When we think of what it means to be “pro-life” in regards to end-of-life issues, we often spend our time talking about euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide. But we don’t give as much airspace to what it means to uphold, care for, and affirm the gift of life as it naturally approaches its final hours. How are Christians called to care for the elderly, the aging, the terminally ill? Even when death is close and inevitable, what role might these saints have in the life of the Church? And finally, how can our simple presence bring comfort and peace to the dying and to the grieving family? Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life. A resource mentioned in this episode is The Care of Souls: Cultivating a Pastor’s Heart by Harold Senkbeil, which you can find at lexhampress.com/product/169227/the-care-of-souls-cultivating-a-pastors-heart.

Bio: Rev. Brian Heller serves as chaplain at Laclede Groves – Lutheran Senior Services in the St. Louis, MO, area. Prior to this, he served as pastor in the parish setting at a church in northern Illinois. He is married to his wife of 8 years, Deaconess Jennette Heller, and they have been blessed with three children. These vocations keep him very busy, but Chaplain Heller also serves as the Command Post Superintendent at the 110 Wing in the Michigan Air National Guard.