A WORD FROM THE HARRISONS
High Seas Ministries evolved from God revealing in our hearts a need for Christian discipleship and fellowship on cruise ships, a setting very familiar to us. Veteran cruisers since 1995, in 2010 we began to look at cruising as ministers rather than vacationers. Since then, we have cherished the opportunities God has provided for us to offer Bible study and lead worship for both passengers and crew on numerous ships and cruise lines. After a combined 70 years in Texas public schools as teachers and administrators while also serving as lay teachers and leaders in the United Methodist Church, we are blessed to have the opportunity to now focus our ministry in this dynamic and growing industry.
WHY CRUISE SHIPS?
Over 250 cruise ships are on the world's oceans on any given day, carrying over 20 million guests annually and staffed by over 400,000 crew members. On every cruise there are guests who long for fellowship with like-minded believers and also see the opportunity, especially in long stretches of sea days, for Bible study and discipleship. The 400,000 crew members typically come from Majority World countries, with as many as 50 countries represented on a single ship. They often work multi-month contracts, meaning that those who are Christians are away from their families, their communities, and their churches. The ship becomes their home, but often Christian fellowship is missing in their daily lives.
VISION AND MISSION
The vision of High Seas Ministries is a world of cruise ships where guests expect to find Bible study and Christian fellowship on board every ship, and crew are trained and equipped to disciple and lead the community of Christian crew members in fellowship and service.
The mission of High Seas Ministries--that which we will do to realize the vision--is to create Christian community on board cruise ships through worship and Bible study for guests and crew members. Passengers become partners in the crew ministry as they pray for and minister to crew members while on board. Crew members are provided resources to sustain communities of faith after the High Seas Ministries voyage has ended.
The mission of High Seas Ministries--that which we will do to realize the vision--is to create Christian community on board cruise ships through worship and Bible study for guests and crew members. Passengers become partners in the crew ministry as they pray for and minister to crew members while on board. Crew members are provided resources to sustain communities of faith after the High Seas Ministries voyage has ended.