The Body, the Brain & Breakthrough Conference

The body and brain are the only 2 physical engines that drive our emotions.

Whether it’s left brain beliefs, right brain attachments, or the body itself, all 3 engines function like two-way streets when it comes to emotions. Our emotions can affect the engines and the engines can affect our emotions.

Thankfully, we are not at the mercy of our brains or our bodies! When we understand how God designed these things to work, we can apply this knowledge to our lives in a way that can lead to greater freedom, healing, and maturity…in other words, breakthrough!

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The Body, Brain & Breakthrough Conference was livestreamed in April, 2024, and invites participants to explore how the body and brain interact with our emotional and relational lives, offering an in-depth look at the groundbreaking connection between neuroscience and theology. This conference delves into the complex dynamics of our emotions, how they are formed, and how we can achieve emotional freedom and breakthrough through a greater understanding of God’s design for us.

Led by Dr. Marcus Warner, the President of Deeper Walk International, and featuring two of the most prominent voices in neuroscience and theology—Dr. Jim Wilder, a neurotheologian, and Dr. Todd Hall, a psychologist and author—this conference blends science, spirituality, and practical strategies to help individuals and communities thrive. Through a combination of presentations and sessions, attendees are equipped with insights into the interconnectedness of the brain, body, and spirit, providing tools for personal transformation and relational healing.

 

Conference Theme:

At the heart of this conference is the understanding that our emotions are driven by two primary engines: the body and the brain. These are not passive entities; instead, they are intricately involved in shaping our emotions and relational experiences. The body and brain influence our emotional lives, and in turn, our emotions shape our brain and body’s responses.

Dr. Warner explains that, “whether it’s left-brain beliefs, right-brain attachments, or the body itself, all three engines—brain, body, and emotions—function like two-way streets when it comes to emotions.” For example, when we are stuck in negative thought patterns, our emotions can influence our body, leading to stress or anxiety, which, in turn, may amplify negative thinking. This conference seeks to explore these interactions and help participants understand how to break free from emotional cycles that hold them back from experiencing the fullness of God’s design for them.

 

Session Highlights

The conference features four dynamic sessions, each exploring a different facet of the body, brain, and emotional breakthrough. Here’s a deeper look into each session:

 

Session 1: “How God Designed the Body and Brain to Make Us Emotional/Relational Beings” – Dr. Marcus Warner

In this session, Dr. Warner introduces the profound connection between the brain and the body, revealing how both interact to create our emotional responses. He explains the five “engines” that drive our emotions, including the brain’s emotional regulation system and the peripheral nervous system. This session provides a foundational understanding of how our emotions, whether positive or negative, can physically manifest and impact our lives.

Key takeaways:

  • How the body and brain work together to regulate emotions.
  • Insights into the mystery of consciousness and its relationship with the body.
  • Understanding the emotional regulation system and its importance for personal growth. 

Session 2: “The Firewall Around My True Self” – Dr. Jim Wilder

Dr. Jim Wilder, a leading neurotheologian, addresses the concept of the “false self”—the part of us that often operates out of performance or external validation—and contrasts it with the “true self,” which is rooted in our authentic identity in Christ. Wilder draws upon his extensive research in neuroscience to explain how the brain protects our true self with a metaphorical “firewall,” preventing harmful influences from altering our core identity. This session challenges attendees to mature emotionally and spiritually by recognizing and nurturing their true self.

Key takeaways:

  • How identity is formed and protected in the brain.
  • The four “deadly Ps” that shape the false self and how to overcome them.
  • The critical role of the brain’s firewall in protecting our authentic identity. 

Session 3: “Relational Spirituality in Coaching: Creating a Secure Base to Help People Flourish” – Dr. Todd Hall

As social disconnection continues to rise, many Christians struggle with relational challenges that affect their spiritual growth. Dr. Todd Hall offers a powerful solution by introducing Relational Spirituality, a research-backed model for spiritual growth rooted in authentic relationships. By using tools like the Comfort-Challenge Matrix and Attachment Filter Matrix, Hall explores how to create secure relational bases that foster emotional and spiritual flourishing. This session is particularly valuable for leaders, counselors, coaches, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of attachment theory in a Christian context.

