Integrating Relational Neuroscience, Ancient Practices, & Spiritual Formation.
May 6-8, 2027 / Minneapolis
We are facing a moment in history in which burnout is occurring at alarming rates, polarization is fragmenting the church left and right, and deconstruction is compelling many to lose faith. Rather than pulling haphazardly from the psychological sciences and spiritual practices, is there an integrated way to build resilience, to shape followers of Jesus for this moment?
Enter Antifragile Discipleship!
Antifragility is not toughness, stoicism, or suppression. It is repurposing our pain, trauma, and disappointments for faithfulness to Jesus and flourishing in God’s good and beautiful world. We are creating a rigorous space to converse and be equipped to build antifragile communities and antifragile disciples.
THE COLLABORATION OF 2 ORGANIZATIONS
INTEGRATING THREE DISCIPLINES:
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Relational neuroscience looks at how our bodies and social connections shape who we are. This field brings together ideas from neuroscience, psychology, attachment theory, sociology, and anthropology. At the Antifragile Gathering, we’ll explore how God made us as embodied and social people, and how this impacts our nervous system, our sense of being, and our spiritual growth.
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We are a rooted people, not untethered from the early church’s spiritual practices. These traditions pass down valuable wisdom and help us pay attention to who we are and who we are becoming. Instead of seeing Ancient Practices as just personal liturgical tools, we’ll explore them as shared ways to grow—ideas first described by early Christian thinkers.
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Spiritual formation is the inner change that comes from following Jesus in daily life, which is energized by the practices and habits that shape us. There is a long history of formation in the Church. Beyond the “Preaching event,” we’ll explore how to intentionally and incarnationally create pathways of change in the way of Jesus that draw us into communion with God, community with each other, and commission in the world.
GATHERING ETHOS
We’ve designed this gathering for transformation. We can certainly consume information from a podcast or lecture anytime—but deep interaction, rigorous dialogue, and communal practice are hard to find. We’ve structured Antifragile to be a discipleship experience. We have moments throughout that are crafted to help you reflect on and clarify what your application is. We have embodied practices that will move you into heart, mind, and body. We have daily antifragile conversation panels, and our mainstage talks are more like live demonstrations than prepared presentations. This is not your typical conference!
Presenters & Practitioners
JESSIE CRUICKSHANK
A nationally recognized expert in neuroeducation and discipleship. She holds an Ed.M. from Harvard's Mind, Brain, & Education program. She is the author of Ordinary Discipleship & coauthor of new book Becoming Good News.
DAN WHITE JR.
Co-founder of The Kineo Center, Puerto Rico. Author of Love Over Fear. Dan is the creator of the Burnout Prevention Immersive Retreat that over 900 men & women around the world have participated in.
BILL GAULTIERE
Bill has a Ph.D. in psychology and is a pastor who co-founded Soul Shepherding. He is the co-author of Journey of the Soul and his newest book Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You.
JERMAINE MOORE
For the last 20 yrs, he has been developing highly engaged, values-driven teams. His specialty is guiding organizations to a create a ‘Culture of Kindness’. Jermaine is a TEDx speaker and founder of the Mars Hill Group
TONYA VARIYA WHITE
Co-founder of The Kineo Center, Certified Enneagram Coach (Madenes Institute). Tonya guides men & women through a 1-week experience in the Rainforest to face their pain, understand their personality, and find healing.
TONI KIM
Director of spiritual care for the National Association of Evangelicals since 2021. Co-founder of the disabilities ministry Enable Boston. She is the author of Shame Redeemed (IVP 2026)
KRISTI GAULTIERE
With a Psy.D. in psychology, she offers spiritual direction and coaching for women in ministry and other leaders. She co-leads Soul Shepherding with her husband Bill. You can listen to Kristi’s weekly Soul Talks podcast
STEVE CUSS
An anxiety management expert known for his work in helping leaders navigate personal and organizational anxiety. Author of Managing Leadership Anxiety, The Expectation Gap, & Host of the ‘Being Human’ Podcast.
LEO AYALA
Raised in Puerto Rico, Leo (pastor 20 yrs) encountered burnout and an anxiety disorder. His work shifted towards healing. With a DMin in Spiritual Formation, he’s passion about the holistic health of Latino leaders.
CURTIS ZACKERY
A pastor, teacher, and guide for those navigating life’s in-between spaces. Through his book Soul-Rest and the Find Rest Foundation, he creates resources and spaces for spiritual resilience and renewal.
GEOFF HOLSCLAW
Co-Author of Landscapes of the Soul, Co-Founder of The Center for Embodied Faith —Resourcing an Attachment-Based, Neuroscience-Informed and Jesus-Centered Faith. Professor at Western Seminary.
CYD HOLSCLAW
A Jesus-centered, transformation-focused, coach, integrating the best of neuroscience, embodiment, & spiritual practices. Co-author of the book Landscapes of the Soul and Co-founder of the Center for Embodied Fath.
DAVID CLAYTON
A Spiritual Director and Behavioural Analyst exploring the inner architecture of leadership through behavioural science and contemplative practice. Co-host of Voice of the Kellia podcast and published in academic journals on 'failure and formation'.
MATT ALEXANDER
The Director of the Sabbatical Pathway at the Kineo Center, Puerto Rico. Matt also loves Coaching Ministry Leaders toward health and wholeness. Additionally, he is the Community Director for The V3 Church Planting Movement.
ANTIFRAGILE SCHEDULE
HOSTED @ MILL CITY CHURCH
685 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413T
REGISTRATION
EARLY BIRD
Till January 1, 2027
FINAL RATE
After January 1, 2027
Group Rate
4 or More
HOTEL & EATS OPTIONS
A LIST OF LOCAL HOTELS NEAR THE EVENT
A LIST OF LOCAL EATS NEAR THE EVENT
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
FAQ'S
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Pastors are welcome but this is for anyone who is interested in how transformation can occur on a discipleship level within the church.
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Yes, but childcare is not provided.
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We do have a small portion of “partial scholarships” available for students?
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This gathering is ecumenical and rooted in the words, works and ways of Jesus. The two organizations behind this gathering are The Kineo Center and The Center for Embodied Faith.
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No, this is conference for ordinary people trying to figure out how transformation happens in real people in the Church. There will be some inclusion of different sciences and approaches, but we intend to keep the gathering as accessible and grassroots as possible.