Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Christ-centered preparation for pastoral leadership
At A Glance
72
Semester credit hours
$600*
Cost per semester credit hour
4 Years
Average completion time**
Accreditation
ATS (Association of Theological Schools), NWCCU
Format
Hybrid (online courses with BridgeWeek in Portland each semester)
Application Deadlines
Rolling application deadline; apply now for the next fall cohort
* All stated financial information is subject to change. Financial aid available.
** Based on taking 8 credit hours of study per term in the fall and spring semesters and 4 credit hours for 1-2 summers
For those called to be Christian leaders, it is essential to have a firm understanding of Christian heritage and theology as well as the wisdom to apply one’s knowledge in love and service.
As a Master of Divinity graduate, you will be prepared to take on the role of church planter, pastor, chaplain or nonprofit leader. This is the program for you if you’re looking to be both listened to and challenged so that you might in turn inspire personal and social change in your ministry context.
At the heart of Portland Seminary is a commitment to the spiritual formation of each student. Formation into Christlikeness prepares us to engage the world for the sake of Christ, and no matter what program you pursue, you will engage in an intentionally designed spiritual formation curriculum.
Specializations
- Biblical Studies: You are interested in studying theology and spiritual formation at a more advanced level
- Chaplaincy: You have a heart to be a chaplain who serves people going through crises or trauma
- Christian History and Theology: You want to study the diversity of the body of Christ and Christian tradition
- Spiritual Formation and Discipleship: You plan to serve in specific ministries or as a spiritual director in any capacity
What Will I Experience?
- Interact with Christian Scripture, history and theology to analyze, interpret and express findings faithfully
- Pursue an ever-deepening sense of the reality of Jesus Christ through spiritual formation
- Learn how to relate to others as people created in God's image
- Support the transformation of societies through personal and social holiness motivated by love
- Engage in spiritual formation that involves the intersection of Scripture, theology, psychology, biology and social-cultural factors
- Exercise pastoral care, preach, equip, and lead the diverse and local church body and Christian communities at large
- Practice classic spiritual disciplines as well as intentional holistic awareness
- Be held accountable by a cohort community to continue practicing what is taught in the academic environment
Program Experiences
- Fall Term (August-December)
- Spring Term (January-April/May)
- Summer Term (May-July or August)
- WaterFront is a required two-day online orientation for new students (with the exception of those enrolled in the spiritual direction certification program) every August. This event is full of opportunities for students to connect with faculty, other new students, make final preparations for studies, and participate in spiritual formation activities.
- BridgeWeek is the seventh week of every semester when all hybrid students come to Portland for face-to-face intensives. Special events are offered throughout the week.
Flexible Format
The Master of Divinity is a four-year program in which you study with diverse faculty and cohort peers.
Our hybrid format blends online learning with intensive in-person instruction at two points during the year.
What does a hybrid format look like?
- Connect with a vibrant cohort of learners who grow in faith and ministry skills through a variety of experiences: traditional classroom lessons, special off-site events and “hybrid” online courses.
- Meet periodically through video chat for hybrid online courses or meet weekly for fully online courses
- Attend BridgeWeek in Portland every October and February (7th week of classes)
Master of Divinity Requirements
×Complete the following:
Introduces students to the literature of the Old Testament in its socio-historical, literary, and theological contexts with particular interest in spiritual formation and Christian practice. Students will explore the contents of the Old Testament, the history of ancient Israel, historical geography, and interpretive approaches that explore the literary features of the Old Testament and its historical and cultural contexts.
Introduces students to the literature of the New Testament in its socio-historical, literary, and theological contexts with particular interest in spiritual formation and Christian practice. This course will discuss the history that leads up to the New Testament; the voices in early Christianities represented in the Gospels, Pauline, and other letters, and the churches and/or persons who first received them; as well as the voices of those who read them today. Besides introducing the general information on each book, this course will also highlight different themes in the books of the New Testament.
Building on the foundation of BIST 501 through hermeneutics, the study of ancient and modern methods of biblical interpretation, this course introduces a variety of analytical and critical approaches, from the development of biblical exegesis and hermeneutics in early Jewish and Christian tradition to modern-day readings of the Old Testament. Topics include: textual witnesses, reception history, issues of translation, historical-criticism, reader-response criticism, canonical analysis; postcolonial, feminist, womanist, intersectional, and minority readings.