Key takeaways:

  • The impact of social disconnection on emotional and spiritual health.
  • Practical tools for coaching and discipleship based on attachment theory.
  • How to apply the Comfort-Challenge Matrix to facilitate personal and relational growth. 

Session 4: “Where to Go from Here” – Dr. Marcus Warner

In the final session, Dr. Warner offers practical steps for applying the insights gained from the conference. He reviews the five engines that drive our emotions, provides next steps for continued personal growth, and shares tools and resources for further development. This session equips participants with strategies for integrating the conference’s teachings into their daily lives, enabling them to experience lasting breakthrough and transformation.

Key takeaways:

  • Practical strategies for applying the five engines model to everyday life.
  • Tools for ongoing emotional growth and relational healing.
  • Resources for continued learning and transformation.

Conclusion: A Path to Emotional Freedom and Spiritual Maturity

The Body, the Brain & Breakthrough is not just an educational event—it is a transformative experience. By merging cutting-edge neuroscience with biblical insights, this conference provides attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the complexities of emotions, relationships, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re a leader, counselor, or someone seeking personal healing and breakthrough, this conference offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how God designed us to be emotional and relational beings. It also equips you with practical steps to experience greater freedom, healing, and maturity in every area of your life.

Videos

Session 1: How God Designed the Body and Brain to Make Us Emotional/Relational Beings

Session 2: The Firewall Around My True Self

Session 3 : Relational Spirituality in Coaching: Creating a Secure Base to Help People Flourish

Session 4 - Where to Go From Here

Speakers

Deeper Walk International President

Marcus Warner has served as president of Deeper Walk International since 2006. Marcus earned three degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School – M.Div., Th.M. Old Testament, and D.Min. He has written numerous books including his most recent title, Breakthrough! 5 Essential Strategies for Freedom, Healing, & Wholeness. An in-demand speaker, Marcus has spoken for both ministry and corporate groups across the country and around the world. A Bible teacher at heart, Marcus has taught Old Testament and Theology at the junior high, high school, college, and seminary levels. His passion is taking complex topics and making them practical and accessible for everyone.

Founder Life Model Works

Jim Wilder has extensive clinical counseling experience and is the chief neurotheologian of Life Model Works, a nonprofit working at the intersection of brain science and theology. He is also the lead developer of the Life Model, which is building contagiously healthy Christian communities through equipping existing networks with the skills to thrive.

Dr. Jim Wilder (PhD, Clinical Psychology, and MA, Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary) has been training leaders and counselors for over four decades on five continents. He is the author of over twenty books with a strong focus on maturity and relational skills. His coauthored book, Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You has sold over 100,000 copies in eleven languages. Wilder has published numerous articles and developed video and relational leadership training called THRIVE.

Psychologist, Author, Speaker

Dr. Todd Hall is a Professor of Psychology at Biola University’s Rosemead School of Psychology, and serves as a Faculty Affiliate in the Harvard Human Flourishing Program.

Dr. Hall teaches in areas such as attachment theory, spiritual formation, and the integration of psychology and theology. He is an award-winning author and researcher, focusing on relational approaches to spiritual formation, virtue, and leadership.

Dr. Hall has written/contributed to seven books. His latest books, Relational Spirituality and The Connected Life, articulate a comprehensive relational spirituality paradigm for transformation. He is the founder of the Relational Spirituality Academy (relationalspirituality.co) where he offers training to Christian leaders in the RS framework for spiritual formation and coaching.

Dr. Hall is a licensed psychologist and holds an MA and PhD in clinical psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology and an MA and doctoral specialization in measurement and psychometrics from UCLA.

He and his wife, Dr. Liz Hall, also a professor at Rosemead, have two adult sons. They enjoy traveling and hanging out together at Disneyland.

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