Join us for the MARKINC Ministries Help & Hope Conference on Opioid Abuse, a two-day gathering focused on equipping the local church to address substance use disorders through a reformed biblical lens.
Partnering with leading voices and seminaries, this conference will provide theological clarity, practical tools, and long-term resources for churches seeking to respond faithfully to the opioid crisis.
Event Details
Dates: February 25–26, 2027
Location: Good Shepherd Chapel, Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601
What to Expect
Theologically grounded teaching
Practical ministry application
Collaboration between churches and seminaries
Resource launches and long-term ministry vision
Meaningful networking opportunities
This event is designed to educate, equip, and mobilize church leaders to respond faithfully to the opioid crisis.
Related Resource
Hear the Stories Behind the Mission.
Before the conference, we invite you to hear directly from those who have lived it. The Help & Hope - Addiction Docustories feature real accounts of addiction, loss, and redemption that illustrate why this work matters and why the Church must be ready to respond.
Featured Speakers
Hover over a speaker to read their bio
Before coming to Jacksonville, Heath served as Executive Director of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and as a professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He is the author of several books, including The Biblical Counseling Movement After Adams, Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace, A Theology of Biblical Counseling, The Great Love of God, and The Ten Commandments.
Heath earned a Bachelor of Arts from Gordon College and a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling and Systematic Theology from Southern Seminary. He and his wife, Lauren, have two sons, a daughter, a son-in-law, and a beautiful granddaughter.
Greg served as a Captain in the United States Army from 2008 to 2012. His research interests include the relationship between habits and desires as well as the impact of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
He is the author of Lies My Therapist Told Me, Heart and Habits, and Helping Your Family Through PTSD.
Greg earned a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a certified fellow with ACBC, an ordained pastor, and hosts the podcast Transformed. He and his wife, Amber, have three sons.
He serves as an elder at Christ the Redeemer Church in Greenville, South Carolina and holds a Doctor of Educational Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts from The Master's University.
Ben is certified through ACBC and helps train and supervise counselors pursuing certification. He and his wife have been married for over 28 years and have eight children.
With decades of experience in residential and medication-assisted treatment, he holds a leadership role mobilizing a collective of over 120 national leaders and serves as a frequent conference speaker across five continents.
Dr. Shaw is a certified member of ACBC and has authored numerous books, curriculum, and resources to help the local church speak the truth in love. Through his podcasts and training, he continues to advocate for genuinely biblical answers to the problem of addiction.
Mark and his wife, Mary, have four adult children and reside in Jacksonville, Florida.
Full schedule coming soon.
Interested in sponsoring?
Sponsorships help make this conference possible and directly support MARKINC’s mission to bring help, hope, and light to those affected by addiction.
IN-KIND SPONSORSHIPS
MARKINC welcomes in-kind partnerships that support the success of the conference. Recognition may reflect the estimated value of the contribution.
Common opportunities include:
• Coffee or refreshments
• Printing of programs or signage
• Attendee materials
• A/V support
Conference Registration
Registration is required for all attendees.
Please select the registration category that best applies to you.
If you qualify for a discounted rate, choose that section below. Otherwise, register under General Registration.
Pricing will increase after December 1, 2026
Traveling In?
Scroll down for discounted hotel options near the venue.
Eden Resort
Rate: $139/night
How to book: Call 866-801-6430 or 717-569-6444 and say “LBC” (corporate wing)
Perks: $10 food voucher/day
Distance: 4-minute drive to LBC
Eligibility: Anyone affiliated with LBC (Sun–Thurs)
Hampton Inn by Hilton Lancaster
Discount: 15% off best-selling rate
Phone:717-299-1200
Distance: 9-minute drive to LBC
Courtyard by Marriott Lancaster
Discount: 15% off best-selling rate (at time of booking)
Phone:717-393-3600
Distance: 9-minute drive to LBC
Eligibility: Anyone affiliated with LBC
Book with LBC link: Button: “Book Now”
Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham Lancaster
Phone: 717-290-7100
Distance: 12-minute drive to LBC
Extended Stay America (Mountville)
Rate: $80–$100/night
How to book: Call 1-800-4CHOICE and say “LBC”
Includes: Continental breakfast
Distance: 13-minute drive to LBC
Eligibility: Anyone affiliated with LBC
Want to volunteer?
This conference runs on people who are willing to serve.
Volunteers help create a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment for every attendee. From registration and hospitality to room support and general assistance, your time can make a meaningful difference.
If you’re interested in serving at Help & Hope Conference, fill out the form below and a member of our team will follow up with next steps.