Prerequisite: BIST 501.
Building on the skills and knowledge of BIST 502, this course engages students with the nature of interpretation (hermeneutics) as well as methods and tools that support interpretation (exegesis). Special emphasis will be placed on key moral and theological concerns today and how a variety of viewpoints, methods, and approaches help the reader of the Bible move from ancient text to modern life. Topics include: historical criticism, reception history, literary criticism, rhetorical criticism; postcolonial, feminist, womanist, intersectional, and minority readings. Prerequisite: BIST 502.
Choose one of the following:
Students may take either the Hebrew Language Courses (BIST 511 and BIST 512) or the Greek Language Courses (BIST 521 and BIST 522).
Hebrew Language Courses
This course is the first of a two-course sequence in Biblical Hebrew language. Introduces Hebrew grammar and syntax and includes reading and analysis of selected Old Testament texts, and introduction to digital and print resources, such as grammars, lexicons and biblical language software.
This course is the second of a two-course sequence in Biblical Hebrew language. Students continue to develop mastery of Biblical Hebrew morphology and syntax, primarily through reading selected Old Testament texts. Advanced exegetical methods are introduced. Prerequisite: BIST 511.
OR
Greek Language Courses
This course is the first of a two-course sequence in Koine Greek language. Introduces Greek grammar and syntax and includes reading and analysis of selected New Testament and Septuagint texts, and introduction to digital and print resources, such as grammars, lexicons and biblical language software.
This course is the second of a two-course sequence in Koine Greek language. Students continue to develop mastery of Greek morphology and syntax, primarily through reading selected New Testament and Septuagint texts. Advanced exegetical methods are introduced. Prerequisite: BIST 521.
Choose from the following:
Covers the development of Christianity and Christian theology from the end of the apostolic period to the 16th century. Examines the expansion of the Church, the unfolding of Christian institutions and practice, the conflicts that confronted the Church from within and without, and the development of central theological doctrines.
Covers the development of Christianity and Christian theology from the Reformation to the present outside North America. Examines the Reformation and its effects on the Continent and in England, important growth and changes in Roman Catholicism and Protestantism since the Reformation, key doctrinal developments, and implications from the global spread of Christianity.
Discusses the historical development and contemporary global expressions of core Christian beliefs and their relation to Christian practices. The course enables a well-informed, life-long creative engagement with theology, whether through studying, teaching, preaching, writing, or counseling.
Examines how Christianity developed in North America from the 15th to the 21st centuries. Special attention will be paid to the role of evangelicalism in American churches, the creative ways that Americans contextualize Christianity, and the contributions that American religious innovators make to global theological conversations.
Complete the following:
Studies biblical, historical, and cultural approaches to leadership. The qualities and skills of the leader are discussed with particular emphasis on the transformational and adaptive leadership models, the leader’s creative and entrepreneurial development, and the stewardship of a leader’s gifts and responsibilities.
Explores the questions: What are spiritual formation, healing and discipleship as pursuits of Christian believers? What is the spiritual leader's role in leading these pursuits? and How do formation, discipleship, and healing happen in current cultural contexts and in the church? The scriptural, theological, developmental, pedagogical, and biological nature of formation, discipleship, and healing are considered.
Designed to assist leaders and their communities in understanding and engaging in faithful transformation of the cultures, systems, and structures of their context. The course follows a practical theological approach, engaging in description, theological evaluation, and transformational practice while drawing insights from various disciplines to help discern effective and faithful change in a cultural system.
Builds the capacity of women and men to effectively develop ministry leadership skills for an ethnically diverse world. This course will explore theoretical approaches to ethnic studies and contextual theologies in dialogue with present-day ministry contexts.
Complete the following:
Examines the purposes of worship and its biblical, theological, and historical roots. It also focuses on evaluating current trends in worship, understanding the connection of worship to evangelism, learning how to plan and lead worship, and exploring the role of music and the arts in worship.
Introduces students to the theology of preaching and to the principles of sermon construction and delivery. The purpose of preaching as an essential element in the ministry of the church will be considered, as well as the various sermon types and communication techniques used to convey the timeless message of Scripture within a contemporary setting.
