is so special to see new students come to one of our meetings and continue to show up. First Priority is about spreading the gospel and creating a space for students to learn and talk about God. I joined First Priority because I thought it was a great space to learn about God with fellow students. To someone who is looking to join, I would say, don’t be scared to come! Everyone is welcome, and we love to see new people there,” she said.

Worthington also expressed that newcomers are met with open arms.

“Everyone is so welcoming, and even one new face is a celebration. I always tell people to just come and see how it made you feel after. This club is such a great opportunity for those who have God as their first priority but also for those who are curious about giving their lives to Jesus. Wherever you may fall in your walk of faith, I can assure you that there is a place for you here in our club,” said Worthington. 

According to the First Priority website, over the past decade, about 105,000 students have begun their walk of faith, and 35,834 student leaders have been trained to share the gospel of Christ in their schools (“First Priority Club – School Clubs for Christ”).

First Priority also estimates that “In the next ten years, we are trusting God to establish 6,186 FP clubs resulting in 390,460 students beginning their walk with Jesus, and over 170,557 student leaders trained”  (“First Priority Club – School Clubs for Christ”).