SDN conducted membership surveys in 2012 and 2018 to better understand the broader community of spiritual directors in mid-Michigan. They are preserved here as a record of the organization’s ongoing commitment to self-reflection and growth.
2012 Lansing Area Directors’ Network Survey
Background
Done in conjunction with the SPE Spiritual Deepening Task Force, this survey sought to discover the status of the 84 individuals who had graduated from the Dominican Center for Religious Development Training prior to 2012. No one had tracked these graduates and we thought it would be useful information for both SDN and the SPE program at St. Francis.
Key Findings
The 2012 survey revealed that of the 84 graduates surveyed, only about a third were on the SDN mailing list, and just under a third of those responded. Of respondents, only about a third were still actively engaged in spiritual direction — either giving or receiving it, or participating in peer supervision. The survey also highlighted appreciation for the Resource Center at St. Francis, while noting that cost and noise level kept some from participating in SPE’s Sabbath Retreats.
Questions
- Are you currently receiving Spiritual Direction?
- Are you currently serving as a Spiritual Director?
- If so, are you currently in a Peer Supervision Group for Spiritual Directors?
- If you are currently in a Peer Supervision Group are you open to adding any more people to your group, or splitting your group if it has become too large, providing a few more openings for others?
- If you are currently a practicing Spiritual Director, but are not in a Peer Supervision group, are you interested in joining a local group?
- As part of a recent decision to restructure the “Sustaining Pastoral Excellence” (SPE) program at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt, three target groups have been formed. The first target group will focus on “Creative Expression”*. The second target group will focus on “Personal/Transformational Relationships”+. The third target group will focus on “Spiritual Deepening.” Currently the four components of the “Spiritual Deepening” target group includes: 1) Spiritual Direction, 2) Labyrinth, 3) Sabbath Time Retreats, 4) Resource Center.
- In the area of “Spiritual Direction” is there anything you would like to see the SPE program explore to help you in the area of spiritual direction?
- In the area of “Walking the Labyrinth” is there anything you would like to see the SPE program explore or help you with (or your directees with) in regards to using the labyrinth as a movement toward spiritual deepening?
- In the area of “Sabbath Time Retreats” have you (or would you) consider attending a Sabbath Time Retreat for your personal spiritual deepening?
- In the area of the “Resource Center” have you (or would you) consider refreshing your skills and deepening your spiritual growth by utilizing the Resource Center more fully?
- Please include any other ideas, suggestions, comments on how this Target Group might help you deepen spiritually?
Summary of Responses
- Of the 84 graduates, only 30 were on the mailing list for SDN. 14 people on the SDN email list were trained elsewhere.
- Only 14 of the 44 people on the SDN email list responded to this survey.
- Only 14 of the 44 people were still serving as spiritual directors (SD), receiving SD, or participating in Peer Supervision groups. Only a few stated that they would be open to adding more people to their peer supervision group.
- Many expressed appreciation for the Resource Center at St. Francis that was run by SPE. A few had never even visited the Resource Center. A few who had never participated in SPE’s “Sabbath Retreats” said they were kept away by the cost and the noise level at the Retreat Center.
2018 Survey
Background
This survey was conducted to gain a better understanding of the needs, engagement, and interest of those on our mailing list, both members and subscribers.
Key Findings
Of the 52 individuals on the SDN mailing list, about 60% wished to remain on the list, around 15% asked to be removed, and roughly 23% did not respond. Interest in the website and in having biographies listed was low among respondents, and only a few expressed interest in becoming more active members.
Questions
- Do you want to remain on the mailing list?
- Are you aware of the website https://spiritualdirectorsnetwork.net?
- Would you like a bio added for a $15 fee?
- Would you like to list any programs or activities you are involved in?
- Would you consider being more active members and join us 3 times a year for learning, sharing, support, and prayer?
Summary of Responses
- 52 individuals were on the SDN mailing list in 2018; 40 responded to the survey.
- 32 wished to remain on the mailing list, and 8 asked to be removed.
- There was little interest in the SDN website or in having a biography included.
- Only a couple expressed interest in becoming more active members, with most saying they “may come someday.”
