TN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD
Welcome to the Tennessee Christian Education Board
The board exists to provide fellowship, resources, and training for Free Will Baptist students and leaders. As a board, we are continuously working to create and promote events to encourage relationships for strong Christian leadership and to help Tennessee Free Will Baptists reach their towns and cities for Christ. These events are designed to produce encouragement, support, and training.
2026 State Competition
April 24-25 at Welch College - Gallatin, TN
April 25 – Arts @ 9am
Entries Due April 1, 2026 (Late entries April 15th with an additional $10 processing fee)All entries will require one (1) $35 church fee + your entry fees. This includes churches that are moving straight from their district competition. (Districts will send entry fees straight to the State Board)
Entry amounts are as follows:
$35 – Single Entry
$65 – Entries with 2-4 students
$110 – Entries with 4 or more students
c/o Ashley Lockert,
1404 Saddle Tree Road,
Ashland City, TN 37015
or emailed to ashleylockert0220@gmail.com (subject line CTS State 2026)
checks made out to Tennessee Christian Education – memo line with Church Name
Click Links Below for CTS Links and Vertical III information
To fulfill this mission, the board:
- Hosts an annual conference for junior high and high school students.
- Organizes, promotes, and staffs the annual CTS Expo held in conjunction with the Vertical Three Conference and the National Association of Free Will Baptists. The Expo includes competitive activities in Bible and Fine arts, held on the local and state level, before the national competition held each July. This year, the Vertical Three Conference will be located in Tampa, Florida, July 21-24.
- Hosts and supports occasional training events across the state of Tennessee.
Board Members
Jackson Watts, Chairman, First Term (2027)
Ashland City, TN
615-712-4341
Ashley Lockert, Treasurer, First Full Term, (2028)
Ashland City, TN
615-587-5877
Candice Arrowood, Fulfilling Unexpired Term, (2025)
Limestone, TN
423-747-1617
David Dell, Fulfilling Unexpired Term, (2026)
Joelton, TN
615-746-5403
Marcus Stephens, First Term, (2026)
Strawberry Plains, TN
865-279-4952
Andy York, First Term (2027)
Smyrna, TN
615-869-8711
Brandon Shope, First Term, (2028)
Pikeville, TN
980-616-3334