Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

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

The Mid-South District will provide LERT Basic Chainsaw training on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at Belvoir Christian Academy, 800 Belvoir Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37412.  Chainsaw training strengthens our LERT volunteers' ability to help people who lack the means or skills to perform this dangerous work after a disaster. The District wants to equip LERT members with the ability to provide this service safely and efficiently.

Snack and lunch will be provided.  Bottled water will be furnished at the site.

You must have previously completed the Basic LERT Training class to participate in LERT chainsaw training. If you haven't, please register for the Basic LERT training on 6/26/2026.  

During the training, you will learn the following:

Safe operation of a chainsaw Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Injury Prevention How to buck and limb fallen trees How to clear debris in a safe and efficient manner

Those ages 14-17 may attend the classroom portion and become a dragger, but will not be able to become a puller or chainsaw operator until they have reached the age of 18.

The morning session is a classroom lecture.  All LERT qualified volunteers are invited to attend.  The afternoon session is hands-on with a chainsaw.  The morning session MUST be attended to participate in the afternoon (operations) session.  To be authorized to use a chainsaw on LERT disaster responses as an LCMS Chainsaw Operator, you MUST attend BOTH the classroom and hands-on sessions. LERT Trainer will distribute all class materials.

Afternoon hands-on participants should bring, if they have: chainsaw, bar oil, gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix, chaps and Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, gloves, and steel-toed work boots).

Participants must wear steel-toed work boots. Tennis shoes or sandals/flip-flops are not allowed during the afternoon session. Outdoor work clothes and boots appropriate for the weather at the time.  Shorts are not allowed.

Some chainsaws and PPE will be available for training if you do not have your own.  Those who are under the age of 18 will not be allowed to operate a chainsaw or work near saw operations.

Training costs: 

Morning and afternoon (LERT Qualified Chainsaw Operator) - $50.00  Non-operator (Safety portion of the class) - $15.00  Pay at the time of training.  Cash in the appropriate amount and checks payable to Faith Lutheran Church - memo line: chainsaw training. 

Class capacity is 15.

Should you have any questions, please contact the chainsaw trainer Rev. Trae Fistler at 515-571-1378 or traefistler@gmail.com.