Those who work in Specialized Care have the opportunity to bring the love of Christ to everyone, especially to those in specialized settings and situations. 

Through Specialized Care, those who are on the LCMS Ministers of Religion–Ordained roster or the Ministers of Religion–Commissioned roster are trained to serve in institutional and emergency services in chaplaincy roles, as pastoral counselors or as clinical educators. 

Specialized Care workers serve people who are ill, imprisoned, aging, troubled, conflicted or isolated, bringing them the love of Christ amid many kinds of suffering. These rostered church workers, who have received additional training under Specialized Care, offer comprehensive services that include Word and Sacrament ministry (if they are ordained), sharing the Word of God and offering compassionate care. Traditionally, ordained clergy have been viewed as doctors of the soul. Think of Specialized Care workers as “spiritual paramedics;” their goal is to bring those entrusted to them to the “hospital” — the local church — and under the care of the local LCMS doctor of the soul — the pastor. 

Out of joy for the work of the Office of the Holy Ministry, God created auxiliary offices to help share His Holy Word. Specialized Care workers offer themselves 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). Through chaplaincy roles, pastoral counseling and clinical education, Specialized Care workers care for broken souls by offering a listening ear, sharing God’s eternal love in Christ, praying with those under their care, and connecting them to a local pastor for Word and Sacrament ministry. 

Those involved in Specialized Care — whether they serve in chaplaincy roles, pastoral counseling, or pastoral clinical education — encounter people in both everyday settings and difficult circumstances as they bear witness to the love of God in Christ Jesus. Some of these circumstances include: 

• Illnesses and accidents 
• Palliative care and hospice care 
• Disabilities 
• Caregiver fatigue 
• Lifestyle changes 
• Elder care 
• Mental health struggles 
• Spiritual distress 
• Substance abuse 
• First responder stress 
• Trauma from disasters 

Specialized Care workers may serve in a variety of settings, including: 

• Hospitals and health care facilities 
• Long-term care facilities 
• Hospice care 
• Mental health facilities 
• Correctional facilities/prisons 
• Pastoral counseling 
• Clinical education 
• Rehabilitation facilities 
• Law enforcement 
• Fire and rescue agencies 
• LCMS Disaster Response 
• Workplaces 

• 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 their 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 church work. Certification in a particular professional organization may also be required. For further information, refer to the Ecclesiastical Endorsement manual. 

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 numerous opportunities to serve in this unique and important area. 

For more information, please contact Rev. Brian Heller, manager of LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry. 

• 888-843-5267 
• specializedcare@lcms.org