Church History
It was in the mid 1980’s when a concerned group of individuals began to meet for Bible Study. They hungered for the Word of God and true Christian fellowship. One family, when up in Bemidji, MN, happen to stumble upon a church where they felt at home.. They contacted the church’s headquarters and learned that this particular church was part of the AFLC (American Free Lutheran Church). There were several conversations with the AFLC which lead to an informational meeting within our community to see if there was a broader interest in this organization. AFLC representatives came and shared information about their organization, and shared positive reasons for it’s existence and formation of a new congregation.
Hosanna began with only a handful of people, with the first worship service being held in Memorial Park in June 29, 1986. Services were held at the VFW and in the park until late summer, then moved to meeting in the chapel of the Jungas Funeral Home. At that time, the worship attendance was usually around 10 people. The church was incorporated in 1988. On September 1, 1995, Hosanna called their first full time pastor, Rev. Tom Tuura. Prior to Pastor Tuura, Hosanna shared a pastor with another congregation in Mankato.
January 12, 1988, Hosanna Free Lutheran Church held their first worship service in the former Farm Credit Service building. At this point, the congregation had grown to 35 members.
In 2013, Hosanna celebrated the 25 th anniversary. The congregation continues to keep looking forward to what God has in store for them.
Church Theology/Message
Hosanna congregation has a high view of the Bible with the message of Christ, the cross and salvation. We believe that the Bible is the true Word of God. II Timothy 3:16-17. “All scripture is breathed out by God ad profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The sermons are based on God’s Word. The focal point of our worship service is on the sermon, not on liturgy. We are a non-liturgical, Lutheran church.
Our Mission
‘Bringing Jesus to People’ Matthew 28:18-20 – “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” It is our mission to serve Christ in our community and in the world through the Great Commission, presenting the good news of Jesus Christ to others.
Affiliation
Hosanna is an independent church associated voluntarily with other like-minded congregations called “Association of Free Lutheran Congregations” (AFLC). https://www.aflc.org/
Overview of the AFLC (https://www.aflc.org/)
The AFLC is a group of like-minded congregations that associate together with a common purpose. There are five important components that each congregation join together on.
- Nationwide, the AFLC churches agree to the inerrancy (authority and absolute accuracy) of
the original Bible scriptures. - The AFLC has no synodical ties. Each congregation governs itself freely.
- The AFLC is active with home and world missions. We are grateful to God for what He has
been accomplishing through our missionaries, considering that our mission program is
considered small by some. - The AFLC has a two-year accredited Bible College (FLBS) (https://flbc.edu/) that is a program
of Bible oriented study and practical Christian training. In the near future, ALBC, will be
offering some four-year degree programs. The AFLC also has a seminary, the AFLTS, which
can be accessed at https://flbc.edu/, as well. This school prepares students to be pastors and
missionaries to further the Christian ministry. - The AFLC is a spiritual movement that emphasizes personal, corporate, and national revival at
home and aboard.
A few other facts about the AFLC:
- They are not involved in politics.
- They have a low overhead. Minimal funds are tied up in property, buildings, and debt. Voluntary
contributions go to fund the ongoing work of the organization. - Donations and church tithes are used to support the AFLC’s own benevolences and missions, and
when designated, goes to World Relief. - The AFLC has officially taken a very strong anti-abortion stance.
- The AFLC is not perfect. They have not been exempted from hardships and trials, both within and
without the organization. These trials serve to bring us closer to the Lord and to each other.