First Lutheran Church in Chattanooga, TN, will host a Basic LERT class on June 26, 2026. Class will begin at 5:30 pm (EST) and should take 3 hours to complete.
Location
Belvoir Christian Academy
800 Belvoir Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37412
Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program and will learn about the basic nature of disasters and how Christians can support church workers, families, congregations and the general public as the hands and feet of Jesus during these trying times. Other class topics include response and deployment protocol in times of disasters, a ministry of presence, and safety practices.
Class registration must be made at www.LCMS-LERT.org. Participants are urged to pre-register by June 12, so we have the necessary materials for everyone. Late registration is still welcome, and the trainer will plan to have additional materials. A registration fee of $30 per person will cover the cost of training and materials. Please bring your checks or cash along to the training. Checks should be made out to First Lutheran Church and noted "LERT Training June 26" on the check.
If you have questions, please contact Rev. Trae Fistler, the LERT trainer for the event, at traefistler@gmail.com.
All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training; however, only LCMS members aged 14 or older are eligible for certification as LCMS LERT volunteers. All LERT materials will be distributed during the class. You will receive your certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt after the training is complete.
Your LERT Trainer will distribute all materials. Please arrive by 5:15 pm to complete registration and sign in. Snacks will be provided.
What will we study? These are the main topics of the training:
1) Christian Care in times of disaster
2) A Ministry of Presence
3) Lutheran Early Response Teams and How They Function
4) Utilizing the LERT Website
5) Safety Protocol
6) Congregation Preparedness and Mercy Teams
