The command and commission to minister are at the heart of Jesus' message to serve in His name. All Christian people are called through Baptism to be part of the consoling, nurturing, caring, listening ministry of the Body of Christ, but some are called and equipped to address specialized needs.
Many excellent resources expound upon specialized pastoral care.
These women and men are trained through programs within schools sponsored by the ELCA and through programs within other schools. The SPC Bulletin is published quarterly.