Meet our New Student Seven Alexander Gardner

My name is Seven Alexander Gardner, and I serve incarcerated individuals in St. Louis County, where I provide spiritual care and program development for incarcerated individuals awaiting competency hearings, as well as support for correctional officers. Each day, I am motivated by the call to walk in the path of Christ, which for me means active and compassionate ministering in challenging spaces. I have been married for 22 years, and my wife and I share life with our two joyful dogs. Outside of chaplaincy, I am also a musician who creates electronic music, an outlet that allows me to express both depth and hope through sound.

When I completed my M.Div at Iliff, I recognized that I had set a path of professional growth that a D.Min. will help bring to its fullest expression. This degree offers the preparation I need for advanced leadership in spiritual care programming and development. I chose Pacific School of Religion not only because it can accommodate the scope of my project but also because I experienced genuine support for my vision and goals within its community.  

I am passionate about issues affecting marginalized communities and issues of social justice. I am focused on prisoners’ rights, corrections reform, and innovative spiritual care. I am currently under care and nurture for ordination with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and lead worship services each Sunday and Bible study each Wednesday at St. Louis County Justice Services.