Portland Seminary
Light the Way
Centered on Jesus as the way and guided by the Holy Spirit, we’ll take you on a journey that strengthens your identity as a Christlike presence and expands your capacity as a servant leader.
You'll emerge as a trusted guide for individuals and communities, kindling hope, healing divisions and casting light on solutions to seemingly intractable problems. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you’ll model the way to create meaningful – and sustainable – change.
The Way to Learn. The Way to Lead.
Form lifelong relationships with peers who inspire you and mentor scholars who equip you to think with clarity, live with integrity and serve with the heart of God.
-
Intellectually Enriching
Gain knowledge that challenges your current mindset. Our learning community is rooted in intellectual curiosity and keenly attuned to the forces that are transforming today’s church. -
Flexible & Affordable
Get an education that fits your life. We’ve optimized our curriculum to keep costs down, and our hybrid-online environment provides room for autonomy and spaces for community building. -
Personal & Purposeful
Grow into everything Christ meant you to be and contextualize your ministry wherever you’re called to lead. This isn’t just an education – it’s a pathway to purpose.
A Diverse Community
47
denominations
40
states
10
countries
∞
callings
Set Your Own Pace
Map out your journey on a timeline that works best for you. You can finish your degree in two to three years or achieve your academic goals as a part-time student – the choice is yours.
Our degree programs give you the flexibility to complete many of your requirements independently on a timeline that works best for you. You’ll also take a series of courses with the same group of students, leading to engaging discussions and powerful networking opportunities.
Read the Signs
Don’t just learn to impart knowledge – learn to discern what people need to flourish. You’ll gain actionable insights from your professors as they lead you down roads of discovery, opening your mind to creative ideas and transforming your capacity as a problem solver.
Along the way, you’ll develop the cultural sensitivity you need to navigate diverse environments. Our alumni are bringing spiritual care to communities in Portland, serving Korean immigrant congregations in the San Francisco Bay area and training indigenous agents of change in South Africa. Get ready for a life of impact.
Let the Spirit Form You
Spiritual formation is the key to transformation. We’ve thoughtfully built out spaces, practices and courses that invite you to contemplate and cultivate your calling. You’ll be guided by the voice of the Holy Spirit and emerge as a Christ-shaped presence in the world.
Throughout your spiritual journey, you’ll be part of an inclusive community that values diversity as an essential dimension of what it means to be human. Come as you are, and thrive in a sacred learning environment where men and women help one another fulfill their promise.
Be a Source of Transformation
Amazing things will happen when you join our community. You’ll find new meaning in the Word. You’ll draw ever closer to Christ. And you’ll gain a fresh perspective of the world and your place in it.
It all starts with a single step and a heartfelt desire to keep moving forward. Follow the way and arrive at a place where you can leverage your God-given gifts to transform lives, build up communities and empower future generations.
Find Your Program
We invite each of you to consider a formational learning journey at Portland Seminary. Whether you see yourself as a pastor, a chaplain, a business person, an artist or a companion to others, if you have a desire to learn and be spiritually formed, we have a program and community to embrace you as you follow God's call.
Darcy Hansen, MDiv, DMin
Certified spiritual director
Portland Seminary gave me a broader historical context of what it means to be a Christian. It made my previous black-and-white faith colorful, and the box of my understanding of God just got blown up. Now I have a big picture that I don't even have words to describe. Sometimes it's disorienting, but it's good because it's free. I have a sense of freedom I didn't have before.
Questions?
Michael Simmons, DLd
Admissions Counselor, Seminary
Stay Connected