The goal of the training is to prepare congregations and individuals to be better prepared when a disaster strikes and help them know how to respond. The LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) model will be presented. Participants will learn how to develop local teams of trained volunteers to respond when disasters occur. Congregations are encouraged to send a group of people to this training for ready application when you get back home.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend the training session. However, only LCMS members who are 14 years or older will receive qualification as LCMS LERT volunteers. You will receive your certificate of participation, volunteer ID card, and T-shirt after the training is complete. Your LERT trainers will distribute all the LERT materials during and after the class.

The three main sections of the training are: 1) An introduction to the LCMS Disaster Response program, 2) Congregational Preparedness and 3) Lutheran Early Response Teams.

Training is on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church, Luverne, MN, 9am-3:00pm. Please come at 8:30am to check-in, complete registration & pick up materials. The LERT training class begins at 9:00 am.

Pre-registration is required and online. Because materials are ordered based upon pre-registrations, your early registration is greatly appreciated by event planners. Walk-ins are welcome but cannot be guaranteed classroom materials.

When you click the "sign up" button on this page you will be asked to register an account if you don't already have one. Part of the one-time registration process is granting permission to use class pictures, reading and acknowledging the liability waiver, and selecting T-shirt size. Note: every volunteer needs their email address when they register.