By Cheryl Magness
The 2026 Specialized Spiritual Care Conference, held Sept. 24–25, brought together practitioners of specialized spiritual care and others interested in learning more for a day and a half of study, fellowship and prayer at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) International Center in St. Louis. The conference included both in-person and virtual options.
“It was extremely helpful for me to be there,” said the Rev. Timothy Holzerland, highlighting a session on “Caring for the Vulnerable in Crisis” presented by Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, managing director of the LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM). He also cited the opportunity to connect with others doing similar work and the Specialized Care updates presented by Manor and the Rev. Dr. Brian Heller, manager of mercy training for the ONM. “Knowing what’s happening at the Synod, hearing about the services and resources provided without spending a lot of time searching for them … was helpful as well.”
Holzerland, pastor of Shepherd King Lutheran Church in Bloomfield, Mich., has served as chaplain for the local fire department for the last 14 years, where he has responded to situations ranging from a police officer death in the line of duty to the suicide of a firefighter to families mourning the deaths of loved ones in drownings and house fires.
In addition, he is a circuit visitor and the chairman for Ministerial Health for the LCMS English District. He has an honorary citation from the International Association of Firefighters and a Primary Specialized Care Endorsement from the LCMS. (Read more about the Synod’s Specialized Care endorsement system.)
Other topics covered at the conference were:
- “Spiritual Care for Older Adults” and “Team Ministry in a Specialized Setting,” presented by the Rev. Monte Haun, who recently retired from his role as a chaplain for EverTrue (formerly Lutheran Senior Services);
- “Discipleship in a Specialized Context,” presented by the Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe, director of Discipleship Ministry for the ONM;
- “Specialized Care and Trauma,” presented by the Rev. Dr. Steven Hokana, assistant director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces; and
- “Engaging Immigrant Communities in Disaster Response,” presented by the Rev. Stephen Heimer, manager of LCMS All Nations Ministry.
In his session on caring for older adults, Haun pointed to passages in Scripture (e.g., Psalm 92:14, “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green”) that “don’t run away from aging” but “lift it up.”
“When you think about it scripturally,” Haun continued, “throughout God’s interaction with mankind … [there are a] number of places that you see age is not a barrier but, rather, an asset.” He encouraged listeners to intentionally include older adults and all they have to offer in the life of the church. At the same time, he emphasized that a person’s “innate value … [is] not based on production” but on his or her identity as one created in God’s image.
Presenting on trauma, Hokana emphasized that those who care for those affected by trauma are themselves vulnerable to trauma. He noted that the very definition of trauma means that one can’t prepare for it: “If you can plan for it, it’s not trauma.”
Hokana said it is possible, however, for those who provide trauma care to prepare themselves so that they are better equipped to offer that care. That preparation includes having a strong support system and knowing one’s own identity, which is grounded in Christ but also grounded in the people, activities and things that anchor a person’s life: family; rest; resilience strategies; and care for one’s own body, mind and soul. “Where is your strength and your joy?” Hokana asked participants, advising that they should hold to those things because without them, “you may yourself become a casualty.”
Reflecting on the conference, Heller said, “We were reminded that no one is beyond Christ’s love and care. As Christians, we receive opportunities from our Lord to listen; walk alongside those who suffer; and bring the comfort of God’s Word and the assurances of Christ’s promises of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. Together, we live in the certainty that our crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ is with us in His Word and His Sacraments in every season of life, as we await His glorious return and life everlasting.”
Learn more about LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry.
Posted Oct. 19, 2026
