Join us for our first ever Emotional Health Conference! This is a conference centered on educating and equipping all disciples and disciplemakers with resources to help those around them who are walking through emotional challenges. The morning will include worship and two sessions on emotional health and the general brokenness of mankind. The second part of the day will have breakouts that will focus on various topics (including anxiety and depression, family dynamics, sexual sins, food and fitness, and more) .There is no requirement for past experience in leadership, counseling, or ministry.

We encourage all to come and be equipped for developing emotional health whether its for You, Your Neighbors, or The Nations!

Schedule

9 a.m.

Welcome and Worship

9:20 a.m.

What Kind of Attachment Do You Have With God? (Part 1)
Led by: David Steele

10:05 a.m.

Break

10:20 a.m.

What Kind of Attachment Do You Have With God? (Part 2)
Led by: David Steele

11:20 a.m.

Worship

11:35 a.m.

BREAK OUT SESSIONS 1

Surviving Depression
Led by: Chris Todd

God has given us a natural process to grieve loss.  It is healthy and we should help others to walk through it.  Sometimes this process stalls and  people are trapped in anger, blame, hopelessness, and despair.  Jesus said that he came so that we can have abundant life.  This talk will explain the difference between healthy grief and unhealthy depression.  It will give you tools to help people who are experiencing depression- controlled breathing, angel wings, progressive muscle relaxation, and places of peace. You will leave this talk with tools to help someone who is depressed in the moment ,and an understanding  of how to refer them for further care.
Unseen Chains: The Epidemic of Sexual Addiction
Led by: Dr. Robb Horner

This brief talk will explore the growing epidemic of sexual addiction in both society and the church, highlighting its distinct nature compared to other addictions. The aim is to offer hope and a path to healing for those who struggle, while also presenting ways the church—as the body of Christ—can deepen its role in restoration and support.
Freedom: Understanding the Struggle with Alcohol
Led by: Maureen Benkovich

This breakout session explores both the spiritual and neurological dynamics of alcohol and its impact on the Christian walk.  Grounded in Ephesians 6:10-17 and Romans 12:2, we'll look at how alcohol numbs awareness, reshapes the brain pathways, and holds us back from the renewal God designed--- while the Spirit, truth, and wise habits leverage neuroplasticity for real change.  Drawing from her message, It's Not Your Fault, It's Chemistry, Maureen will offer a compassionate, practical path to freedom.  

This session is designed both for leaders who want to understand better and support those struggling and for anyone personally wrestling with alcohol or wanting to change their relationship with it. Attendees will leave with hope, biblical encouragement, and practical tools for healing and transformation.
Created for More
Led by: Sabrina Lueth Walker

Our attachment style shapes our human relationships and determines how we experience God. Earliest patterns of relating from our families of origin deeply influence our relationships, behaviors and self-esteem. When we become part of God's family, the church becomes our "first" family. God wants to reparent us so that we can experience divine secure attachment. His love enables us to share it with others. We will explore Biblical examples and contrast faulty family of origin patterns with God's design for his family.

12:20 p.m.

Lunch

1:20 p.m.

BREAK OUT SESSIONS 2

Surviving Anxiety
Led by: Chris Todd

Fear responses are part of God's natural design of our bodies in order to help us survive.  When Jesus said "do not be afraid" it was not a commandment but a reassurance that we can overcome fear.  We need to walk like Jesus with healing in our hands.  This talk will not only explain anxiety, but give you tools to help people who are experiencing anxiety-controlled breathing, angel wings, progressive muscle relaxation, and places of peace.  You will leave this talk with the tools needed to help someone who is anxious in the moment and an understanding of how to refer them for further care.
Understanding and Healing from Sexual Betrayal Trauma
Led by: Gail Cassel

In this session, Gail will define sexual betrayal trauma and describe the impact of discovering one has been betrayed.  She will discuss how this betrayal affects the partner and the relationship and outline steps to healing and how the Church can support the betrayed partner as they work toward healing and restoration.
The Dangers of Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, and Body Image Distress
Led by: Eden Davis

Disordered eating and poor body image can impact one's walk with God. This topic is important as it brings awareness to the spiritual dimension of struggles that are often seen only as physical or emotional. Disordered eating and negative body image can quietly become forms of idolatry—placing appearance, control, stress, anxiety, or perfection above God. They can also lead to shame, isolation, and a distorted sense of identity that interferes with seeing oneself as fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image.

By addressing these issues through a non-judgemental and faith-based lens, I'm hopeful that this conversation will help people reconnect their physical health and spiritual life. My hope is that individuals will be able to recognize distorted body image and eating behaviors, quiet the distracting food noise that is keeping us from reaching God's potential for our lives, and learn to see oneself through His loving eyes.
Misalignment in Marriage: How to Help Couples Course Correct
Led by: Cindy Hunter

This breakout session touches on the definition and nuances of misalignment and then proposes a three-stage model of restoration, which includes De-escalation, Restructuring the Bond, and Consolidation. It is grounded in an Attachment Perspective and weaves in the spiritual principles of confession, grace, and the redemption of a love that casts out fear (1 John 4:18). This process can help couples go from a "Who's more at fault?" orientation towards mutual vulnerability and attunement. It also provides tools for relating when one person acts as a pursuer while the other acts as a withdrawer.

