The Association of Free Lutheran Congregations is not an incorporated synod, but a free association. It was organized by conservative congregations who opposed the merger of the Lutheran Free Church and the American Lutheran Church.
Largely Scandinavian, these congregations considered the American Lutheran Church to be theologically liberal, holding a deficient view of the Bible, and willing to compromise on the issue of congregational church government. Refusing to participate in the merger, they created the AFLC, which was to take a more conservative stand on such issues as the infallibility, inerrancy, and inspiration of the Bible, and the autonomy of the local church. The AFLC holds to the creeds and confessions of The Book of Concord.
The Bible is the Word of God, preserved by the Holy Spirit for our salvation and instruction. It is the standard for Christian doctrine and life.
There is one God, who is manifest in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. In the incarnation, Jesus was true God and true man, conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. Jesus died for the sins of mankind, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. The Holy Spirit guides the church and all believers, offering regeneration and sanctification of believers.
Human beings are born in sin since the fall of Adam and Eve. Salvation can be found only through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Apostasy may result in a loss of salvation.
The church is made up of all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Each church is autonomous, able to call its own pastors, conduct its own program of worship, and maintain its own properties.
The Association of Free Lutheran Congregations is a voluntary association that imposes no bonds of compulsion. Conferences do not have the authority to enact laws or rules that must be followed to member churches. Rather, they may make recommendations. Church government is congregational.
The AFLC observes the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is generally by sprinkling, and the Lord's Supper is celebrated monthly for those who confess Jesus as Lord Savior.
Christ will return one day, after which all will be judged, after which Christians will spend eternity in heaven, while unbelievers will spend eternity in hell.
The AFLC believes that Christians are called to be salt and light, separated from the ways of the world. This difference should be reflected in the life of the congregation and in its institutions. The Association is conservative on social issues.
The Association of Free Lutheran Congregations has its headquarters in Plymouth, Minnesota, and is strongest in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The Association Free Lutheran Bible School and Seminary is an educational arm of the Association.
Five corporations are sponsored by the AFLC. These are the Coordinating Committee, the Schools Corporation, the Missions Corporation, the AFLC Foundation, and the Association Retreat Center. There are also two auxiliary corporations, the Women's Missionary Federation and Free Lutheran Youth.
The official publication of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations is The Lutheran Ambassador, published monthly. The Ambassador Hymnal, published by the Association, includes hymns as well as the selected order of services and responsive Bible readings.
The focus of this category is on the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. Websites representing the Association or any affiliated corporations or agencies are appropriate for this category, as well as any other site whose focus is on the Association or its work. In most cases, websites representing local congregations should be submitted to the appropriate Local & Global category, however.
Recommended Resources
Based in Plymouth, Minnesota, the Development Department raises funds for ten ministries of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, largely through its relationships with donors. Its mission and proposals are highlighted, along with a list of supported ministries, and testimonials. The organization’s coordinating committee and administrative contacts are published to the site, and announcements and updates are included.
https://www.aflcdevelopment.org/
Responsible for church planting within the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, the requirements for a congregation to join the AFLC are highlighted, along with an overview of the process that AFLC Home Missions will follow. Churches within the Association may be located through the site, and an overview of its ministries, projects, and locations are included. Contributions may be made through the site.
https://www.aflchomemissions.org/
The worldwide missions fields of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations are coordinated and supported by AFLC World Missions. Its ministries and fields of work are highlighted, and approved projects are acknowledged and reported upon, along with a list of supported missionaries, missionaries on loan, and missionary candidates. Opportunities to assist in the mission field are set forth, and photos and promotional materials are included.
https://www.aflcworldmissions.org/
The publishing arm of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations reprints the hymns of Martin Luther, as well as many of his other works, Sunday School and youth curriculum, Reformation and Bible histories, catechism resources, mission stories and publications, devotional books, maps and charts, and other materials. Materials may be ordered through the site, and devotional and general resource reviews are included.
https://www.ambassadorpublications.org/
Association Free Lutheran Bible School & Seminary
Organization of the Free Lutheran Schools began in 1962, right after the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations was established, and the seminary opened its doors in 1964, while the Bible School began in 1966, both of which are now part of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Admissions policies, enrollment procedures, tuition and fees, a calendar of events, and a blog are included. An online store allows for the purchase of books and other supplies.
https://aflbs.org/
Association of Free Lutheran Congregations
The AFLC is a cooperative fellowship of independent Lutheran congregations and not a synod. Its history, beliefs, and general information about the organization is set forth, and member churches may be located through the site. Its missions, ministries, camps, and schools are introduced, along with its publications are acknowledged. Other resources include a calendar of events, announcements, and a promotional video.
https://www.aflc.org/
Serving the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, the ARC in Osceola, Wisconsin is a venue for team building programs, leadership training, and physical and spiritual renewal for Christians of all ages. Its meeting and event spaces are discussed, along with its dining facilities, lodging facilities, and a calendar of ARC sponsored events. Opportunities to contribute to the facility by volunteering or through financial contributions are included.
https://www.arc-aflc.org/
Free Lutheran Association of Pilot Supporters
FLAPS is a non-profit corporation, operating under the Missions Department of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, as a support arm of the AFLC, providing aviation services for AFLC missionaries, staff, and personnel. Its mission is detailed, and its board members are acknowledged. Its fleet is highlighted, with photographs and other details, and contributions to its work may be made through the site.
https://www.flapsministry.org/
Justo and Patricia Pillman are missionaries serving in Ecuador through AFLC World Missions, an arm of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. An introduction to the family is put forth, including an overview of their ministry. Bulletin inserts may be downloaded from the site, and other resources include prayer letters, informational video, prayer cards, a children’s page, and a blog. Contributions to their missionary endeavors may be made through the site.
http://www.pillmanfamily.com/