Analyzes the theological, biblical, and historical basis of various models of pastoral ministry to guide students in reflecting upon their values and philosophy of pastoral ministry. Students will reflect on the meaning of call and ordination and work on developing professional competencies with presiding over the sacraments, performing funerals and weddings, and providing educational and prophetic leadership to the local community.
Introduces the pastoral counseling role of the minister or spiritual director. The purpose of the course is to acquaint the student with a basic counseling method in relation to the typical situations encountered in ministry. Special attention will be given to healthy differentiation and ministerial ethics. One of the principal objectives will be to help the student recognize when and how to refer persons to qualified mental health professionals.
Complete the following:
Provides an opportunity for students to identify their deep longings and giftings as they discern their vocational way of being in the world for the sake of others. This discernment is rooted in a growing knowledge of the biblical and theological roots of identity and belonging. Students will be invited to integrate their way of being in the world with the God who calls them.
Provides an invitation for students to embrace the calling to belong within a faith community as an essential of Christian spirituality. Locating their past and present sources of belonging, students will integrate those experiences in order to grow in their understanding of self in relation to community. Students will support this awareness by reflecting on the cultural forces and narratives that shape both individuals and communities.
Provides an invitation for students to engage in prayer and other spiritual practices for greater awareness of self, others and God. As students practice they will be introduced to the gift of a contemplative life and will begin to experience a groundedness in Christ’s presence. This groundedness helps them embrace themselves, God, and others. As students learn to experience this space, they will be able to invite others into a more contemplative life.
Introduces students to the concept of three-way listening: listening to another, listening to themselves, and listening to the Spirit with hospitality to all. Quaker, Wesleyan, and Ignatian spiritualities help shape this understanding of listening and discernment. Part of this journey is to begin to notice the barriers that arise in listening this way. Growth will occur as students learn how to sift through their interior and exterior experiences to determine their origin and the movement of the Spirit in themselves, their community, and the world.
Introduces students to the rhythms of ritual, mystery, and beauty as pathways for Christian formation. Moving from the specific to the general, students will cultivate the ability to experience the sacred in the ordinary through tangible practices. These practices will be guided by theological reflection on the implications of the Incarnation, thus allowing students to both explore and notice God’s recreative presence in the arts, creation, and all of life.
Leaning deeper in reflection on areas of disintegration and integration, students will be invited to practice self-acceptance, generosity of spirit, boundaries, and to recognize invitations of growth. Analyzing the theology of spiritual leadership and reviewing elements which invite leaders to sustain a leadership role with integrity and health, students will reflect and create a rhythm of life that will serve as a fluid document to sustain them as they live out their vocational call within the communities they serve.
Students must complete 3 credits in one of the internship options listed below. An internship is either Apprenticeship, Teaching Apprenticeship, Mentoring, Spiritual Direction Training, or Clinical Pastoral Education. All students complete an internship.
Choose one of the following:
Apprenticeship
Students completing an apprenticeship will complete the following courses. Students can complete either one 3-credit course, three 1-credit courses, or any variation.
A unique practicum experience in which students do a supervised internship in order to gain expertise in the tasks of ministry. Note: PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken in any order. PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken together as a 3 credit course in one semester.
A unique practicum experience in which students do a supervised internship in order to gain expertise in the tasks of ministry. Note: PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken in any order. PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken together as a 3 credit course in one semester.
A unique practicum experience in which students do a supervised internship in order to gain expertise in the tasks of ministry. Note: PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken in any order. PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken together as a 3 credit course in one semester.
Teaching Apprenticeship
Students will take the following teaching courses in sequence but may start the sequence in Fall, Spring, or Summer term.
This course combines instruction in pedagogy for higher education with a teaching internship in a higher-ed setting. Prerequisite: BIST 501 and BIST 503 or BIST 502 and BIST 504, dependent on emphasis.
This course is the second part of a three-course sequence. It combines instruction in pedagogy for higher education with a teaching internship in a higher-ed setting. Prerequisite: BIST/CHTH 568.
Mentoring
Students completing mentoring will take the following mentoring courses in sequence but may start the sequence in Fall, Spring, or Summer term.
A coaching experience in order to explore one's calling, enhance one's awareness of his or her leadership skills, or receive guidance on current leadership challenges. The student will meet one on one with a certified coach. The course is yearlong and is taken sequentially beginning with 526.
