Unseen | vertical three conference | Little Rock, Arkansas

By Karlee Alberty

For 50 years, young people across our denomination have come together to fellowship, serve, compete, and worship. This year was no different. Free Will Baptists were reminded the future of our denomination is bright as 3,400 young people met in Little Rock. Participants experienced an unforgettable, life-changing week as they were challenged to strengthen and grow in their faith by the theme Unseen, from Hebrews 11:1.

The conference kicked off Sunday morning with a powerful message by Jacob Riggs, Pastor of Central Oaks Community Church (MI). He spoke on “What to Do When God Doesn’t Feel Near” and challenged listeners to trust and obey God’s Word over their feelings. Kendall Ross, Pastor of Ozark FWB Church (AR), followed on Sunday evening with a message about the “Unseen War” described in Ephesians 6. He encouraged students to prepare for this war by putting on the Armor of God and knowing who the enemy is. He reminded listeners the enemy’s main weapons are the lies he speaks into our lives when he attacks us at our weakest points.

Monday evening, Jake Manning, Youth Pastor at Unity FWB (NC), spoke on three necessities of a growing faith. He challenged students to have an awestruck fear of God, an all-inclusive love for God, and appropriate trust in God. Manning reminded listeners we are not enough on our own, but God is enough! During the final service, Dr. Frank Turek taught students to defend their faith with common examples relating to cosmology.

The Vertical Three Conference also allows tomorrow’s church leaders to worship through services geared toward their ages. This year, Katie Greenwood and team led 109 preschoolers in exciting Bible lessons, crafts, and games each night. Johnny Miller led 264 1st through 3rd graders in great worship and challenging Bible lessons. Steve Greenwood led 314 energetic 4th-6th grade students in 456 Worship, challenging them to grow in their faith.

Kid’s Corner proved a highlight of the 2018 conference. The event provided an opportunity for kids to release some energy during the day by participating in fun games and crafts while their parents enjoy CTS competitions or seminars. Johnny Miller and staff managed the event Monday through Wednesday.

Serve the City, under the leadership of Jane Parker, left a great impact on the host city of Little Rock. This community service-minded ministry gives conference participants the opportunity to serve the host city each year. This year, through 22 different service projects, 200 individuals were served at 21 different locations. At the same time, 150 homeless care bags were packed and distributed. During the annual convention blood drive on Wednesday, 23 units of blood were donated. Serve the City continues to provide a great opportunity for attendees to be the hands and feet of Christ while attending the conference.

During the Wednesday ceremony, CTS and other awards were presented. The Youth Leaders of the Year award went to Josh and Christi Smith. Youth Group of the Year was awarded to Temple FWB. And Youth of the Year was presented to Sydney Walker. The Jim Lauthern Award was awarded to Charlie Elliot for his hard work and dedication. This year, the CTS Ministry Expo had 906 entries and 1,804 competitors, and the Wednesday night awards presented an exciting opportunity to celebrate all the hard work from competitors and coaches.

The 2018 Vertical Three Conference was filled with great competition, powerful worship, and lasting memories. If you were unable to attend the Little Rock conference, we invite you to join us in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 21-24, 2019, when the conference theme will be Identity (Ephesians 4:24), exploring who we are in Christ. We hope you choose to join us in Cincinnati.

2019 YET Team

Jace Cooper (NC)
Jacob Snow (Japan)
Samuel Rodriguez (FL)
Collin Long (MO)
Katie Burke (GA)
Nate Mattingly (KY)
Jacob Robertson (MS)
Mason McClintock (GA)
Layla England (KY)
Helen Shtefan (FL)
Sarah Johnson (GA)
Abby Myers (MI)
Erin Goucher (MS)