A biblical foundation for life

aflbs.org

3

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 teachIn 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.

AccreditationThe 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).

about aflbs

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 GoRGEoUs

lakE-fRoNT

CaMPUs Is IN THE

HEaRT of THE

TWIN CITIEs

54

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.

Go anywhere. Grounded in God’s word.

“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 sTUDENTbuild lasting

friendships with

other believers

Grow in your

knowledge &

understanding of

God’s Word

Experience

ministry in

community with

other students

Cultivate

your personal

relationship

with God

establishing a firm foundation

Genesisexodus

Leviticusnumbers

deuteronomyJoshuaJudGes

ruth1 samueL2 samueL

1 KinGs2 KinGs

1 chronicLes2 chronicLes

ezranehemiah

estherJob

PsaLmsProverbs

eccLesiastessonG of

soLomonisaiah

JeremiahLamentations

ezeKieLdanieLhosea

JoeLamos

7

AcademicsThe 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.

CurriculumThe 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.

GET DEEP INTo

sCRIPTURE WITH

kNoWlEDGEablE

PRofEssoRs

1st year Required Classesbible 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

2nd year Required ClassesMajor Prophets

synoptic Gospels

Pastoral letters

bible Doctrine III & Iv

Missions Perspectives

Minor Prophets

Church History

Christian Education

Revelation

During

2 Years of study at aflbs,

students discover

+ 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

ElectivesIntro 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.

8 9

Dorm LifelIvING 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.

Student LifeCommunity life at aflbs is refreshing and Christ-centered.

Relationships grow deep and friendships last for a lifetime. 

Life in the Twin CitiesTHE 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.

Campus LifeThrough 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. 

Chapel ServicesREGUlaR 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.

Part-time Employmentaflbs’ 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

shops, coffee shops, and office work.

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.

10 11

Ministryat 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.

Music Ministry

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.

Gospel Teams

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. 

Summer Teams

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.

Missions Trips

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.

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.

sTUDENTs HavE

a vaRIETy of

oPPoRTUNITIEs To

sERvE, DoING WHaT

THEy ENJoy aND

UsING THEIR GIfTs

12 13

AthleticsMen’s & Women’s Intercollegiate Basketballaflbs 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. 

Musicaflbs 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

bE fIllED

WITH THE

Holy sPIRIT,

sINGING

PsalMs aND

HyMNs aND

sPIRITUal

soNGs aMoNG

yoURsElvEs,

aND MakING

MUsIC To THE

loRD IN yoUR

HEaRTs.

EPH. 5:19

“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

“at aflbs, God’s Word created in me a new life I never thought was possible.” 

aNDREW, Class of 2018

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.

Part-Time Employment

$5,500

AFLBS Scholarships & Financial Aid

$1,500

Church Scholarship

$2,000

Other Sources

$3,000

$12

,00

0

14 15

Part-Time Employmentaflbs classes are scheduled from 8am–noon each

day, leaving afternoons and evenings open for part-

time 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 scholarshipMany 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 sourcesThis 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.

*26 weeks per year, factoring in breaks

$12,000

tuition & feesThe 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.

actual operating cost per student per year

$19,000

Grant

$7,000student Responsibility

$12,000

The approximate total cost for students per year

at aflbs. This includes tuition, room, board, and

other necessary fees. 

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

Student responsibility

how students pay:a typical example

a head start for every student

Tuition $5,480

Meal Plan $2,850

Room $2,850

Other Fees $710

Room Deposit $130

2017–2020 totals

2017–18 . . . . . $11,820*

2018–19 . . . . $12,240**

2019–20 . . . . $12,590**

* actual cost for 2017–18

** Estimated increased cost. Costs are released during the 2nd quarter of each calendar year

What makes

AFLBS Unique?

16 17

Morning class

scheduleClasses from 8am–noon

leave afternoons open

for work, study, or

recreation.

parks & trails

Campus is located

on Medicine lake with

access to a trail system spanning hundreds of

miles around the

Twin Cities.

well-priced

around $12,000/

year for tuition,

room, and

board.

BiBle-focused

The bible is the main

textbook. 800+ hours spent in the word.

suBurBan + urBan

for lakes, woods, and open

spaces, go west. for city life,

art and culture, go east.

suburban life, big city opportunities.

coMMunitY life

standardsCreate an environment

conducive to spiritual

growth and Christian

fellowship.

culture of

discipleshipspiritual care and

guidance from faculty

and staff.

aclose-knit

coMMunitYan environment small

enough to know

everyone.

from the focused attention on scripture to the size

of the campus, aflbs offers a unique environment

conducive to spiritual growth and meaningful

relationships.

1918

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.

How will two years impact the rest of your life?

DIsCovER MoRE

at afteraflbs.org» What you can do after aflbs

» Transferring aflbs Credits

» alternatives to traditional college

» secrets to saving time and money on your degree

Take the

Next Stepaflbs.org LEArNMore

aflbs.org/apply APPLyNoW

ATTEND held each fall & spring.aflbs.org/campusdaysCaMpUS DayS

aflbs.org/visitor 763-544-9501SCHEDuLEa vISIT

To oUr

aDMISSIoNS STaffTALk 763-544-9501

aflbs.org

Establishing students in God’s Word for life in Jesus Christ.

3134 EasT MEDICINE lakE blvD., PlyMoUTH, MN 55441 763-544-9501 | aflbs.org

Est. 1966