A coaching experience in order to explore one's calling, enhance one's awareness of his or her leadership skills, or receive guidance on current leadership challenges. The student will meet one on one with a certified coach. Prerequisite: MLDR 526
A coaching experience in order to explore one's calling, enhance one's awareness of his or her leadership skills, or receive guidance on current leadership challenges. The student will meet one on one with a certified coach. Prerequisite: 527
Clinical Pastoral Education Apprenticeship
A student can register for Clinical Pastoral Education in a variety of ways depending on the CPE program into which a student is admitted. If the program is year-long, the student can register for PSTD 563, 564, and 565 (3 total credits) beginning either Fall, Spring, or Summer term. If a student does a full unit of CPE in one term, the student would register for all 3 credits and may also use an additional 3 credits from their elective pool for a total of 6 credits in the term.
Chaplain internship at an approved CPE center. See Hospital Chaplaincy section of the MDiv program description for more information. (Note: it is required that students take PSTD 563, 564, and PSTD 565). Pass/No Pass.
Chaplain internship at an approved CPE center. Upon completion of one CPE unit, the student sends a copy of the final supervisor's report to the CPE director in order to receive 1 credit for PSTD 564. See Hospital Chaplaincy section of the MDiv program description for more information. (Note: it is required that students take PSTD 563, 564, and PSTD 565). Pass/No Pass.
Exploration of theories and practices for chaplaincy ministry related to issues of grief and loss. (Note: it is required that students take PSTD 563, 564, and PSTD 565).
Spiritual Direction Training
Students completing Spiritual Direction Training will take the following Spiritual Direction Training course.
This course focuses on hosting spiritual conversations for soul companions. Generous listening is a core practice for intentionally guiding persons in their spiritual growth and at the center of training for spiritual directors. This course explores the historical, theological, biblical, and psychological premises for soul companionship and introduces students to core practices. Students will reflect on meaning and definitions of hosting spiritual conversations in light of their own experience and the course teachings and personal discernment regarding vocational spiritual direction. Note: it is required that students take SFAD 571 & SFAD 572.
Concentration (9 hours)
Students will select one of the following concentration areas.
Choose from the following:
Students wanting to do a concentration in Biblical Studies would complete 9 credits from the listed Biblical Studies Concentration courses.
This course will apply the interpretive skills developed in BIST 503, with special attention on the exegetical issues of the designated Old Testament book. Prerequisite: BIST 503 or permission of instructor.
This course explores the ancient Near Eastern context for the Old Testament through study of extra-biblical texts and Levantine archaeology. Special attention will be given to Levantine inscriptions and elements from the material record that contribute to an informed understanding of the world of the Old Testament.
This course reviews both the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts of the New Testament. Students will engage primary texts through translation with particular emphasis on the contribution of these texts to an informed understanding of the New Testament.
This course will apply the interpretive skills developed in BIST 504, with special attention on the exegetical issues of the designated New Testament book. Prerequisite: BIST 504 or permission of instructor.
This course will examine a special topic in the Old Testament or/and the New Testament. Building on the hermeneutical skills developed in either BIST 503 or 504, students will engage with important voices in scholarship related to the topic. Prerequisite: BIST 503 or 504, or permission of instructor.
Choose from the following:
Students wanting to do a concentration in Christian History and Theology Studies would complete 9 credits from the listed Christian History and Theology Concentration courses.
An introduction to the origins, histories, myths, and basic tenets of other religious traditions in the world and how Christians might engage them in meaningful interaction. Involving a research project and on site visits, a concerted effort will be made to show the common humanity of the people who follow other religions. Co-learners will guard against viewing people from other religions as the "excluded other” by understanding commonalities and celebrating differences.
An exploration of the guiding assumptions and frameworks undergirding various ethical positions and their claims, especially in relationship to Christian theology. The course also analyzes the relationship between context and ethics, specifically as it pertains to the church and its role in the formation of Christian ethics. Implications for the practice of ethics in personal, social, economic, and political problems of our contemporary world will be examined and evaluated.
The course discusses a variety of interpretations, responses, and practices related to suffering and healing in Christian traditions. It draws upon scriptural, theological, and scientific perspectives, with the goal of addressing current concerns and promoting human flourishing.
