Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

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

Please consider attending LCMS LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) volunteer training offered by Lutheran Church Charities. This training will prepare LERT team members for credentialing and will focus on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders. This training is part of a Synod-wide disaster response program, facilitated by a national network of District Disaster Response Coordinators and Teams. After the training, you will receive a certificate, ID badge, and a T-shirt.

In the chaos of disaster, it's important to stay focused on the task at hand.  This training will help you focus on the most important thing to remember as you prepare for or respond to a disaster in your community or beyond.  At the center of our LERT Volunteer training is one thing:  MERCY!  Christ's mercy is the basis for everything we say and do.  This training event will equip you to be an effective volunteer should a disaster strike your community.  After a brief introduction regarding the goals and theological rationale of LCM Disaster Response, the LERT volunteer training will address the following:  

 This training will be hosted by CUC Deaconess Studies and held in Krentz Hall - Rm. 120. Parking for Krentz Hall will be in Visitor Lot 3 on Augusta St.

A Basic LERT Training class will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4605 Cypress Ave, Wichita Falls, Tx on Saturday, September 19 beginning at noon.

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 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 September 5, so we have the proper materials for everyone. A registration fee of $20 per person will cover the cost of training materials, tee shirt and lunch. Please bring your check or cash to the training. Contact the site coordinator, Nancy Opheim, if you encounter any difficulties registering.

If you have any questions about the class content, contact Don Kelle, the LERT trainer for the event  at okddrc@gmail.com.

All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT training, however, only LCMS members 14 or older are eligible to receive a certificate of completion as 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.

Please arrive by noon for lunch and registration.  The class will begin at 1:00pm and should finish by 4:30.

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)  Congregational Preparedness and Mercy Teams.

A Basic LERT Training class will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. at Christ Lutheran Church, 11720 Nieman Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210.  Participants will be introduced to the LCMS Disaster Response program, learn the basic nature of disasters, the opportunities to respond to personal needs, and how Lutherans can support families, congregations, and the public as we demonstrate the love and mercy of Christ through the actions of our hands and feet.

Please pre-register on the LCMS-LERT website (https://www.lcms-lert.org) prior to 09-11-2026 so we may have the proper amount of materials for everyone. It will be necessary to create aLERT profile on the website. A limited number of walk-in registrations are available on the day of the event. Class participants should arrive by 8:15 am to complete registration before class begins.

A registration fee of $35 will cover all training materials (2025), a certificate/ID card, aLERT Volunteer t-shirt, and lunch. Checks are payable to Christ Lutheran Church and on the memo line "LERT Training 9/26/2026".  You may mail it to the church or pay on the day of the class.   All interested participants are welcome to attend the LERT Training session.  However, only LCMS members 16 years or older will receive the LERT ID and certificate. You will receive your certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt from LCMS Disaster Response after the training is complete. IMPORTANT: If you are considering taking our LERT Basic Chainsaw course, this class is a required prerequisite. 

LERT volunteer training will address the following:  

- Christian care in times of disaster

- A Ministry of Presence

- The LERT Program and how it works with other responders

- Introduction to Disaster Response

- Service Opportunities after a Disaster & Safety Protocol

Table discussion will take place during lunch served immediately following formal instruction time. 

Where? Christ Lutheran Church, 11720 Nieman Rd, Overland Park, KS

Time: 8:30 am - 1:00 pm (includes lunch). Please enter through the school entrance off the parking lot.

Registration: $35 (lcms-lert.org)

Facilitators: David Ingwersen (Bethany, OP) & Bob Lowe (King of Kings, Gardner)

Christ Lutheran on-site Contact: Eric Brunkow, ebrunkow88@gmail.com