I spoke with Rev Steve Jordan, outgoing chair of Mission to Seafarers Nelson. Steve has done some wonderful mahi in his role with compassion and dedication. The diocese has long supported Mission to Seafarers, and we would love to help them find someone to step into the role that Steve is leaving.
Steve: The Mission to Seafarers exists to provide a haven – both physically and spiritually – for visiting merchant seafarers. In Nelson, we see around 100 merchant seamen arrive each week, but they’re often invisible to the public. These are people far from home, facing isolation and hardship. The mission is here to offer them welcome, support, and connection – anything from Wi-Fi to contact whānau, to money exchange or simply a place to rest.
Steve: Until recently, we were considered a flagship for Mission to Seafarers internationally. During Covid, we led the way across the Pacific Rim, visiting every ship, resolving disputes, and supporting seafarers in crisis. We were visited by the global head of the mission – Peter Rouch – who came to Nelson because of how exemplary our work had become. Sadly, successive government funding cuts have significantly reduced our capacity.
We’ve recently employed a part-time ship visitor – a deeply committed woman who previously worked with the fishing fleet. She visits ships and welcomes seafarers to our dedicated Centre at the port, offering hospitality, Wi-Fi, and a listening ear. While she’s not ordained or in a chaplaincy role, she does this mahi with great compassion and integrity.
Steve: We’re currently seeking a new chair and an additional committee member.
Ideally, the chair would be clergy, or at least have a strong connection with church life and a passion for practical ministry. The committee meets quarterly, and the chair plays a key liaison role with the diocese and supports the ship visitor.
Steve: In a normal year, it’s a light load – a few meetings, some oversight, and encouragement for our staff. However, the past 12 months were unusually demanding due to a funding crisis. I’m stepping down to prioritise my whānau, but this has been an incredibly fulfilling ministry.
Steve: This is evangelism in action. It’s about doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.
For years we’ve had strong support from our diocese, and I’m hopeful someone will feel stirred to step into this unique and important role.
Steve: If this resonates with you – or someone you know – please get in touch with me. I’m happy to talk it through, answer questions, or offer insight into the role. I’ll also be available to support whoever steps in.
We deeply appreciate the work that Steve has done for the Mission to Seafarers. If this seems like something you might be interested in, they are seeking:
This is a deeply fulfilling ministry, offering support to those who work in some of the toughest and most unseen conditions in the world.
Send your expressions of interest to Rev Steve Jordan on 021 294 6105 or stevej@nelsoncathedral.nz.
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More articles in the
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
I spoke with Rev Steve Jordan, outgoing chair of Mission to Seafarers Nelson. Steve has done some wonderful mahi in his role with compassion and dedication. The diocese has long supported Mission to Seafarers, and we would love to help them find someone to step into the role that Steve is leaving.
Steve: The Mission to Seafarers exists to provide a haven – both physically and spiritually – for visiting merchant seafarers. In Nelson, we see around 100 merchant seamen arrive each week, but they’re often invisible to the public. These are people far from home, facing isolation and hardship. The mission is here to offer them welcome, support, and connection – anything from Wi-Fi to contact whānau, to money exchange or simply a place to rest.
Steve: Until recently, we were considered a flagship for Mission to Seafarers internationally. During Covid, we led the way across the Pacific Rim, visiting every ship, resolving disputes, and supporting seafarers in crisis. We were visited by the global head of the mission – Peter Rouch – who came to Nelson because of how exemplary our work had become. Sadly, successive government funding cuts have significantly reduced our capacity.
We’ve recently employed a part-time ship visitor – a deeply committed woman who previously worked with the fishing fleet. She visits ships and welcomes seafarers to our dedicated Centre at the port, offering hospitality, Wi-Fi, and a listening ear. While she’s not ordained or in a chaplaincy role, she does this mahi with great compassion and integrity.
Steve: We’re currently seeking a new chair and an additional committee member.
Ideally, the chair would be clergy, or at least have a strong connection with church life and a passion for practical ministry. The committee meets quarterly, and the chair plays a key liaison role with the diocese and supports the ship visitor.
Steve: In a normal year, it’s a light load – a few meetings, some oversight, and encouragement for our staff. However, the past 12 months were unusually demanding due to a funding crisis. I’m stepping down to prioritise my whānau, but this has been an incredibly fulfilling ministry.
Steve: This is evangelism in action. It’s about doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.
For years we’ve had strong support from our diocese, and I’m hopeful someone will feel stirred to step into this unique and important role.
Steve: If this resonates with you – or someone you know – please get in touch with me. I’m happy to talk it through, answer questions, or offer insight into the role. I’ll also be available to support whoever steps in.
We deeply appreciate the work that Steve has done for the Mission to Seafarers. If this seems like something you might be interested in, they are seeking:
This is a deeply fulfilling ministry, offering support to those who work in some of the toughest and most unseen conditions in the world.
Send your expressions of interest to Rev Steve Jordan on 021 294 6105 or stevej@nelsoncathedral.nz.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
