WELS and AFLC
I work with a variety of conservative religions--Baptist, Free Lutheran, Catholic, etc. I grew up in the WELS, but have a difficult time answering the question about why there is a difference among Lutheran groups, as in "aren't they all the same conservative group?" Can you give me information on how the AFLS is different from the WELS in particular? I understand the Baptist and Catholic viewpoints overall, but the Lutheran groups can be confusing, especially when trying to explain. Thanks for your help!
I am wondering if you are seeking information on the AFLC (the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations). With that in mind, by looking at their website, a couple of differences between the AFLC and WELS stand out.
In the area of church polity they state, “According to the Word of God, the congregation is the right form of the Kingdom of God on earth….According to the New Testament, the congregation needs an external organization with membership roll, election of officers, stated times and places for its gatherings, and other similar provisions.” While we teach the importance of local congregations, we do not make it “the right form of the Kingdom of God on earth,” nor do we mandate its organizational structure.
When it comes to the application of biblical fellowship principles, the AFLC maintains: “We recommend that our congregations cooperate wherever possible with like-minded Lutheran congregations and movements in programs of evangelism and witness….We envision opportunities for our congregations to cooperate with the Protestant churches in the areas of evangelism and witness to their communities. However, care must be taken not to compromise the Lutheran understanding of the Scriptures.” Cooperating with Protestant churches in evangelism blurs biblical fellowship principles.
The AFLC is not a synod. It is a fellowship of independent congregations.
Again, I trust this is information you were seeking. To gain a better understanding of Lutheranism in our country, you or your friends might be interested in WELS & Other Lutherans. It is available from Northwestern Publishing House.