The “National Youth Conference” is first mentioned in CONTACT magazine in conjunction with the 1968 National Convention that met in Oklahoma City. Based on this record, 2008 marks the 40th anniversary of the NYC. (But when counting the series of conferences, 2008 is the 41st NYC.)

The roots of the National Youth Conference can be traced back to the Free Will Baptist League, which held its first Nationwide Conference in 1948, in Nashville, TN. A teen banquet and youth rally was sponsored by the FWB League and the WNAC at the 1962 National Convention. The newly organized Church Training Service expanded the FWB League Sword Drill and Declamation competition in 1965 adding Bible Bowl and Bible Tic Tac Toe. The Music and Arts Festival began in 1972. The goal of all of these activities was to train young people in Christian service, hence the name Church Training Service.

Much has changed over the years. The CTS Board merged with the Sunday School Board and now the NYC is sponsored by Randall House. Age-graded worship services have been added. Seminars and training sessions are regularly scheduled. The Truth & Peace Leadership Conference started in 1984 and has made significant impact on our denomination. T&P alumni serve in some capacity in most national agencies, state leadership, FWB colleges, and throughout churches in our denomination. The National Youth Evangelistic Team (YET) began in 1987. Reach That Guy outreach and service projects were included in 1996 at the conference in Ft. Worth, TX. The Buck-a-Week challenge was issued in 2005.

The National Youth Conference has grown to be far more than just competition. But the purpose has not changed. Though few still call it “CTS” (and even that name will be changing), the goal has always been and will continue to be ministry training. The programs and activities of the NYC--the worship services, training seminars, T&P, YET, RTG, and even the competition–are all geared to help young people discover their talents, develop their skills, and dedicate their hearts for faithful service to God. That is priceless.