A biblical foundation for life aflbs.org
The Gorgeous lake-front campus is in the heart of the twin cities about aflbs AFLBS (Association Free Lutheran Bible School) is a two-year Bible college designed to help students know and understand God s Word and apply it to their lives. As students study the Bible, they grow in their relationship with God, develop life-long friendships, and learn to serve God with their lives. The beautiful, 25-acre campus in Plymouth, Minnesota is just 11 miles west of downtown Minneapolis. Set on the eastern shore of Medicine Lake, the AFLBS campus provides a peaceful setting for students to study the Bible and grow spiritually. What we teach In our academic program, students receive in-depth instruction in books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, along with studies in foundational Christian doctrines, church history, missions, evangelism, discipleship, and practical ministry. We believe and teach the Bible as the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God, which is powerful to transform lives by the Gospel and practical for every area of life. Accreditation The Association Free Lutheran Theological Seminary and Bible School is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), having been awarded Candidate Status as a Category III institution by the TRACS Accreditation Commission. TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE). As students study the Bible, they grow in their relationship with God, develop life-long friendships, and learn to serve God with their lives. 3
Go anywhere. Grounded in God s word. There is nothing more practical for the Christian life than a solid understanding of God s Word. You ll be equipped for future schooling and whatever career you choose. Whether you become a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, or a mechanic, establishing God s Word as your foundation is the best preparation for your life as a Christian. Grow in your knowledge & understanding of God s Word establishing a firm foundation Experience ministry in community with other students Build lasting friendships with other believers Cultivate your personal relationship with God Getting sound teaching from God s Word, maturing in faith, and making life-long positive relationships helped launch me down a good path as I entered adulthood. Joyce, former student It is the most wonderful investment a parent can make. It s an environment that is conducive to training and building up disciples of Christ. John, parent AFLBS provides our students with a safe place where they can grow in their faith and create significant spiritual relationships. Duane, parent and former student 4 5
Academics The two-year course of study at AFLBS offers Biblical knowledge and practical training needed for a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Students learn from godly, experienced professors who teach the truth of God s Word and help them apply it to everyday life. At the end of their time at AFLBS, students earn a diploma in General Bible. During 2 YEARS of study at AFLBS, students discover Get deep into Scripture with knowledgeable professors How to interpret and apply Scripture God s story of salvation throughout the entire Bible How to share and defend your faith Biblical roles and responsibilities in the congregation A Biblical worldview that provides a foundation for the Christian life Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Curriculum The curriculum at AFLBS is designed to provide students with instruction in both Old and New Testament books, foundational Christian doctrines in Scripture, and practical training for their personal life and ministry. 1 st Year Required Classes Bible Orientation/John Pentateuch Bible Doctrine I & II Worship & Music of the Church Principles of Congregational Life Intro to Missions Evangelism & Discipleship Acts/Prison Letters Historical Books Romans/Galatians 2 nd Year Required Classes Major Prophets Synoptic Gospels Pastoral Letters Bible Doctrine III & IV Missions Perspectives Minor Prophets Church History Christian Education Revelation Electives Intro to Youth Ministry Intro to Media Ministry Urban Ministry Hebrews/James Prayer Intro to Cross Cultural Ministry General Epistles Relationships & Marriage Intro to Family Ministry Intro to Video Ministry Intro to Preaching Disciplines of a Godly Woman Children s Ministry Comparative Religions Poetical Books Youth Ministry Methods of Jesus Growing a Healthy Youth Ministry Biblical Worldview Cults & Isms Yearbook Proclaim Choir Concert Choir Gospel Teams Symphonic Wind Ensemble See the AFLBS Catalog for course descriptions. 7
