Ministry in Motion: A Reflection by Chaplain Grace Pardun
“What do you do?” It’s a common conversation starter. Most people expect to hear about an office job or something universally understood, like being a nurse or a teacher. But 100% of the time when I answer, “I’m the Supervisory Chaplain for Ministry on the River with Seamen’s Church Institute,” people stop what they’re doing and start asking a million questions. And I love it. Ask me anything! I love this calling. I love the mariners we serve. I love my colleagues. And I love talking about it!
In addition to the privilege of being invited to come alongside mariners after they’ve experienced critical incidents on the river, we’re also welcomed during celebratory times with companies. One day this month, I had the honor of christening two boats for Ingram Barge Company, leading a mindfulness training during a crew change for Hines Furlong Line, and attending a company culture meeting for Pine Bluff Materials. All before lunchtime!
While the legacy and impact of the Seamen’s Church Institute precede me, I’m thinking strategically about our outreach initiatives. I connect with mariners during crew changes, visit boats, meet with shoreside staff, and attend nearly every event I’m invited to. Every day, I feel like I could be in three places at once and still miss out on opportunities to connect with the maritime community.
One initiative I’m especially excited about is finding the most practical and accessible ways to share our information with mariners. We already have magnets with our crisis line for galley fridges, and business cards with chaplain contact details. But one of our Chaplain Associate trainees had a brilliant idea: stickers for hardhats with SCI’s information. Between the magnets, stickers, and new wallet-sized mini pamphlets, we’re spreading the word about SCI’s commitment to caring for all mariners—in every way we can.