Examines a particular issue or topic in Christian history and theology, including practical application for the Church today.
Examines the praxis of a particular denominational tradition.
Examines the history and polity of a particular denominational tradition.
Complete the following:
Students wanting to do a concentration in Spiritual Formation would take these courses and would take SFAD 571 to fulfill the Internship requirement, and then follow up with SFAD 572.
Invites students to experience and explore images of God and understandings of spirituality through Scripture and the writings of the mystical traditions of the Church. Studying the spiritual writings of others through history opens one to consider their own image of God and concept of spirituality. This recognition, often shaped from childhood and life experience, offers an invitation to an expanding understanding of God. Mystics invite us to move beyond knowledge about God into an experiential relationship with God that impacts everyday life.
Invites students to explore God’s transformative action and desire for restorative justice and Shalom through the writings of the biblical prophets, Christian mystics, and activists. Students will broaden their awareness of unjust systems while considering their personal participation in oppressive structures. Reflective practices and discussion will invite students to actively join with God and create practices for response and reconciliation that extend God’s hospitality and restores the humanity of all.
This course focuses on hosting spiritual conversations for soul companions. Generous listening is a core practice for intentionally guiding persons in their spiritual growth and at the center of training for spiritual directors. This course explores the historical, theological, biblical, and psychological premises for soul companionship and introduces students to core practices. Students will reflect on meaning and definitions of hosting spiritual conversations in light of their own experience and the course teachings and personal discernment regarding vocational spiritual direction. Note: it is required that students take SFAD 571 & SFAD 572.
This course continues the students’ training in the discipline of spiritual direction. It addresses professional issues related to being a spiritual director and gives students practical experience in being spiritual directors, under the guidance of certified supervisors. (Note: it is required that students take both SFAD 571 & SFAD 572. Additional fees: The cost of personal spiritual direction is covered by the student.)
Explores topics of spiritual formation that support the deep work of transformation of students, communities, or cultures.
Complete the following:
Students wanting to do a concentration in Chaplaincy would complete 9 credits from the listed Chaplaincy Studies Concentration courses.
An introduction to the origins, histories, myths, and basic tenets of other religious traditions in the world and how Christians might engage them in meaningful interaction. Involving a research project and on site visits, a concerted effort will be made to show the common humanity of the people who follow other religions. Co-learners will guard against viewing people from other religions as the "excluded other” by understanding commonalities and celebrating differences.
An exploration of the guiding assumptions and frameworks undergirding various ethical positions and their claims, especially in relationship to Christian theology. The course also analyzes the relationship between context and ethics, specifically as it pertains to the church and its role in the formation of Christian ethics. Implications for the practice of ethics in personal, social, economic, and political problems of our contemporary world will be examined and evaluated.
Any 3-credit elective course or three 1-hour formation courses.
Interdisciplinary Concentration students must complete 9 credits of electives. Students can choose any combination of courses from the subject areas listed below.
Choose from the following:
Biblical Studies Courses
This course will apply the interpretive skills developed in BIST 503, with special attention on the exegetical issues of the designated Old Testament book. Prerequisite: BIST 503 or permission of instructor.
This course explores the ancient Near Eastern context for the Old Testament through study of extra-biblical texts and Levantine archaeology. Special attention will be given to Levantine inscriptions and elements from the material record that contribute to an informed understanding of the world of the Old Testament.
This course reviews both the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts of the New Testament. Students will engage primary texts through translation with particular emphasis on the contribution of these texts to an informed understanding of the New Testament.
This course will apply the interpretive skills developed in BIST 504, with special attention on the exegetical issues of the designated New Testament book. Prerequisite: BIST 504 or permission of instructor.
This course will examine a special topic in the Old Testament or/and the New Testament. Building on the hermeneutical skills developed in either BIST 503 or 504, students will engage with important voices in scholarship related to the topic. Prerequisite: BIST 503 or 504, or permission of instructor.
Christian History and Theology Courses
An introduction to the origins, histories, myths, and basic tenets of other religious traditions in the world and how Christians might engage them in meaningful interaction. Involving a research project and on site visits, a concerted effort will be made to show the common humanity of the people who follow other religions. Co-learners will guard against viewing people from other religions as the "excluded other” by understanding commonalities and celebrating differences.