The Campus Community creates an environment where students are known and cared about With nearly every religion represented, Minneapolis is a mission field for students who desire to share the love of Christ with their neighbors. Student Life Community life at AFLBS is refreshing and Christ-centered. Relationships grow deep and friendships last for a lifetime. Campus Life Through classes, meals, chapel services, and campus activities, a sense of community is developed and students grow together spiritually. Students are able to laugh together, pray for one another, and wrestle through Biblical and theological topics as they study the Word of God together. Dorm Life living spaces in the dorms provide social interaction and shared life experience among students. Devotional gatherings and prayer meetings unite students spiritually. The weeknight schedule brings students back under one roof and gives time for students to interact with dorm staff mentors who lend spiritual guidance and support. Chapel Services Regular times of worshiping together strengthen, challenge, and encourage the student body. Each Tuesday and Thursday, the student body gathers for worship and the preaching of God s Word. Special events are also a highlight during the year, such as Revival Conference, Missions Conference, and late-night vespers services. Life in the Twin Cities The Twin Cities are a hub for arts, culture, ministry opportunities, food, sports, and business. AFLBS is located in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area. The Twin Cities area is the largest population center between Chicago and Seattle. AFLBS students enjoy exploring places like the Walker Art Center, the downtown Sculpture Gardens, or trendy coffee shops in Uptown. Students can catch a Twins game at Target Field or head to the Target Center for a Timberwolves game. On the weekends, many students participate in urban ministry projects and street evangelism in downtown Minneapolis or the University of Minnesota campus. With nearly every religion represented, Minneapolis is a mission field for students who desire to share the love of Christ with their neighbors. Part-time Employment AFLBS all-morning class schedule leaves plenty of time for part-time employment. A growing job market in the Minneapolis area offers many options for employment. Different types of work include warehouse jobs, nanny positions, day care programs, retail 8 shops, coffee shops, and office work. 9
Students have a variety of opportunities to serve, doing what they enjoy and using their gifts Music Ministry Gospel Teams Summer Teams Missions Trips AFLBS features two choirs. Concert Choir and Proclaim Choir both tour during the spring semester, ministering through Christ-centered music, personal testimonies, and home stays. During the school year, AFLBS Gospel Teams travel on weekends sharing the love of Christ through music, testimonies, puppet and drama ministry, and nursing home outreach. During the summer, anywhere from 30 to 40 AFLBS students are sent out in teams across the U.S. These teams focus on teaching Vacation Bible School, ministering at Bible camps, and music concerts. Each spring, several students participate in a two-week missions trip oversees. Students gain exposure to what God is doing around the world and experience a different culture. They participate in service projects, share the gospel through drama, work with children, and teach Bible stories. Ministry At AFLBS, students find many ways to put their faith into practice. Whether it s through a choir or gospel team, partnering with an inner-city ministry, or volunteering in a local congregation, students grow through serving. Christian Service Credit Each student at AFLBS participates in Christian service, earning one college credit for 20 hours of service. Some students teach Sunday school, others lead youth groups or children s ministry. Others volunteer at crisis pregnancy centers, help lead youth lock-ins or weekend retreats, or partner with inner-city homeless ministries. 10 11
Be filled with the holy spirit, singing psalms and hymns and Athletics Men s & Women s Intercollegiate Basketball AFLBS participates in men s and women s intercollegiate basketball as a member of both the Northern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NIAC) and the Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA). The Conquerors basketball teams compete against many other Bible colleges and small Christian universities in addition to several community and technical colleges. The AFLBS basketball program provides unique opportunities for leadership and for giving testimony to the love of Christ. Intramural Sports Each fall and spring, organized intramural activities provide students a chance to enjoy the outdoors and friendly competition. Intramural sports at AFLBS include softball and Ultimate Frisbee. Music AFLBS has a rich history of praising God through music and has held a strong tradition of musical excellence and involvement. Music opportunities include: Concert Choir Proclaim Choir Symphonic Wind Ensemble Small Singing Groups & Ensembles Worship-Leading Teams Private music lessons including voice, piano, guitar, violin, and organ spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the lord in your hearts. Eph. 5:19 At AFLBS, God s Word created in me a new life I never thought was possible. andrew, class of 2018 My favorite part about AFLBS is camaraderie between the students. We re all here for the same reason and all have the same passion about our faith. Chanel, class of 2018 12 13
