Every nation is assigned a single expansion phase. These phases provide a common framework for evaluating progress, allocating resources, and determining next steps. The goal is not simply to move countries through phases, but to establish healthy, sustainable, locally led ministry.
Phase 0: Unegaged
A country is in Phase 0 when there is currently no active relationship, invitation, or strategic engagement with First Priority Global.
The focus of Phase 0 is prayer, research, networking, and identifying potential relationships that could lead to future expansion.
Phase 1: Identification
Each country enters the strategic expansion plan in Phase 1. This status is assigned when we identify a lead (person of peace)—whether an individual, organization, or network expressing interest. Our most effective expansion model is relational (intivations) not structured (top-down). The primary outcome in Phase 1 is to identify an “initiator” to establish vision casting.
Phase 2: Initiation
When we state we are in phase 2 we should ask the question, “who is our initiator?”
An initiator could be a potential Community Coordinator or National Coordinator, but they do not necessarily need to be. It is also a good trial role for a leader to identify it they have the calling and gifting needed to a FPG leader. An initiator can be a parent, a pastor, a leader who works in another ministry, an international.
Vision Casting
Sharing the vision of First Priority and may also include training on the strategy, but the primary goals of vision casting are creating exposure and excitement for the FPG vision and gaining trust with local and national leaders. Vision Casting is not only a large event. Many times it’s zoom calls, lunches, and speaking at churches. We are really looking for one person. Who will God speak to that will carry this vision?
Research
Research includes understanding demographic, cultural, political, economic, language, and religious opportunities and challenges.
- Is this going to be a school, church, or community model?
Phase 3: Training & Implementation
When we state we are in phase 3 we should ask the question, “who is implementing First Priority strategies?”
There is a difference between “training” and “training for implementation.” Many times we do the First Priority training as part of first exposure to our strategies, but this doesn’t necessarily lead to ministry. Our leaders need to understand the value of both vision casting and training for implementation. The measure of success for Phase 3 is healthy teen led ministry.
The Focus of Phase 3:
- Training of Trainers – Preparing trainers who can lead others.
- Strategy Training – Equipping leaders with the knowledge and tools for effective ministry.
- Developing Community Core4 – Building a foundational network of local leaders dedicated to sustainability of the mission.
Phase 4: Multiplication
When we state we are in phase 4 we should ask the questions,
- Leadership – “Who is the National Coordinator?
- Effectiveness – “Do we have a clear “picture of success”?
- Scalability – “Do we have a ministry model worth multiplying?”
- Leader Development – “Is there consistent, weekly mentoring in place for the National Coordinator?”
In this phase, the Regional Expansion Team takes a more hands-off approach, focusing on mentoring and supporting the National Coordinator, who then leads expansion and implementation efforts. This ensures that growth is sustainable, locally led, and adaptable to each unique national context.