Early Response Team (ERT) Certification

This eight-hour training gives you the basics for entering a disaster zone as a volunteer. You will receive a badge certifying you for three years of service, a T-shirt with the Michigan ERT Logo, a manual explaining what you can and can’t do, and lunch. You will be certified by UMCOR and prepared to join at least seven ERT volunteers who will be ready to serve when a request comes for assistance from the Michigan Conference Disaster Response Coordinator or one of the other annual conferences in The United Methodist Church. ERT teams do not self-deploy. 

You will be invited to get dirty, sweaty, and tired by mucking out basements, removing drywall, tarping roofs, and removing damaged furniture and belongings, all for the joy of serving God as the hands and feet of Christ. Click here to learn more about what it is like to join an ERT team.

Saturday, May 10, 2025
9 am – 5 pm, check-in at 8:30 am
Cornerstone Church, 1675 84th St. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
Cost: $35 covers materials, lunch, and T-shirt. Payment due at the door. Make checks payable to “Michigan Conference Disaster Response.”
**Please register prior to training.
Instructors: Bob Freysinger, Senior Michigan ERT Trainer, and Jody Pratt, Volunteers in Mission Coordinator

To register or for more information, contact Jody Pratt at prattgji09@gmail.com or 616-292-4908. Pre-registration is required. Churches interested in hosting their own ERT training in the future should also contact Jody.