Advances
Doctor of Ministry in Semiotics, Church, and Culture
At Portland Seminary, we are all about relationships. We gather to exchange ideas, ponder the depths of Scripture together, and simply catch up with one another. To that end, we organize face-to-face intensives (“Advances”) as part of the Semiotics, Church, and Culture Doctor of Ministry program.
These gatherings, held in three different locations over two years, are central to the learning experience in the program. Students connect with cohort members, explore their research with their project faculty, and engage in lectures with their lead mentor, Dr. Leonard Sweet.
Locations
You will participate in three Advances during the program:
- First Advance: Fossores Chapter House, Jackson, Michigan (September, Year 1)
- Second Advance: Westcott House, Cambridge, UK (June, Year 1)
- Final Advance: Sanctuary Seaside, Orcas Island, Washington (May, Year 2)
What to Expect
- Advances last four to six days.
- The Advances are designed to engage with Dr. Sweet’s teaching and to deepen cohort rapport.
- Food and lodging are provided with incidentals excepted.
- You are responsible for all air travel and local transport (car rental, taxi, etc.), visas, and vaccinations.
- Project faculty members participate in the first and final Advances.
- Approved guests are welcome at the final Advance “at cost.”
- Activities include extensive walking, utilizing stairs, sitting, note taking, listening and viewing field presentations, navigating unfamiliar crowded spaces, eating local foods, etc.
Though we make every effort to accommodate student needs, please be aware that in international settings we cannot ensure meaningful access for qualified students with physical, dietary, psychological, attentional or learning-based disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.