Consideration for Becoming a Nonprofit Entity
May 20, 2024
Dear MSDN community,
In recent years, our network of Mennonite spiritual directors has become a growing and maturing entity of its own. We are no longer under the umbrella of a denominational structure. We have created a website, providing both support inward and an invitation outward. What will be needed to continue a thriving network of Mennonite spiritual directors in the next 1-3 years? 5-10?
We are noticing limitations within our current process, particularly related to finances. Because we are not a recognized entity, our current financial practice uses a member’s personal checking account for financial transactions. This does not provide optimal fiscal safeguards and transparency. A second limitation is that we do not have tax-exempt status to invite donations and sponsorship from outside entities as a tax-deduction for their organization.
We have explored affiliation with several area conferences which have all encouraged us to seek our own organizational status such as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Imagining a shift in organizational structure, brings to mind several questions. How might the shifting structure of our network affect the ethos of our purpose and life together? If we embrace becoming a nonprofit organization, how might this affect our ethos, identity and purpose? If we do not embrace a nonprofit organizational structure, how might this affect our ethos, identity and purpose? Looking ahead, what structure is needed to both provide inward support for Mennonite spiritual directors and extend this life-giving ministry to others?
Noting the limitations of our current structure and the encouragement to become our own growing and maturing entity, the steering committee is considering the path to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We welcome your questions and comments, at our upcoming May bi-national retreat and in the near future.
On the journey,
Karla Minter
Member, MSDN Steering Committee
One thought on “MSDN Steering Committee”
Comments are closed.
I am interested in hearing some of the conversation that may be going on about the MSDN becoming a non-profit. I would like to see this happen if it helps to build the Mennonite spiritual director’s community, and helps educate the church about the spiritual resource that is spiritual direction. I have been practicing as a spiritual director for about a year and a half after many years as a hospital chaplain and hospice grief counselor. I feel called to this ministry and I love providing it. However, I have been aware of a gap in the church’s familiarity with it and understanding of it. It is interesting to me that when I speak of it to many they are unfamiliar, yet there is a certificate program in spiritual direction at the Mennonite seminary (AMBS.) I would like to see this gap addressed in some way, and it seems that strengthening the Mennonite Spiritual Directors Network may be one way to do that.