A History of the AFLC

From Freedom to Life—A Gift to the People of the AFLC  

The 2024 Annual Conference was a time of celebration for the AFLC, as Parish Education sponsored several events in gratitude to God for bringing to completion a very important book, Volume VI in the AFLC Heritage Series, From Freedom to Life: A History of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, by Rev. Robert L. Lee.  

The Board of Publications began talking about the need for a thorough history of the AFLC about 20 years ago, while Pastor Lee was President of the AFLC. For the board, there was no question that he should be the one to write it someday. There is likely no one else in the AFLC who knows as many people and not only remembers their names but also knows the interconnectedness of families and congregations and their communities. This is a God-given gift, and Lee’s gift of memory and love of history equip him to write a history of the AFLC. The variety of roles he has served within the AFLC further equip him to write such a book: pastor, teacher, longtime church history professor, editor of The Lutheran Ambassador, interim dean of the seminary, AFLC vice-president, and 15 years as AFLC president. The process of writing such a comprehensive history takes years of research and study, and we are grateful for his perseverance to completion of From Freedom to Life. 

A special ceremonial presentation by Parish Education Director Marian Christopherson during the opening service of the conference was a unique, historic moment for the assembly of AFLC friends to corporately honor Pastor Lee for his extensive work on the book as a gift for future generations. Christopherson also recognized Lee for his lifetime of dedicated service with the AFLC. The service was followed by a reception in Heritage Hall with Scandinavian treats and a book signing, where a large number of people could greet him individually. The next day, attendees enjoyed Lee’s personal commentary during an interview conducted by Pastor Andrew Kneeland and Kirstie Skogerboe. One attendee commented on the events: “It was a moment for the AFLC as a body to express our love and thanks to Bob for all he has meant and what he means now to so many, and for the way he has helped shape and guide the AFLC over the years.” 

In his introduction to the book, we see the lens through which the book is written. “This is the story of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations,” he says, but clarifies, “This is also my story.” Robert Lee is a good storyteller, and this gift shines through in his engaging narrative style. “The title, From Freedom to Life, was chosen to express the conviction of our founders that polity or denominational structure is never an end in itself but a context in which true spiritual life might abound.” Lee writes, “My hope is that your reading of this book will not only supply the story of the birth and growth of a small Lutheran denomination. A greater goal is that you might catch the vision that captured me as a teenager, of a unique fellowship bound together not by organization but by Spirit-led commitment to the task of building and nourishing free and living Lutheran congregations.” 

To purchase From Freedom to Life, visit our website.

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