This session is designed for mentors who want to come alongside a hurting couple, as well as for those looking for tools to view their own marriage from a different perspective. Some practical tools will be provided.

2:10 p.m.

Encouragement to Engage
Greg St. Cyr

2:25 p.m.

Closing Worship and Benediction

Speakers

David Steele

LMFT
David Steele is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at New Story Behavioral Health with Curt Thompson, MD. He is also a founder and CEO of Ten Ten Life, a local 501c3 nonprofit that provides mental health resources for military members, veterans, and first responders through individual counseling, group intensives, and community missions projects.

Pastor Chris Todd

Chris Todd is ordained as a Pastor in validated ministry through ECO, a Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. He is currently appointed to the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon. Chris is a graduate of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Master of Religion. He holds an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UWA, and an EdD in Traumatology from Liberty University. He is a licensed Mental Health Counseling intern in the State of Florida. He and his wife Kim are working in Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt to build a network of trained trauma care providers at the community level.  

Dr. Rob Horner

Dr. Robb, co-founder of the Underground Ministry, provides counseling and support for men and spouses recovering from sexual addiction. An Ordained Minister through Elim Fellowship, he holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Psychology. He is Board Certified in Temperament Therapy, a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, and a Certified Sexual Addiction Counselor. Robb’s desire to help others is born from his own journey of recovery and anchored in the hope and healing found through Jesus Christ.

Gail Cassell

Certified Professional Coach
Gail Cassell is a CPC-certified professional coach and sexual betrayal trauma specialist with over 20 years of experience passionately supporting women. Through her own journey of healing and growth, she has transformed her pain into purpose and is dedicated to helping others do the same. With compassion, empathy, and expertise, Gail provides a safe and non-judgmental space for women to process their emotions, rebuild their sense of self, and move forward with confidence. She is committed to helping others write the next chapter of their story. At GFY Coaching, she believes every story matters.

Maureen Benkovich

Founder of Sober Fit Chick Coaching
Maureen is a speaker, coach, podcaster, and the founder of Sober Fit Chick Coaching, where she helps women and men break free from alcohol and build a healthy, Christ-centered lives. She is a featured author in the Amazon best seller, "The Life Coaches Tool Kit (chapter 4:"Understanding the Role of Alcohol in Anxiety and Depression") and in the forthcoming WE LEAD Volume Three ("The Alcohol Free Advantage: Unlock Unshakeable Confidence for Success in Life and Business").  Blending biblical truth with brain science, Maureen equips people to renew their minds and experience lasting transformation in Christ.

Eden Davis

Co-Founder of Pearl Wellness Practice
Eden is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices medical nutrition therapy through Health At Every Size (HAES) and weight inclusivity for individuals looking to improve their health and wellness journey. Eden's approach is rooted in knowledge, compassion, realism, and evidence-based nutrition recommendations. She collaborates with clients through various avenues, including nutrition therapy, meal support, grocery shopping, cooking assistance, intuitive eating, body image, and gentle nutrition. Along with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image, Eden also works with clients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and gastrointestinal health concerns. She enjoys focusing on gentle nutrition through increasing nutrient variety, sharing evidence-based nutrition practices, and implementing practical behavioral enhancements.

Sabrina Lueth Walker

LCSW-C
Sabrina, a New Jersey native, obtained both her Bachelor's Exercise Science and Sports Studies (1994) and Master’s Degree in Social Work (2008) from Rutgers University. Sabrina is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) in Maryland and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey (LCSW). Recognizing the impact of the mind on health-related behaviors, she transitioned from her career in fitness and health promotion to focus on psychological health from a holistic perspective. Sabrina's career in counseling and psychotherapy began in multidisciplinary rehabilitation settings. First, with adolescents and adults recovering from traumatic and acquired brain injuries and then with adolescents learning to effectively manage chronic pain and illnesses. Since relocating to Maryland, she has contracted with faith-based and private behavioral health practices and had the privilege of working with children of servicemen and women at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Cindy Hunter

EFCT
Cindy has been a counselor and supervisor in private practice for 30 years and is certified as an Emotion-Focused Couple's Therapist (EFCT). Additionally, she is a founding member of the Lay Counseling Institute (LCI), where she has acted as a speaker, trainer, lab leader, and co-editor of the training manual. Cindy deeply believes it is a mission of the church to accompany those who are struggling in marriage by coming alongside in both professional and lay capacities. She is proud to be the mom of three grown children and the grandma to three more!