Spring Conference

Serving the God who Suffers

We are excited to announce the MichianaSDN Spring 2026 program, “Serving the God who Suffers: Providing Spiritual Direction in the Context of Anxiety/Depression/Trauma”.

Plan to join us on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Lindenwood Retreat Center, Plymouth, Indiana from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (EST).

Led by Deborah Byler, participants will enjoy an interactive session that begins with sharing important information about how to work in spiritual direction with people who are experiencing anxiety or depression, or who have experienced significant trauma.

The presentation will touch on the theology of suffering, seeking God in our suffering, forgiveness, atonement theories, and when to refer a person to a therapist. There will be hands-on exercises, case studies, and time for small and large group discussion.

Deborah has done extensive study in the areas of anxiety, depression and trauma. She is the author of God’s Wounded Servants: Hope for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. She has been a Spiritual Director (SD) since 2016.

Deborah brings 16 years of experience working with Mayan women in Guatemala's Kekchi Mennonite Church and 14 years on staff with Mennonite Mission Network. She earned her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry and is semi-retired in Goshen, Indiana. She continues to work part-time in the Doctor of Ministry program at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart.

We look forward to seeing you!

How to Register
Register online with this form, call/text 219-512-5286, email michianasdn@gmail.com, or print the form and mail to the address indicated. Kindly register and pay by March 25, 2026.

Registration Rates

$35 for MichianaSDN members (2026 membership can be paid with your registration)
$65 for non-members
$10 for students in a spiritual direction program

Bring a friend and save! Members who invite a non-member spiritual director colleague will both receive a $10 refund when you attend together. Just note your friend's name on your registration form and have them note yours.

Lunch is available for an additional $9.50—be sure to indicate if you'd like to add it when registering.

Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Lindenwood Conference & Retreat Center (9601 Union Road, Plymouth, IN 46563) from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM EST. Add it to your calendar.