Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation

In this conversation, Michael John Cusick, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Restoring the Soul, shares his insights on healing trauma and forging sacred attachments with God. He explores the disconnect between belief and experience, especially in the context of spiritual exhaustion. Michael discusses how humility fosters a deeper connection with divine love and how integrating our brokenness can transform our faith. Personal stories and practical symbols highlight the journey from detachment to a more profound spiritual relationship.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Joshua Cockayne, Director of the Bede Centre for Church Planting Theology, explores the depths of corporate worship. He challenges the view that worship is mere information transfer or emotional manipulation. Instead, he highlights how joint attention in communal worship shapes spiritual experiences and fosters deep connections. The conversation also dives into attachment theory and cognitive-emotional interplay, emphasizing how collective worship enhances community bonds and individual transformation.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Boyd, a writer and child development expert, shares insights from her book, Turn Down the Noise. She emphasizes the importance of fostering resilience and emotional health in families amidst today's chaos. Key topics include the need for self-regulation and co-regulation between parents and children, as well as the essential role of play in building connections. Sarah advocates for simplifying home environments to create calm and joy, encouraging families to thrive in a fast-paced society.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Chuck DeGroat, a licensed therapist and Professor of Counseling at Western Theological Seminary, dives deep into the evolution of narcissism during the internet age and its alarming effects on church communities. He examines the rise of performative narcissism, the erosion of empathy, and the need for accountability in church leadership. DeGroat emphasizes the importance of genuine connection, vulnerability, and returning to self-emptying values amidst a culture often driven by anxiety and digital distractions.

Dr. Marcus Warner, president of Deeper Walk International and author of 16 books, joins the discussion on the intersection of neuroscience and spiritual growth. He critiques traditional discipleship methods, emphasizing their limitations in fostering emotional health. The conversation introduces the FISH model—freedom, identity, spirit walk, and community—highlighting its potential to transform lives. They also delve into how generational trauma shapes our spiritual journeys and the importance of identity in Christ for true emotional maturity.

In this conversation, singer-songwriter Andy Squyres shares his transformative journey from the Bay Area to Charlotte, exploring faith, disappointment, and the quest for miracles in life. He dives into his creative process, revealing how grief and hope intertwine in his music. Andy emphasizes the need for authenticity in spiritual experiences and the importance of open dialogue with God during tough times. Listeners can expect heartfelt anecdotes and a glimpse into his upcoming EP, 'Miracle Service,' reflecting his unique blend of faith and vulnerability.

Joining the discussion is Kyle Strobel, a leading figure in spiritual formation and an associate professor at Biola University. He delves into the essence of spiritual formation and its divergence from traditional discipleship. Kyle shares his unique journey through theology, emphasizing the need for experiential learning in faith. He critiques the trend of reducing spiritual practices to self-help, advocating for a robust communal approach. Additionally, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding our attachment to God through family dynamics.

In this episode of the Attaching to God podcast, we explore the often overlooked emotional struggles faced by leaders. Our guests are Nicholas and Sheila Wise Rowe. Nicholas Rowe is the Haslin Associate Professor of Leadership at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. And Sheila Wise Row is a seasoned counselor and author (and previous podcast guest). We talk about their new book, Healing Leadership Trauma: Finding Emotional Health and Helping Others Flourish. The conversation delves into the impact of trauma, attachment theory, and the myths of self-sufficiency in leadership. They also cover systemic challenges such as racial and gender trauma and share practical embodied practices for healing.00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Trauma00:44 Meet the Authors: Nicholas Row and Sheila Wise Row02:04 The Journey of Co-Writing 'Healing Leadership'03:16 Understanding Leadership Challenges06:54 Attachment Theory and Leadership09:06 Insecure Attachment in Leadership17:00 The Myth of Self-Sufficiency in Leadership22:12 Systemic Dynamics: Gender and Racial Trauma25:45 Historical Context of Cultural Systems26:35 Challenges Faced by Marginalized Leaders28:10 Gender Expectations and Leadership30:36 Defining Leadership Trauma32:32 Embodied Practices for Healing37:54 Community Support and Accountability45:37 Final Thoughts and Staying ConnectedDive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection, and learn about our trainings and other resources at embodiedfaith.life.Stay Connected: Check out our Attaching to God 6-Week Learning Cohort. Join the Embodied Faith community to stay connected and get posts, episodes, & resources. Support the podcast with a one-time or regular gift (to keep this ad-free without breaking the Holsclaw's bank).

Barbara Grant, a specialist in autism and neurodiverse couples coaching, discusses how neurodiversity impacts relational attachments and spiritual practices. She explores the unique challenges and gifts that neurodivergent individuals face in their spiritual pursuits. The conversation highlights the importance of secure and insecure attachments, offering practical strategies for improving communication in relationships. Grant emphasizes tailored connections with God and shares insights on fostering love and understanding in neurodiverse contexts.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Nijay Gupta, Julius R. Manti Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, argues that love is the core of Apostle Paul's theology. He delves into the emotional and relational aspects of Paul's letters, integrating neuroscience with spiritual insights. Gupta shares personal experiences that illustrate emotional well-being's significance, along with humorous insights on therapy and life. The conversation also highlights the transformative power of love in fostering genuine relationships and spiritual growth.