Raising money for ministry can feel like the hardest part of the work… but what if it actually became one of the most life-giving parts of it?

In this breakout session from Align 2025, Joe Maldonado shares how his First Priority region grew to 50+ clubs across multiple counties while keeping things simple, relational, and sustainable. Instead of chasing big events or complicated strategies, Joe walks through a clear, repeatable approach built on relationships, small gatherings, and sharing real stories of impact.

From Director Dinners to Monthly Donors and Church Partnerships, you’ll hear exactly how he structured a plan that funded growth without adding pressure.

If fundraising has ever felt frustrating or disconnected from your calling, this episode will help you rethink it as part of the mission and give you a practical way to move forward.

• A simple framework for funding your ministry without big events.
• How to turn relationships into long-term support.
• Practical ways to build a steady monthly donor base.
• A clearer, more confident way to invite people in.

First Priority → https://firstpriority.org Youth Pastor Summit → https://slulead.com

Brad and Steve introduce another breakout session from Align 2025, featuring Logan Miller and Tayana Bradley on social media marketing for First Priority.

In this conversation, Logan and Tayana share practical ways Chapters can use social media to tell the story of what God is doing on campuses. From simple posting rhythms to empowering students to share what’s happening at their clubs, the session focuses on keeping the mission visible and helping more students hear about First Priority.

You’ll hear:

• How Chapters can consistently share club stories online • Simple systems that help directors and students post regularly • Why social media matters for growing awareness and celebrating what God is doing in schools • Real examples from the Kansas City chapter and national content efforts

If you want practical ideas for sharing the First Priority story and reaching students where they already spend time online, this breakout session is worth the listen. 🙌📱

In this episode, Steve and Brad recap a practical breakout session from the Align 2025 Conference: the Culture Index! Download this worksheet before you start listening.

Hosted by Ashley Jones and Travis Neff, they break down how this profiling tool helps teams understand how they’re wired and how that wiring impacts leadership, communication, hiring, and burnout.

🧠 Learn what the core traits reveal about drive, social style, pace, detail, logic, creativity, and energy capacity. 🤝 Discover how understanding your teammates reduces conflict and increases trust. 📊 See how Culture Index can clarify your next hire and strengthen team health. 🔥 Identify where you may be operating outside your natural wiring.

This conversation is not about labeling people. It’s about building stronger, healthier teams so we can serve the mission of First Priority with clarity, unity, and purpose.