Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

A Basic LERT Training class will be held at Mt. Pisgah on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 9:00 am - Noon. Following lunch, a Stop the Bleed Class will be offered.

Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program and learn 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 1, 2026, so we have the proper materials for everyone.  Class fee is $35, $75 for family. Please make checks payable to Lutheran Servants for Christ. 

This will be done in partnership with LCMS Disaster Response. Nicole Beattie will be the instructor. If you have questions, please contact Nicole Beattie at jnb137sc@bellsouth.net

All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training; however, only LCMS members who are 14 years 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 9:00 am to complete registration and sign in. The training will run from 9 a.m. to noon, Stop the Bleed training follows lunch.

What will we study? This will be a discussion-based class covering topics including, but not limited to:

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

7)      Connecting with Additional Training and Service Opportunities after this Class

LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Training Event, for new or renewing/reviewing volunteer certification. Enables volunteers to be received at disaster clean-up sites. Prepares groups to serve on a local team that stands ready to respond when disasters happen and where victims of storm damage need assistance. This event serves to fill a gap in the LERT teams needed, specifically in the Cole Camp area and the surrounding counties of the Missouri District.

The $35 per-person registration fee covers lunch, training materials, a certificate, and aLERT volunteer T-shirt. Your LERT Trainer will distribute all class materials after the class.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and coffee and juice will be available. Class starts at 9:00 am and runs until noon. Everyone is encouraged to remain after class for lunch and fellowship, which St John will provide.

Please send registration fees to "St John Lutheran Church, Cole Camp, Mo. 65325. Please write LERT on the envelope."

Please note "LERT Training June 13, 2026" on your check.

Questions? Please contact Kris Schuldt at pitchatent@centuytel.net 314-971-5747 or Michael Wilshusen 314-258-0527.

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

A Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training class will be held at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 16190 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, Building 3, from 6-10 pm on Friday, June 26.

Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, learn the basic nature of disasters, understand opportunities to respond to personal needs and how Lutherans can support families, congregations and the public as the hands and feet of Jesus during a disaster.

All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training; however, only LCMS members aged 14 or older will receive the certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt after the training is complete.  Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Your LERT trainer will distribute all the LERT materials before and after the class. A lunch will be provided.

The registration fee is $25 per person. This fee helps cover the costs of manuals, ID Badges, t-shirts and trainer expenses. Please make checks payable to Family of Christ Lutheran Church and bring them with you on the day of training. Please note on the memo line: 'LERT Training'.

Registration should be completed two weeks prior to the training date. For questions or additional information, please contact Donnie Moore, dmoore@familyofchrist.org or 615-981-1162.

Trinity Lutheran in Baton Rouge, La., will host a Basic LERT class on July 12th. Class will begin at 12:30 p.m. and should take 3 hours to complete. 

Location:

Trinity Lutheran
15160 S Harrell’s Ferry Road
Baton Rouge, LA

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 July 1st, so we have the necessary materials for everyone. A registration fee of $30 per person will cover the cost of training and materials. Please bring your check along to the training. Checks should be made out to Trinity Lutheran Church and noted "LERT Training July 12th" on the check.

If you have questions, please contact Rev. Paul Ernewein, the LERT trainer for the event, at giveblood2@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 12:15 p.m. to complete registration and sign in. The training should finish by 3:30. 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

A Basic LERT Training class will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 105 Luther Way, Dothan, AL 36301, on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

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 before July 24th, so we have the proper materials for everyone. A registration fee of $30 per person will cover the cost of training and materials. Please bring your check along to the training. Checks should be made out to Trinity Lutheran Church and noted "LERT Training August 1st" on the check.

If you have questions, please contact Rev. Paul Ernewein, the LERT trainer for the event, at giveblood2@gmail.com.

All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training; however, only LCMS members aged 14 or older are eligible to receive a certificate of completion 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 9:30 a.m. to complete registration and sign in. The training should finish by 2. Lunch 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

Consider joining the LCMS Basic LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Volunteer Training led by Pastor Sean Chapman, Atlantic District Disaster Response Coordinator. (DDRC). 

Federal guidelines recommend that disaster-response volunteers receive appropriate training before serving in affected communities. This training equips participants to respond safely, effectively, and compassionately when disasters impact churches and communities.

The Basic LERT training focuses on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans serving as Early Responders. It is part of the LCMS Synod-wide disaster response program, supported by a national network of District Disaster Response Coordinators and Response Teams. Upon completion of the training, LCMS participants fourteen years and older will receive a certificate, LERT identification badge, and aLERT T-shirt.

In the midst of disaster, it is essential to remain focused on what matters most. At the heart of LERT volunteer training is one central principle: mercy. Christ’s mercy guides everything we say and do as we serve those affected by crisis. This training will help equip you to be an effective and compassionate volunteer, whether responding within your own community or deploying to another disaster site.

Following a brief introduction to the goals and theological foundation of LCMS Disaster Response, the training will cover:

Location: Our Savior Lutheran Church

We encourage all LCMS members who are 15 or older and are interested in serving others through disaster response ministry to attend.

This training will be hosted by Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Location:

Our Savior Lutheran Church

63 Mountain View Ave.

Albany, NY 12205