This specific group of students are from across the country and have shown high proficiency in music and/or drama during the CTS Competition. Every summer, a new group tries out and is selected to train and serve using their musical talents on tour in their community for God.
CTS is a ministry that is organized as a way for churches to help students develop a deeper knowledge of scripture while also using their talents for the church. It's a ministry development tool that can encourage students to build a community among other Free Will Baptist young adults/children to build that development and discipline.
Students participate by choosing a variety of categories, including Bible Memorization, Bible Games, Music Performance, Drama, and Art. You can choose the option of individual or team categories. Once the student chooses what they would like to pursue, the sponsor from their local FWB Church will provide positive opportunities for study, practice, and sharing while also encouraging parents to support.
Most of the instruction and preparation will happen through the church, but parent involvement and support are also a crucial factor. Once a student or team reaches proficiency and wins their District and State, the church is encouraged to find ways for the student to be highlighted for these accomplishments and allow them an opportunity to participate in the National CTS Ministry Expo in the Summer.
-Every child is capable of worship
-All worship does not look the same
-The Bible is the Word of God and our guide
-Scripture memory and understanding is vital for lifelong faith
-Music and the Arts are appropriate expressions of worship
-We must surrender our gifts to God for His purpose and His glory
-We are not gifted to bring honor to ourselves
-A student's participation or placement in the CTS Ministry Expo does not value one person's gift over the other.
What is Vertical Three?
Vertical Three exists to help students discover their talents, develop their leadership, and dedicate their hearts to faithful service to God
Vertical Three History goes back to the Free Will Baptist League. It held its first Nationwide Conference in Nashville, TN in 1948. The FWB League and the WNAC sponsored a teen banquet and youth rally at the 1962 National Convention. The organized CTS Sword Drill 65, adding Bible Bowl and Bible Tic Tac Toe. The “National Youth Conference” is first mentioned in CONTACT magazine in conjunction with the 1968 National Convention of Free Will Baptists that met in Oklahoma City. 2018 was the 50th Anniversary of this FWB Conference. The Music and Arts Festival began in 1972, which expanded the competition to include a broader range of categories. In 2012, the Randall House (now D6 Family Ministry) Student & Children’s Ministry (SCM) transitioned to Vertical Three and in 2015 the Music and Arts Festival was changed to the CTS Ministry Expo. Then, in 2017, the National Youth Conference became the Vertical Three Conference. The goal of all of these activities was to train young people in Christian service.
Much has changed with student & children’s ministries over the years. The Vertical Three Conference has grown to be far more than just competition. But the purpose has not changed. The goal has always been and will continue to be. The programs and activities of Vertical Three—worship services, Truth & Peace Student Leadership Conference, Youth Evangelistic Team, Serve The City, Buck-A-Week, and the CTS Ministry Expo—are all geared to help young people discover their talents, develop their leadership, and dedicate their hearts for faithful service to God.
-The Bible is the Word of God
-No one is too young to be used by God
-Leadership Training is valuable for everyone
-We are involved in God's global mission
-Family + Church = Discipleship
-Standing for God may mean standing against culture
-Leading is Serving