How do chaplains and Specialized Care workers serve?
Specialized Care is the opportunity to share the love of Christ to all, especially those in unique situations. Through Specialized Care, LCMS-rostered ordained and commissioned ministers are trained to serve in institutional and emergency services chaplaincy roles, pastoral counselors, and clinical educators.
Specialized Care workers serve people who are ill, imprisoned, aging, troubled, conflicted, isolated, and so much more. These rostered church workers offer comprehensive service that includes Word or Word and Sacrament ministry, compassionate care, and contextual education for specialized care.
In the classical sense, ordained clergy have been viewed as doctors of the soul. Specialized Care workers may be viewed as “spiritual paramedics”, the goal being to bring those entrusted to them to the hospital of the local Church and under the care of the local LCMS physician of souls.
Out of His joy for the work of the Office of the Holy Ministry, God created auxiliary offices to help share His holy Word. Chaplaincy roles, pastoral counseling, and clinical education are united in the work of caring for broken souls through a listening ear, sharing of God’s eternal love in Christ, prayer, and connecting them to a local pastor for Word and Sacrament Ministry.
Those serving in Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry seek to serve as servants of Christ, equipped to do the good works prepared for them through the blood of Christ, assured that these works are pleasing in God’s sight (Heb. 13:20-21).
Those involved in Specialized Care — whether in chaplaincy roles, pastoral counseling, or pastoral clinical education — encounter people in the midst of everyday settings as they bear witness to the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Those in Specialized Care serve people in all circumstances. These situations may be:
- Palliative care and hospice care
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Where do chaplains and Specialized Care workers serve?
Specialized Care church workers may serve in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals and health care facilities
- Long-term care facilities
- Developmental disabilities
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Who can be a chaplain or Specialized Care worker?
- Rostered church workers are eligible to serve in Specialized Care.
- Individuals serving in Specialized Care may also need to possess specific preparation and competencies related to the specialization.
- All applicants must have no less than an undergraduate degree in theology, followed by additional, specialized training. Candidates who have attained rostered status through alternate means will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Specialized Care Ecclesiastical Endorsement is normative and expected of those pursuing Specialized Care. Certification in a particular professional organization may also be required. Ecclesiastical Endorsement information may be found in the Ecclesiastical Endorsement manual.
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Interested in becoming a chaplain or Specialized Care worker?
Are you curious about ways you may be able to serve people in the ways described above?
LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry (Specialized Care) invites you to explore the vast opportunities to serve in this unique and important area.
For more information, please contact Rev. Brian Heller, Manager of LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry.
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