Rev. Dr. Steven Hokana

About

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Steven Hokana is assistant director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces. To this position, he brings over 26 years of experience as an active-duty U.S. Army chaplain.

Hokana graduated from Concordia College New York, Bronxville, N.Y., in 1982. He earned his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1987 and his Doctor of Ministry from the Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas, in 2006. He is a board-certified chaplain and an active member of the Association of Professional Chaplains, a member of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) and a Diplomate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.

During Hokana's military service, he provided pastoral care in diverse units, including Combat Service Support, Airborne Infantry, Light Infantry and Armor. Hokana served as chief of United States Disciplinary Barracks, manager of Chaplain/Chaplain Assistant Training, U.S. Army Medical Command, and chaplain of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). He twice served as ministry chief in Army hospitals.

In March 2025, Hokana recieved “Fellow” status in Specialized Care Ecclesiastical Endorsement of the LCMS, a title only a handful of church workers hold.

Hokana has been married to his bride, the former Mary Ophardt, since 1983. They have three children and five grandchildren.