Right Here, Right Now: 2026 Vertical Three Conference Review

By Claire Ryan

Another exciting Vertical Three Conference has passed. Each year, the gathering of fellow followers of Christ is deeply moving, refreshing, and challenging. But the truths learned here and the talents students cultivate should continue to grow and impact the people and places at home.

Consider some of the long-term ripple effects of ordinary acts of faithfulness from scriptural heroes of the faith. Did Ruth understand that her faithful decision to remain with Naomi and accept her God would place her in the lineage of King David and, ultimately, the Messiah? Was David aware of how far his faith would impact history when he faced a giant nearly twice his size? Did the three Hebrew children know the impact their devout stand for the Lord would have on the Bible-believing generations to follow? Did Esther realize she was saving more than her Jewish people when she stood before the king and boldly requested rescue?

Did the disciples realize when they left their nets, tax tables, and familiar lives to follow Christ, they were helping launch a movement to carry the gospel to every nation? Did Paul know his unshakable resolve in the face of storms, riots, and persecutions would stretch across time, still reaching believers today? Was Mary Magdalene aware when she faithfully proclaimed, “I have seen the Lord,” she would become the first herald of the risen Christ, her testimony echoing through the centuries? Did Lydia imagine when she opened her heart to the gospel and her home to God’s people, her hospitality would help establish one of the New Testament’s first churches? Did Andrew know every person he quietly brought to Jesus, including his own brother Peter, would multiply into a ministry reaching the world? Did John imagine by faithfully recording the life, love, and words of Jesus, he would help countless generations believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God?

All these individuals had something in common. At some point in their lives, they made the decision that “here and now” they would follow the Lord. These ordinary men and women rarely knew the full extent of the influence their faithfulness would have. Similarly, for us, every stand for truth, every gospel conversation, every act of obedience, every disciple in whom we invest has the potential to outlive us. We may never see the full harvest this side of eternity, but God has always multiplied the faithfulness of His people to reach lives they could never imagine.

We return from the Vertical Three Conference with the challenge: allow your decision to obey the Lord right here, right now impact your context. Take it to friends, co-workers, coaches, bosses, family; let them reap the benefits of your time at V3. As followers of Jesus, it is our responsibility to go and make disciples, teaching and training them in the ways of the Lord (Matthew 28:19–20).

Vertical Three Services. This year’s V3 Theme, “Right Here. Right Now,” focused on Matthew 5:1-16 and 43-48. The Kingdom of God is not just something for the future; it is also for the here and now. We are called to live in a way that proclaims we serve the Lord and Him alone.

In Matthew 5, Jesus outlines how believers should live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven right here, right now. Sunday morning featured a joint service with adults and V3-Teen. Truth & Peace students led Sunday School: Landon Reiter, Charlie Haskins, Eli Parish, Desmond Pontious, and Tommy Trimble. Truth & Peace students Bella Dingess, Ruth Foster, Ana Luthy, and Myra Little led V3-456 Sunday School. Jon Forrest preached from Matthew 22 and challenged each of us to choose to love God with all our heart.

Sunday evening, Johnathan Washak spoke on The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12, reminding the V3-Teen audience of the characteristics of Kingdom citizens. Monday night, Kevin Jones preached from Matthew 5:13-16 about being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. V3-Teen services wrapped up Tuesday evening as Ray Paxton shared a challenge from Matthew 5:43-48 to be known for a love that reflects Jesus’ love for us.

After Tuesday’s service, students enjoyed an encore performance by the one and only Mark Brown, an illusionist from Nashville, Tennessee. V3-Teen was once again blessed with incredible emcees Jon Forrest and Neil Gilliland.

Johnny Miller and his amazing team led V3-123, while V3-456 students enjoyed services and activities headed by Steve Greenwood and Jonathon Reed. Once again, Katie Greenwood and her team led V3-Preschool. Each night, students were challenged to live for Jesus, knowing we can live in His promises here and now.

CTS Ministry Expo. Every year, hundreds of young people in our denomination spend countless hours preparing for the CTS Ministry Expo competition.

The end goal is that those countless hours spent worshiping the Lord, speaking His truths, and studying His Word will help ground students with a foundation of faith that will stand against the trials of this life. The true purpose is not a medal or trophy but the promise of Christ and His Kingdom. This year, 1,641 competitors from kindergarten through high school competed in various music, drama, Bible, and arts categories.

Truth & Peace Student Leadership Conference. This year 150 students and 16 staff members participated in the Truth & Peace Student Leadership Conference. They examined the theme Explore, with a focus on training students for life in service to Christ and His Kingdom. Students learned how to grow in their faith using personal Bible study practices and received training in methods for teaching God’s Word to others.

Students arrived at Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee, July 8 and immediately began leadership training through leadership development courses, team building opportunities, and service projects.

Youth Evangelistic Team (YET). The Youth Evangelistic Team was comprised of nine students and their leaders, Bryan and Kinsley Houser. The team arrived at Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee, July 6 to begin preparations for YET 2026. The team led worship throughout the Truth & Peace Conference, as well as during V3-Teen in Columbus, leading an exciting night of worship Monday evening.

Buck-A-Week. The annual Buck-a-Week offering was collected Tuesday evening during the V3-Teen Service. The generous onsite offering totaled $4,058 and will benefit IM missionaries Cody and Lauren Herren and NAM church planters Layton and Stephanie Smith.

2026 Vertical Three Conference

Registration – 2,758
Truth & Peace – 150 student participants; 16 staff
Competitors: 1,641
Buck-A-Week Offering: $4,058
Recipients: NAM: Layton and Stephanie Smith (FL); IM: Cody and Lauren Herren (France)