FTL Annual Summit 2027

Identity and transformation: becoming who you are in Christ.

Whether you lead a ministry, counsel the broken, or are walking through the hardest chapter of your own story — this summit is for you.

The 2027 FTL Annual Summit brings together pastors, directors, biblical counselors, and people in the trenches of recovery around one transforming question:

Who are you becoming in Christ?

Real freedom goes deeper than behavior. Deeper than a program. Deeper than willpower. Scripture doesn't simply call us to stop — it calls us to become. New creation. New identity. New life rooted in the One who makes all things new.

Over the course of three days, you'll be equipped, encouraged, and challenged to move from the surface to the heart — whether you're leading others toward freedom, walking alongside them, or pursuing it yourself.


  • For ministry leaders and pastors — you'll leave with sharper tools, renewed vision, and a deeper theological foundation for the discipleship work you're already doing.
  • For counselors and those called to this work — you'll find a community of practitioners who take both Scripture and suffering seriously, and who believe the local church is the best place for lasting change to happen.
  • For those in recovery — you are not an afterthought here. You are the reason we gather. And this summit will remind you that your story isn't over — it's being rewritten by a God who specializes in transformation.


Come as you are. Leave closer to who you were made to be.

March 12-14, 2026
Faith Baptist Church - Taylors, SC

Equipped

Be equipped to return to your church and disciple your church through addiction.

Encouraged

Ministry and discipleship can be exhausting at times. Leave the FTL Annual Summit encouraged to continue discipling your church!

Emboldened

Reach the hurting and addicted in your communities with the love and transformational power of the Gospel. 

Empower your counseling conversations

By registering for the FTL Annual Summit you'll be empowered with:

Comprehensive Understanding

Learn how addiction affects every facet of life and how to address these areas effectively.

Biblical Counseling Techniques

Application of Scripture and prayer to provide spiritual support and guidance.

Entire-Person Approach

Entire-Person Approach that encompasses all of life—the inner-man as well as the outer-man.

Community Support

Build a strong, supportive community that encourages daily, weekly, and monthly engagement.

Attend the FTL Annual Summit 2026 and

Be equipped To:

Identify Root Causes of Addiction

Understand the life-enslaving patterns and thoughts that perpetuate addiction.

Combat Deception

Recognize and address the common deceptions that hinder freedom.

Shift Focus

Encourage a transformation from self-centeredness to a God-centered life.


SPEAKERS

Dr. Jim Berg

Professor of Biblical Counseling
BJU Seminary

Founder
Freedom That Lasts

Dr. Mark Shaw

D.Min, Biblical Counseling, CADAC II, ACBC

Founder & President
The Addiction Connection

Dr. Bruce Meyer

D.Min, Calvary Baptist
Theological Seminary

Professor, Graduate Studies
BJU Seminary

Dr. Ben Marshall

D.Ed.Min, ACBC Fellow

Executive Director
Freedom That Lasts

Pat Berg

M.A., Biblical Counseling
ACBC Certified

Paul Christensen

Greenville Biblical Counseling Director

Caleb Phelps

Senior Pastor
Faith Baptist Church, Taylors, SC

Sam Horn

Pastor for Preaching & Vision
Palmetto Baptist Church, Powdersville, SC


SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 12

5:30-7pm ET // Registration & Check-In

7-7:45pm ET // Opening Remarks and Keynote 1 - Bridges of Grace: Drawing Near to God Through His Word - Caleb Phelps

7:45-8pm ET // Break

8-8:45pm ET // Keynote 2 - Prayer That Builds What We Cannot: Depending on the God Who Works - Sam Horn

8:45pm ET // Dessert & Mingle

Friday, March 13

9-9:30am ET // Opening Worship

9:30-10:15am ET // Keynote 3 - Meditating on Truth in a Noisy World: Learning to Rest in the Lord - Jim Berg

10:15-10:45am ET // Break

10:45-11:45am ET // Workshop 1

  • Connecting With Your Community: Opening Doors for Gospel Conversations - Paul Christensen
  • Connecting With Your People: Shepherding Hearts in Weekly FTL Ministry - Pat Berg
  • Beyond Friday Night: Staying Connected Between Meetings - Lee Lennox

11:45am-1:15pm ET // Lunch

  • Option 1: Register for Chick-fil-A on campus using the registration form
  • Option 2: Enjoy lunch off-campus at a nearby location

1:15-2:15pm ET // Keynote 4 - Staying Close to the Shepherd: Connecting with God in Seasons of Weariness - Bruce Meyer

2:15-2:30pm ET // Break

2:30-3pm ET // Worship

3-3:45pm ET // Keynote 5 - Walking in Step with the Spirit: A Life of Daily Surrender and Dependence - Ben Marshall

3:45-4:15pm ET // Break

4:15-5:15pm ET // Workshop 2

  • Navigating Difficult Conversations, Responding to Relapse, Denial, and Resistance - Marshall Franklin
  • Jesus: Our Bridge of Grace for Renewal (Ephesians 4:17-32) - Bruce Meyer
  • Building Bridges When They Fall: Cultivating a Long-Suffering Heart in Ministry - Lee Lennox

5-6:30pm ET // Dinner On Campus (free!)

6:30-9pm ET // Experience A Live FTL Meeting

Saturday, March 14

9-10am ET // Q&A

  • Ben Marshall and Jim Berg

10-10:30am ET // Break

10:30-11:15am ET // Keynote 6 - Standing Firm, Leading Softly: A Compassion Shaped by Christ - Ben Marshall

11:15-11:30am ET // Conclusion & Next Year's Theme

Hotels

We are peased to offer a block of rooms reserved for FTL Summit attendees at two nearby hotels. Please see details below.

Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Haywood Mall
70 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, South Carolina
Rate: $109/Night
Block: 20 rooms available
Click here to book

Hyatt Place Gree nville Downtown
128 E. Broad Street, Greenville, South Carolina
Rate: $169/Night
Block: 10 rooms available
Click here to book