Public update regarding COVID-19 and guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health
Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary
Plymouth, MN
For release Thursday, March 26, 2020, 9AM CDT

The Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary has announced updated spring semester plans in light of ongoing concerns with COVID-19 and Wednesday’s guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health. This guidance enforces two weeks of “Stay at Home” significant mitigation restrictions, surpassing those of the past two weeks of “physical distancing.” After those two weeks, Minnesotans will adhere to an additional three weeks of the “physical distancing” restrictions, followed by an indeterminate time of “physical distancing for the vulnerable” designed protect the most vulnerable citizens as society and the economy return to operation. The full text of this order may be read at https://www.leg.state.mn.us/archive/execorders/20-20.pdf.

In accordance with this guidance, FLBCS announces the following changes:

March 28-April 10- “Stay at Home” significant mitigation

• This two-week period coincides with spring break, resulting in limited changes.
• Employees will work from home.

April 14-May 1- “Physical distancing”

• Online delivery of modified courses will resume on Tuesday, April 14.
• Employees who can work from home will be asked to do so.
• Employees whose work must take place on campus will be allowed to work.

The first two phases of restrictions end before finals week, and a tentative plan is being formed for reopening of campus life and course work for one week, concluding with a graduation ceremony modified to accommodate restrictions in place at the time of the event. Additional decisions, including timing of FLBC summer team ministry will be made and announced at a later date.

“Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.” Psalm 116:4 (ESV) For more information contact Pastor Wade Mobley at wade.mobley@flbc.edu.

Founded in 1964 by the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations (www.aflc.org), the Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary (www.FLBC.edu) includes a two-year post-secondary program (FLBC) and a four-year Masters of Divinity-level pastoral training program Level (FLS). The Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary gained accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS, www.tracs.org) in 2018.