Lead Time How Freedom Shapes Faith: Lessons from the AFLC
What does it mean to be "free" in a Lutheran context? Join us as we explore that question with President Micah Hjermstad of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. President Micah Hjermstad shares the history, structure, and vision of this distinctively autonomous Lutheran body. The conversation explores how congregational freedom and collaborative ministry can flourish together when centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• History of the AFLC traces back to Norway in the 1800s as a reaction against state church control
• AFLC formed in 1962 when 40 congregations chose not to merge with the American Lutheran Church
• Now encompasses over 250 congregations across 26 states with international ministries
• Unique polity based on 12 fundamental principles that establish congregational autonomy
• National offices support rather than govern congregations through five separate corporations
• Congregations answer only to "the Word and the Spirit" without hierarchical authority
• Vision focusing on maintaining biblical authority while leaning into "the freedom of the gospel"
• Leadership development primarily occurs at the congregational level with new national initiatives
• Majority lay representation required on all national boards
• Creating environments for gracious disagreement while maintaining unity
• Lutheran theology "embraces tension" rather than forcing artificial resolution of biblical paradoxes
• Different Lutheran denominations reach different people with the same gospel
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