ONE HOPE Conference: Soli Deo Gloria
MARCH 7, 2026
THE GARDEN CHURCH, 1500 Druid Hill Avenue, Baltimore, MD
MAIN SPEAKERS
Mark Dever is the Senior Pastor of the Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, where he has served for 30 years. He also serves as the President Emeritus of 9Marks and has authored a number of books, including Nine Marks of a Healthy Church. He and his wife, Connie, have two adult children.
Shai Linne is an author and recording artist who has released numerous acclaimed Christian hip-hop albums, including The Atonement, The Attributes of God and Jesus Kids. After completing a pastoral internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C., Shai co-founded Risen Christ Fellowship, an inner-city church in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA. Shai is the author of The New Reformation: Finding Hope in the Fight for Ethnic Unity, Penelope Judd and God Made Me and You (2018). He is also the host of The Halftime Podcast. Shai lives in Dallas, TX with his wife Blair and their three children.
Mark Dever
Shai Linne
Omar Johnson serves as a pastor at Temple Hills Baptist Church in Temple Hills, Maryland—the community where he was raised and now joyfully ministers. With a deep love for the local church, Omar is especially passionate about seeing the power of God’s Word at work in places that are often overlooked. He is a graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and cares deeply about shepherding God’s people through faithful preaching, discipleship, and presence. Omar and his wife, Stephanie, are raising their three children in Temple Hills, where they remain committed to serving their neighbors and pointing them to Christ.
Joel Kurz serves as Lead Pastor of The Garden Church in Baltimore, MD. Additionally, Joel serves as director of ONE HOPE and leads the Baltimore Baptist Association as Executive Director. Joel is married to Jess and lives in Baltimore with their four children.
Omar Johnson
Joel Kurz
ABOUT
ONE HOPE Conference is a bi-annual conference in which urban ministry practitioners and pastors grow and learn together. We believe the best ministry is driven by good Biblical theology through the local church. Every two years, we gather to explore the doctrines of our faith to create stronger churches. We strive for accessible depth, exploring the one hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Who is it for? We aim for church ministry leaders and laborers which include pastor and their wives, elders, Bible study leaders, women’s workers, and “Titus 2” church mommas and fathers. Stronger ministries begin with stronger disciples. Pastors, bring your team.
This year's theme is "Soli Deo Gloria” — Glory to God Alone.
Cost: $30
Thanks to generous supporters, the conference is very affordable.
See you there!
Why
Soli Deo Gloria?
Soli Deo Gloria—Glory to God Alone—is not just a phrase but a safeguard for the church. When the spotlight of worship drifts from God to men, traditions, and institutions, the Gospel was being twisted into a platform for human pride. We must re-center everything on the greatness of God alone.
The truth is as much needed today as any day. In the city, man-centeredness takes many forms: chasing status, building platforms, boasting in identity, or living for recognition. Churches can fall into the same traps—turning worship into performance, turning preachers into celebrities, or turning ministry into a way to gain influence. All of these steal from God the glory that belongs only to Him…
Soli Deo Gloria is a corrective. God is before all things and the goal of all things. This doctrine changes how we sing—our music is not a show but an offering. It changes how we preach—our sermons are not self-help speeches but windows into God’s greatness. It changes how we gather—we come not to be impressed with one another but to magnify Christ together. It changes how we serve our neighbors—our good works are not for our reputation but so that others may glorify our Father in heaven.
In a city that shouts for attention, Soli Deo Gloria reminds us that the church’s one aim is to display the beauty, holiness, and greatness of God. Glory to God in all things changes everything.
Romans 11:36: “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
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Item description
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Come early for coffee, refreshments, and fellowship
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Join us for singing and preaching
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Lunch is provided
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Join us for more singing and preaching
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Be sure to pick up any giveaways and check out the bookstore before you leave.
Cost: $30
FAQ:
Where is the conference located? In Baltimore, Maryland at The Garden Church, 1500 Druid Hill Ave.
Is there parking? There is plenty of street parking around the building.
Is food covered? Yes, registration covers lunch, coffee, and snacks.
How is the conference paid for? Beyond registrations, we have sponsors such as the Baltimore Baptist Association, but also rely on individuals such as yourself. If you would like to give to help cover the cost, please “donate” below and write “conference” in the memo.
Do I have to stay for the whole thing? Because space is limited, we do ask that you stay for the entire day (9am-3pm) if you come. Otherwise, allow someone else to take your space.
Are there giveaways? We’re working on that! But we hope so.
Can I pay by check and avoid Eventbrite fees? For groups and churches, you can pay by check to avoid fees. Please email us and we will give instructions on how to register and pay by check.
