Satisfaction Survey
The Clergy Marriage Satisfaction Survey employs an electronic survey instrument which systematically gathers information from married
clergy and their spouses/partners about stress factors in clergy marriages and the extent to which the clergy profession contributes
to these stresses. We ask both the clergy partner and the non-clergy partner to evaluate 17 different quality of life areas of their
family life in terms of personal satisfaction/dissatisfaction, level of impact of the clergy profession on this satisfaction/dissatisfaction,
and whether that impact is positive or negative. There is a slight format variation for clergy marriages in which both partners are
clergy.
Besides being a copyrighted instrument to assist in clergy marital therapy CCS is also using it as part of a research
project to study critical issues faced by the clergy marriage. We will be using the survey and the data it produces to raise
the awareness of denominational leaders about the, in our experience, forgotten issue of clergy marriages and its impact on the personal
and professional wellbeing of their clergy. The research data will identify specific points of clergy marital stress and possible
aids for managing that stress. This will not only reduce stress but also renew marriages, enrich relationships and strengthen
ministries. We also hope that the research data will prompt seminary and judicatory leaders to better prepare married clergy for their
life in ministry and provide them with tools to maintain and strengthen their marriages and their ministry. As a result of the research
data judicatory leaders will be prompted to focus continuing education and clergy wellness resources on family therapy and retreats
for clergy couples.
Please consider participating in this study by clicking HERE. Your participation and that of your spouse/partner
will help encourage denominational leaders to more seriously address the welfare of clergy marriages. If you are also completing
the survey as part of Clergy Marriage Enrichment or another marital therapy program contact us for a therapist code to enter at the
appropriate time.
