Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 2/4/2026
Last Updated: 2/6/2026

Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary ("FLBCS," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you visit our website(s) and related online services that link to this Privacy Policy (the "Site"), and how we communicate with you, including by SMS/text message if you opt in.

By accessing or using the Site, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not access or use the Site.

1) Who We Are and How to Contact Us

Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary (FLBCS)
3134 E Medicine Lake Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55441-3008
Phone: 763-544-9501
Fax: 763.412.2047
Email: [email protected]

2) Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through the Site and our related communications (email, phone, SMS/text, and offline interactions that reference this Policy). It does not apply to third-party websites or services that we do not control, even if linked from our Site.

If you are a student, certain records may be governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and applicable institutional policies.

3) Information We Collect

A. Information you provide

When you engage in certain activities on this Site, you may be asked to provide information by filling out and submitting an online form. It is optional to engage in these activities. If you choose to do so, you may be required to provide personal information, such as:

  • Identifiers and contact details: name, mailing address, email address, phone number

  • Admissions and inquiry details: program interest, application and enrollment information, prior education, event registration details, and other information you choose to submit

  • Donations or purchases (if applicable): billing address and transaction details (payment card information is typically processed by our payment processor and not stored by FLBCS)

  • Communications: the content of messages you send to us and your communication preferences (for example, email and/or SMS opt-in)

B. Information collected automatically

When you use the Site, we may automatically collect:

  • Device and usage information: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, operating system, pages viewed, time spent on pages, referring links, and interaction data

  • Approximate location: inferred from IP address

  • Cookies and similar technologies: as described below

C. Information from third parties

We may receive information from:

  • Service providers that support the Site and our operations (for example, website hosting, analytics, form tools, email delivery, customer relationship management systems, payment processing, and SMS platforms)

  • Social media or advertising platforms if you interact with our pages or ads (depending on your settings and the platform’s policies)

4) How We Use Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve the Site

  • Respond to requests, questions, applications, and inquiries

  • Process registrations for events and communicate about those events

  • Communicate about FLBCS programs, admissions, seminary information, news, and opportunities you may be interested in

  • Send administrative messages, such as policy updates, service notices, and security alerts

  • Maintain internal records, reporting, and operational needs

  • Detect, prevent, and address fraud, misuse, security incidents, and technical issues

  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

5) Cookies and Analytics

We may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to operate the Site, remember preferences, understand usage, and improve performance.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. If you disable cookies, some Site features may not work properly.

We may use analytics tools (for example, Google Analytics or similar services) to understand Site traffic and usage patterns. These tools may collect information such as IP address, device identifiers, and pages visited.

6) How We Disclose Information

FLBCS will never sell your personal information.

We may disclose information in the following circumstances:

  • Service providers: We may share information with vendors that perform services for us (for example, website hosting, email delivery, customer relationship management, analytics, form processing, payment processing, and SMS delivery). These providers may use information only to provide services to FLBCS and as permitted by applicable law and contract terms.

  • Legal obligations: We may disclose information if required to do so by law or legal process, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of FLBCS, our community, or others.

  • Business operations: If FLBCS undergoes a merger, reorganization, or similar transaction, information may be transferred as part of that process, subject to applicable privacy protections.

7) SMS/Text Message Policy

This section applies if you provide your mobile number and opt in to receive text messages from FLBCS.

A. Types of messages

If you opt in, FLBCS may send text messages related to:

  • Admissions, application, and enrollment communications

  • Event reminders and updates

  • Requested information about programs, courses, campus life, and related opportunities

  • Administrative notices (as needed)

  • Occasional updates about FLBCS news or opportunities (when relevant to your request or preferences)

B. Consent and opt-in

By providing your mobile phone number and opting in, you consent to receive SMS/text messages from FLBCS at that number. Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of purchase or enrollment.

C. Message frequency and fees

Message frequency may vary based on your interactions and requests. Message and data rates may apply. Check your mobile carrier plan for details.

D. How to opt out

You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any FLBCS text message. After you opt out, you will no longer receive text messages unless you opt in again.

E. Help

Reply HELP to any message for assistance, or contact us at [email protected] or 763-544-9501.

F. SMS consent is not shared

SMS consent is not shared with third parties. We do not sell, rent, or share your SMS consent or phone number with third parties for their marketing purposes.

We may share your phone number with our SMS service providers only to deliver and manage our text messages.

G. Privacy and security

Text messages may not be encrypted and may be viewable by others with access to your phone or carrier account. Avoid sending sensitive information by text.

8) Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, including to meet legal, accounting, and operational requirements.

9) Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10) Children’s Privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through the Site. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

11) Your Choices and Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, such as the right to request access, correction, or deletion.

You may opt out of marketing emails by using the unsubscribe link in those emails.

To make a privacy request, contact us at [email protected]. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

12) Third-Party Links

The Site may contain links to third-party websites. FLBCS is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

13) Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when changes were made. Your continued use of the Site after changes become effective means you accept the revised Policy.

14) Short Summary of Our Promise

FLBCS collects information to record and support your participation in the activities you select and to keep you informed about the school and seminary. FLBCS will never sell your information.

SMS consent is not shared with third parties, except with SMS service providers used to deliver messages.