Best-selling author and ministry leader Thom S. Rainer drew an exceptional response when he posted a 500-word declaration about church membership to his daily blog. "I Am a Church Member" started a conversation about the attitudes and responsibilities of church members -- rather than the functional and theological issues -- that previous new member primers all but ignored.
Thoughtfully expanded to book form, I Am a Church Member begins to remedy the outbreak of inactive or barely committed church members, addressing without apology what is expected of those who join a body of believers. When a person's attitude is consistently biblical and healthy, matters of giving, serving, and so forth will fall into place more naturally.
Six intentional chapters with study questions guide this rising discussion:
1. I Will Be a Unifying Church Member
2. I Will Not Let the Church Be About My Preferences and Desires
3. I Will Pray for My Church Leaders
4. I Will Lead My Family to Be Healthy Church Members
5. I Will Be a Functioning Member
6. I Will Treasure Church Membership as a Gift
Spring '26 Required FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
Spring '25 Required FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
Required FLS textbook for Spirit & the Church course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
Spring '24 Required FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
Spring '23 Required FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
Spring '22 Required FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life sessions taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
Spring '21 Required FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life sessions taught by Dr. Nathan Olson.
An exploration of what worship looks like from a biblical standpoint and why the topic of worship can be so contentious among Christians.
Because worship is inherently theological--because it's a manifestation of humanity's response to God's holiness--it's important to take seriously how we worship and the roles it serves in personal displays of adoration and in community with other believers.
Exploring the Worship Spectrum provides an overview, critique, and celebration of six prominent worship styles:
Formal-Liturgical – represented by Paul Zahl
Traditional Hymn-Based – represented by Harold Best
Contemporary Music-Driven – represented by Joe Horness
Charismatic – represented by Don Williams
Blended – represented by Robert Webber
Emerging – represented by Sally Morgenthaler
This unique format allows those with a heart for worship to compare different perspectives and draw their own conclusions on what the Bible teaches. It allows readers to understand the various approaches to worship, carefully evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and make personal choices without adopting a judgmental spirit.
Spring '26 Recommended FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
Spring '25 Recommended FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
Fall '24 Recommended FLBC textbook for Theology of Worship course, taught by Pr. Steve Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
Spring '24 Recommended FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life sessions, taught by Mr. Andrew Hanson.
Spring '22 Required FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life sessions, taught by Mr. Andrew Hanson.
Have you ever wondered why our AFLC is so focused on the congregation? Or why our congregations are so mission-minded? Or even why we are a fellowship of Lutheran congregations with no bishops, synods, or human authorities over us? These and many other questions will be answered in this biblically based study, The Gospel in the Congregation: A Study of the AFLC Fundamental Principles.
Looking for a way to further enhance your study of the AFLC Fundamental Principles? New study videos provide an exciting new way to take in each chapter's introductory reading material. Perfect for group or individual study, these videos can be found here.
Spring '26 Required FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
Spring '25 Required FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
Required FLS textbook for Spirit & the Church course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
Spring '24 Required FLBC textbook for Principles of Congregational Life course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
“To understand the AFLC, one must understand the guiding principles that have been at the heart of who we are as a collection of churches that joined together in 1962. The Fundamental Principles have been a worthy guide to the AFLC and to its predecessor, the Lutheran Free Church. This study will help church councils and congregations understand who we have been, who we are, and ultimately who we should be as Free Lutheran congregations.”
— Dr. James Molstre
Dean, Free Lutheran Seminary
“The congregation is the means that God uses to reach a lost and dying world. Georg Sverdrup recaptured the biblical understanding of the New Testament congregation. This study serves as a practical guide for applying the Gospel to the congregation, the Bride of Christ—to free her and give her life.”
— Rev. John Lee
AFLC Missionary, Campo Maurão, Brazil
“When our Pastor suggested studying the twelve Fundamental Principles, I wasn’t too enthusiastic. I must admit, I was wrong. For me, studying these Fundamental Principles, being deeply and firmly rooted in the Word of God, has been an enriching and edifying experience. Basically, it has taught me what it means to be part of the body of believers in Jesus Christ—very enlightening.”
— Mrs. Kathy Vieselmeyer
AFLC Member, Deshler, Nebraska
