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DEAR HEART MINISTRIES

NAVIGATE

UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY

A profound juncture in a spiritual journey where previous ways of knowing God and ministering no longer seem to work.

What is "The Wall"?

Season of Disorientation

Marked by loss, grief, burnout, or ministry conflict where standard solutions fall short.

An Isolating Road

Pastors often experience this crisis alone, with very few safe spaces to speak honestly without fear of judgment.

A Catalyst for Growth

While crisis can take a leader off course, this project explores how it can be converted into deep, enduring spiritual formation.

Purpose & Intended Outcomes

While there is no guaranteed benefit, participation in this research study aims to provide critical support and insight.

PROJECT VISION

Shape Future Ministry Care

Your participation will directly shape and inform future care models for Christian leaders navigating spiritual crisis.

KINGDOM IMPACT

Growth Over Abandonment

At best, cultivate spiritual growth and renewal rather than stepping away from, or entirely abandoning, your ministerial call.

SUSTAINING CALLING

Awareness & Insight

At minimum, foster practical awareness and deeply reflective insight into how to navigate the complexities of "The Wall."

PERSONAL FORMATION

Project Overview & Timeline

The research study follows the schedule and key project milestones outlined below:

STUDY ROADMAP

Oct 26–27, 2026

Take Eligibility Assessment

5-Day Spiritual Direction Retreat

November 1–5, 2026


Communal meals & restorative free time

North Kawartha Area

Scheduled Zoom Window

Pre-Surveys & Pre-Interview
• Brief Pre-Survey (5 minutes)
• Pre-Spiritual Direction Interview via Zoom (1 hour max — recorded & transcribed)

Nov 6–10, 2026

Scheduled Zoom Window

Post-Retreat Evaluation

• Brief Post-Survey (5 minutes)
• Post-Spiritual Direction Interview via Zoom (1 hour max — recorded & transcribed)

Oct 22, 2026

12:00 PM via Zoom

Brief Online Zoom Orientation
Introductory session for all selected participants to review goals and retreat expectations.

Daily individual spiritual direction (50 mins)

Silent Reflection & optional reflective journaling

Brief learning lab for spiritual direction

Are You Currently at "The Wall"?

If you would like to participate in this research study, please complete the initial assessment to determine whether you meet the research requirement.


Note on the Survey Instrument:

While the questions may feel repetitive at times, the Spiritual Leadership Inventory (SLI) metrics are carefully tested to identify each participant's spiritual home stage.
Once eligibility is established, further detailed project information will be provided directly via email.

Secure survey link hosted on SurveyMonkey

Take Eligibility Assessment

A Personal Note from the Researcher

I am a Doctor of Ministry student at Tyndale University, and throughout my studies, I have focused on spiritual formation. One area of particular interest to me is how crisis can become a catalyst for deep spiritual growth. At the same time, I know that crisis can also take a leader off course, or, in some cases, interrupt the call entirely.

This project grows out of a desire to explore whether spiritual direction can help pastors navigate this spiritual crisis. In my experience as a pastor and a spiritual director, ministry leaders often describe the road through spiritual crisis as isolating, with few safe places to speak honestly.

Thank you for taking time to consider participating in this study. I sincerely appreciate your willingness to engage with this important work.

Chantelle Menard

Dear Heart Ministries
Doctor of Ministry Student, Tyndale University

Thank you for subscribing!