Select PRINT from the FILE drop down in your browser navigation bar to print this page ABOUT PRIORITY ONE FOUNDATION MAIN OFFICE 7 W. Gay Street, P.O. Box 634 West Chester, PA USA 19381 610- 429-4076 Phone 610- 696-8441 Fax info@priorityone.org Priority One works directly with men...right where they are. Priority One Foundation exists to introduce Christ into the lives of men and challenge them to make him the foundation of their priorities. Founded in 1981 as a small local ministry, today the ministry extends throughout the Mid-Atlantic States. We work through personal involvement, discipleship and relationship building, encouraging small group involvement, sponsoring men's weekend retreats and golf outings, and helping churches to develop meaningful men's ministry. Priority One Foundation is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) organization, is supported by the voluntary gifts of individuals, organizations, and local churches, and is audited annually. WHY MEN l OBJECTIVES l WHERE l WHAT WE BELIEVE l DIRECTIONS WHY A MEN'S MINISTRY? If you reach men for Jesus Christ, the influence upon others can be far-reaching. Here's why: Families. The most dramatic impact in a family usually happens when a man begins to live a Christ-centered life. Our desire is to influence change in the character of men to reflect that of Jesus Christ and God's word. Wives. Nothing benefits a woman's life more than if her husband loves her as Christ loved the Church -- sacrificially and unconditionally. Children. The enormous and life-changing effect a father can have on his children for good or bad is without question. We believe that if a father reaches out to his children (and their mother) with the heart of Christ, all of their lives will surely be affected forever. Men are encouraged to take an active role in this spiritual training of their children. Business. When a man's values and priorities become Christ-centered, the way he conducts his business, treats his employees and co-workers, and makes decisions all have the potential for real change. Church and Community. As a man's life begins to reflect Christ, he is frequently better equipped to contribute leadership and involvement in a local church and the community at large. OBJECTIVES Priority One has clear priorities of its own. First, to introduce men to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and over time, to encourage a deepening commitment to Christ as Lord of home, work, church, and relationships. Second, to involve men in small groups where personal spiritual growth, accountability, and vulnerability help men to develop sound Christ-centered priorities and relationships. Third, to encourage mentoring or discipling relationships with men who are newer in the faith. This encourages further growth through teaching, example, and positive interaction. Fourth, to challenge men on serious issues. Our teaching times, small groups, and retreats usually focus on areas with which men struggle at different times in their lives, such as marriage, money, work, selfishness, desires, relationships, and leadership. We believe that retreats are valuable to men as a time to rethink, reflect, and to make new choices for their future. Fifth, to help men assume positive leadership at home and at work. Growing financial and social pressure and obligations have diminished the role of father and husband. As a man's priorities change over time, he will become better equipped to provide good leadership. Sixth, to help churches develop a meaningful and productive men's ministry. We support them through consulting with church leadership and sponsoring training workshops throughout the Mid-Atlantic States. WHERE? We work with Men right where they are. Personal involvement From the start, we are missional. Often men, with whom we meet, are at a serious crossroads in life: marriage problems, divorce, financial problems, job loss, family struggles, personal failings, addictions, or many other problems. At other times, they reach out to us merely out of a desire to grow stronger and deeper in Christ. Individual meetings involve Christ in the process For many men, quiet meetings over breakfast or lunch help them identify issues which need work and prayer. Through focused discussions, prayer, Scripture, and encouragement, often a path toward new priorities and growth becomes clear. Discipleship and relationship-building We spend time with individual men discipling, teaching, and encouraging them to develop a solid spiritual foundation. Over time, these relationships build trust and mutual concern. Small group involvement As a man begins to grow spiritually, one excellent path is belonging to a small group of men who are committed to Jesus Christ and to one another. Often these groups focus on Scripture, prayer, sharing, and accountability. Men's retreats Each year, Priority One is involved in the planning and leadership of many retreats, the largest of which are two Men's Retreats in the Fall. Each retreat features challenging speakers and teachers, with emphasis on --personal time for reflection, making new friends, plus plenty of positive fun. We also help plan, lead, and teach other retreats throughout the year, many of them for churches. Golf ministry outings and fellowship Combining fun and relaxation with meeting and growing in Jesus Christ has proven to be an extremely successful way of reaching men and building positive relationships. Priority One hosts occasional golf outings that attract new men who are introduced to Jesus Christ. Helping churches develop men's ministry From meeting individually with pastors to encourage them, to speaking to men's groups, to providing consulting services to local churches and regional workshops focused on outreach to men, Priority One seeks every opportunity to encourage men's ministry. We offer them help finding effective programs like Top Gun's Basic Training. WHAT WE BELIEVE -Jesus Christ is our foundation. We desire to help men begin and build a personal relationship with God, His Son, the Holy Spirit, and Scripture. We encourage men to develop positive relationships and spiritual leadership in their homes, workplace, church, and community that reflect Christ's leadership and priorities. That's why our ministry of introducing Jesus Christ into the lives and men -- and their priorities -- is built upon the following seven central tenets of the Christian faith. We believe: The Bible is the only infallible, authoritative Word of God. There is only one God. He exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return to power and glory. That for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential. In the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; the saved unto the resurrection of eternal life, and the lost unto the resurrection of eternal damnation. In the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. DIRECTIONS 7 W. Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380 (610) 429-4076 Priority One Foundation's main office is located in the center of historic West Chester, at the corner of Gay and High Streets. High Street is also PA Route 100. -FROM PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE Take exit 23, Downingtown. Head south on PA Route 100. Follow Route 100 into the center of West Chester. Turn right onto Gay Street and park. We are at the corner of Gay and High Streets with our entrance to the left of Iron Hill Restaurant. -FROM DELAWARE COUNTY Go west on PA Route 3, West Chester Pike, into the heart of West Chester. West Chester Pike becomes Gay Street as you enter town. When you come to High Street (PA Route 100), park. We are at the corner of Gay and High Streets with our entrance to the left of Iron Hill Restaurant. -FROM PA ROUTE 202 Exit 202 at Route 3, West Chester Pike, and turn left at the stop sign onto West Chester Pike. Follow West Chester Pike into the center of town. West Chester Pike will become Gay Street. Park when you reach High Street. We are at the corner of Gay and High Streets with our entrance to the left of Iron Hill Restaurant.