tuition & fees a head start for every student Actual operating cost per student per year $19,000 Grant $7,000 $12,000 Student Responsibility $12,000 Student responsibility Tuition...$5,480/year (45%) Meal Plan...$2,850/year (24%) Room...$2,850/year (24%) Other Fees...$710/year (6%) Room Deposit...$130/year (1%) TOTAL (approx.)...$12,000/year 2017 2020 Totals 2017 18...$11,820* 2018 19...$12,240** 2019 20...$12,590** The actual operating cost per student at AFLBS is $19,000 per year. However, because of generous donors (such as AFLBS alumni, financial supporters, and AFLC congregations), each student at AFLBS essentially receives a $7,000 grant per year, reducing the amount students are responsible for paying to approximately $12,000. The approximate total cost for students per year at AFLBS. This includes tuition, room, board, and other necessary fees. Tuition $5,480 Meal Plan $2,850 Room $2,850 Room Deposit $130 how students pay: a typical example Part-Time Employment AFLBS classes are scheduled from 8am noon each day, leaving afternoons and evenings open for parttime employment. AFLBS students have maintained a great reputation among local employers and many of them recruit AFLBS students year after year. A student working 20 hours/week at $12/hour would make about $5,500/year* after taxes. AFLBS Scholarships & Financial Aid Incoming and current students can apply for AFLBS financial aid and multiple scholarships. For the 2017 18 school year, students received an average of $1,500 in scholarships and financial aid. Church Scholarship Many students receive scholarship support from their home congregations. Among the students who receive support from their church, the average amount is $2,000 per student. Other Sources This example leaves a remainder of $3,000 for the student to pay from other sources. These often include other scholarships, gifts from family, savings, etc. $12,000 Part-Time Employment $5,500 AFLBS Scholarships & Financial Aid $1,500 Church Scholarship $2,000 Other Sources $3,000 Other Fees * Actual cost for 2017 18 $710 ** Estimated increased cost. Costs are released during the 2nd 14 quarter of each calendar year *26 weeks per year, factoring in breaks 15
What makes AFLBS Wellpriced Around $12,000/ year for tuition, room, and board. A close-knit community An environment small enough to know everyone. Morning class schedule Classes from 8am noon leave afternoons open for work, study, or recreation. Unique? From the focused attention on Scripture to the size of the campus, AFLBS offers a unique environment conducive to spiritual growth and meaningful relationships. Culture of Discipleship Spiritual care and guidance from faculty and staff. Biblefocused The Bible is the main textbook. 800 hours spent in the Word. Community Life Standards Create an environment conducive to spiritual growth and Christian fellowship. Parks & Trails Campus is located on Medicine Lake with access to a trail system spanning hundreds of miles around the Twin Cities. Suburban Urban For lakes, woods, and open spaces, go west. For city life, art and culture, go east. Suburban life, big city opportunities. 16 17
How will two years impact the rest of your life? 18 Discover more at afteraflbs.org» What you can do after AFLBS» Transferring AFLBS Credits After AFLBS You ll be grounded in God s Word. Being grounded in God s Word provides a solid foundation for your life as a Christian, no matter what your career or calling. You ll have friends for life. Being part of a tight-knit community with other believers, sharing your stories and lives as you grow in your faith creates a strong sense of camaraderie. These relationships go deep and can last a lifetime. You ll have transferable credits. AFLBS grads have attended colleges with pre-arranged AFLBS transfer agreements, such as the University of Northwestern St. Paul, Crown College, or Oak Hills Christian College. Others have transferred credits to places like Wheaton College, Liberty University, and Patrick Henry College. Students can often transfer up to 60 credits toward a degree plan.» Alternatives to traditional college» Secrets to saving time and money on your degree Take the Next Step LearnMoreaflbs.org ApplyNowaflbs.org/apply Schedule aflbs.org/visit a visit or 763-544-9501 talk to our admissions staff763-544-9501 attend held each fall & spring. Campus Days aflbs.org/campusdays aflbs.org 19
Establishing students in God s Word for life in Jesus Christ. Est. 1966 3134 East Medicine Lake Blvd., Plymouth, MN 55441 763-544-9501 aflbs.org