“Convictions, unless discussed and taught, die.” These words were penned by Rev. John Strand more than 25 years ago. They are words that convey the importance of teaching our biblical Lutheran heritage. Words that express a grave possibility if teaching is neglected.

Still today, people of the AFLC are concerned about continuing our heritage of “free and living congregations," and many have expressed a desire in recent years for resources to preserve and teach our Free Lutheran history and biblical foundations for generations to come. In response to these concerns, the Board of Parish Education prayerfully discussed how they might better serve our congregations by providing tools to teach our history and heritage. The idea of an AFLC Heritage Series was conceived and was further encouraged by the Coordinating Committee.

The AFLC Heritage Series is a series of publications that aims to serve our congregations by providing resources that reflect the unique Lutheran, pietistic, and Scandinavian heritage of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. The writings in this series are of theological, historical, biographical, or devotional content. The goal is to include new works, works previously published, and works not previously translated. Intended to be ongoing and open-ended, additional volumes will be added to the series for an indefinite period of time. Four volumes have been published to date.

VOLUME I
Romans: A Devotional Commentary leads readers through the book of Romans verse by verse in a devotional style. This out-of-print book was selected for the first volume because of its author and content. The emphasis of the book of Romans is foundational to the Lutheran church: justification by grace through faith in Christ. The writings of Carl O. Rosenius in the mid-1800s were a significant influence in Scandinavian Lutheran piety. Rosenius was especially known for his monthly periodical called "The Pietist" and for his exceptional ability to divide law and gospel.

VOLUME II
Free and Living Congregations: The Dream That Would Not Die celebrates the 40th anniversary of the AFLC and is dedicated to the memory of Rev. John P. Strand, the first AFLC president. Topical chapters written by members of the AFLC answer questions such as: What does it mean to be a "free and living" congregation? What is the role of pastors and laypeople in a free church? How is the Lutheran Free Church related to the AFLC? How and why did the AFLC begin? What makes it unique? Why go to an Annual Conference? The book also contains a collection of photographs from early AFLC history, a section of historical documents including the Fundamental Principles and Rules for Work, as well as selected writings by Rev. Strand from The Lutheran Ambassador and annual reports that are especially pertinent to congregational life. A correlating Study Guide leads readers through the book chapter by chapter and serves as a practical tool for small group discussions and classroom or personal study.

VOLUME III
Translated from Finnish, They Lived in the Power of God: Lutheran Revival Leaders in Northern Europe is a collection of biographical writings by Lutheran scholar, Dr. Uuras Saarnivaara. These writings reflects the European heritage of Lutheran congregations in America and includes individuals from Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, who have significantly impacted spiritual life among Lutherans between 1500 and 1950, such as Hallesby, Hauge, Rosenius, and others. Translated by Rev. Rodger N. Foltz and Aila Saarnivaara Foltz, with historical introductions by Rev. Rodger N. Foltz and Rev. Robert L. Lee.

VOLUME IV
Footprints of the Faithful: Fifty Years of the AFLC Mission in Brazil celebrates fifty years of AFLC missions in Brazil. This volume focuses on God’s work during the early mission years through the lives of the first four AFLC missionary couples: Rev. John and Ruby Abel, Rev. Alvin and Frances Grothe, Rev. George and Helen Knapp, and Rev. Connely and Carolyn Dyrud. From a primitive Brazilian frontier through western expansion and to the developing cities, God prepared the groundwork, provided workers to plant the seed, and brought about growth in Christ through the Word of God. Though fifty years of mission work have certainly brought challenges, unforeseen circumstances, grief and loss, there is cause for celebration as these historic accounts demonstrate God’s hand, guiding, sustaining, and expanding the work of AFLC–Brazil to the present. The book gives a chronological history and includes testimonies, maps, and photographs. This book is a history, but it is also multiple biographies—the intertwining of lives and ministries.