PRESS RELEASE
Thorpe Scholarship Supports Future Congregational Leaders
Plymouth, Minnesota
For release Tuesday, February 1, 12:00 PM

The Free Lutheran Bible College is pleased to introduce a new scholarship opportunity for students returning for their second year at FLBC.  The Thorpe Scholarship for Leadership Development is awarded to students who have demonstrated past leadership and both the aptitude for and likeliness of continued Christian leadership in the future. This scholarship is open to second year students who will be selected by the FLBC scholarship committee through essay, interview, and recommendation at the end of students’ first year of study. A number of students (initial target of four) will be selected each year to receive this award. These students will meet in a not-for-credit leadership development cohort with FLBC staff and the President of FLBCS. At the end of the school year the cohort will compile a journal documenting leadership lessons learned. This scholarship is endowed by the estate of Rev. Gordon Thorpe, the high school pastor of longtime AFLC leader Rev. Robert L. Lee. Each scholarship awarded will cover half tuition for the second year, which as of this writing (winter 2022) is $3000.

Josh Johnson, FLBCS Communications Director and member of the FLBC scholarship committee commented, “We are grateful for the financial support of Rev. Thorpe and the opportunity to engage FLBC student leaders through this new avenue. As we recruit young leaders to FLBC we recognize a desire in them to serve in the local congregation. The new scholarship will enhance the training FLBC offers to the next generation of servant leaders.”

Current FLBC students planning to return for a second year can apply for this scholarship through the FLBC.edu website. Scholarship applications for returning students will be accepted through March 15, 2022. 

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 Master of Divinity pastoral training program (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. Please direct questions regarding scholarships to the FLBC Scholarship Committee via scholarships@flbc.edu or by calling (763) 544-9501