Mark C. Pafford
Ordained Minister in Smithville, Tennessee
Why did you originally become an ordained minister online?
I served the United Methodist Church as an ordained minister from 1996 till 2013. From 2013 to the present I have served in Interfaith settings including; Certified Spiritual Director 2012; Interfaith chaplain though the Chaplaincy institute in 2013; Supply minister to a small UU congregation from 2011-2018. Presently, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Tennessee and continue to utilize skills and abilities from my clergy training and experience. It is my hope that this ordination will aid me as I continue to serve this local community and beyond.
Where are you from?
I am a life-long native of Middle Tennessee and have lived in the rural community of Smithville, TN since 2002
What do you hope to achieve with your online ordination?
It is my hope that I am able to serve the overlooked or under-represented religious population of this and neighboring communities through facilitating spiritual practice and religious ritual observance for individuals, families and groups.
Religious Affiliations
Atheism, Methodism, Protestantism, Spiritualism, Sufism, Unitarian Universalism, Wicca
Additional Information
I have completed these advanced degrees and certifications: Masters of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University 1999; Haden Institute 2012, Certification in Spiritual Direction; 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education, 2007-2009; 2013 graduated from Chaplaincy Institute. Healing Conductor in the Sufi Order Inayatiyya (formerly S.O.I) 2010
What do you think makes your ceremonies special as a Smithville, TN wedding officiant?
I have had the privilege of working with couples from a range of religious and cultural backgrounds. As I facilitated these life events I collaborated with couples with the intention of celebrating and highlighting the religious or non religious orientation which they couples claimed. In doing so I have had the opportunity to officiate weddings and renewals for hospice patients and seasoned citizens; for Cis and hetero couples as well as same-sex couples; Civil unions and pagan/ wiccan couples too.
Are there particular areas near you where you prefer to travel or have special experience?
Any state or national park in the south east and Midwest; the Great Lakes and Coastal communities
Types of Service Offered
Same-Sex Marriages, Renewal of Vows, Funerals, House Blessings, Spiritual Healing, Premarital Counseling, General Ministry, Spiritual Guidance
Additional Information
I have over 25 years of ministry experience and training in a variety of settings including; Chaplaincy and congregational settings; institutional chaplaincy including hospice and the VA. I have worked to pursue social justice with student groups and immigrants; I have also participated in Ecumenical ministry and partnerships in my local community.