The course discusses a variety of interpretations, responses, and practices related to suffering and healing in Christian traditions. It draws upon scriptural, theological, and scientific perspectives, with the goal of addressing current concerns and promoting human flourishing.
An exploration of the guiding assumptions and frameworks undergirding various ethical positions and their claims, especially in relationship to Christian theology. The course also analyzes the relationship between context and ethics, specifically as it pertains to the church and its role in the formation of Christian ethics. Implications for the practice of ethics in personal, social, economic, and political problems of our contemporary world will be examined and evaluated.
Examines a particular issue or topic in Christian history and theology, including practical application for the Church today.
Denominational Studies Courses (Quaker, Wesleyan, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, etc.)
Examines the history and polity of a particular denominational tradition.
Examines the praxis of a particular denominational tradition.
Praxis Courses
Studies the principles and practices of administration for ministry organizations including finances, buildings, staff and personnel relations, legal and safety concerns, information and communication systems, tactical management of daily operations, mixed team development (gender and ethnic diversity), and elder/board relations.
Equips students to be competent in media and communication skills understanding theories and praxis. Students will get hands-on practice in diverse platforms, social media content development, and a range of communication modalities, as well as an assessment of the intended audience of the media/communication effort. Students will learn how to lead through media content with an emphasis on God’s mission and building spiritual community.
Explores the development of particular leadership and/or management skills needed for effective outcomes in an organization.
Spiritual Formation Courses
Invites students to experience and explore images of God and understandings of spirituality through Scripture and the writings of the mystical traditions of the Church. Studying the spiritual writings of others through history opens one to consider their own image of God and concept of spirituality. This recognition, often shaped from childhood and life experience, offers an invitation to an expanding understanding of God. Mystics invite us to move beyond knowledge about God into an experiential relationship with God that impacts everyday life.
Invites students to explore God’s transformative action and desire for restorative justice and Shalom through the writings of the biblical prophets, Christian mystics, and activists. Students will broaden their awareness of unjust systems while considering their personal participation in oppressive structures. Reflective practices and discussion will invite students to actively join with God and create practices for response and reconciliation that extend God’s hospitality and restores the humanity of all.
Explores topics of spiritual formation that support the deep work of transformation of students, communities, or cultures.
Spiritual Formation Courses
Invites students to experience and explore images of God and understandings of spirituality through Scripture and the writings of the mystical traditions of the Church. Studying the spiritual writings of others through history opens one to consider their own image of God and concept of spirituality. This recognition, often shaped from childhood and life experience, offers an invitation to an expanding understanding of God. Mystics invite us to move beyond knowledge about God into an experiential relationship with God that impacts everyday life.
Invites students to explore God’s transformative action and desire for restorative justice and Shalom through the writings of the biblical prophets, Christian mystics, and activists. Students will broaden their awareness of unjust systems while considering their personal participation in oppressive structures. Reflective practices and discussion will invite students to actively join with God and create practices for response and reconciliation that extend God’s hospitality and restores the humanity of all.
This course continues the students’ training in the discipline of spiritual direction. It addresses professional issues related to being a spiritual director and gives students practical experience in being spiritual directors, under the guidance of certified supervisors. (Note: it is required that students take both SFAD 571 & SFAD 572. Additional fees: The cost of personal spiritual direction is covered by the student.)
Explores topics of spiritual formation that support the deep work of transformation of students, communities, or cultures.
Chaplaincy Studies Courses
An introduction to the origins, histories, myths, and basic tenets of other religious traditions in the world and how Christians might engage them in meaningful interaction. Involving a research project and on site visits, a concerted effort will be made to show the common humanity of the people who follow other religions. Co-learners will guard against viewing people from other religions as the "excluded other” by understanding commonalities and celebrating differences.
An exploration of the guiding assumptions and frameworks undergirding various ethical positions and their claims, especially in relationship to Christian theology. The course also analyzes the relationship between context and ethics, specifically as it pertains to the church and its role in the formation of Christian ethics. Implications for the practice of ethics in personal, social, economic, and political problems of our contemporary world will be examined and evaluated.
Any 3-credit elective course or three 1-hour formation courses.
The Word Must Become Flesh
For Joel Sommer, pastor of vision and formation at Access Covenant Church, a multi-ethnic and multilingual congregation in Southeast Portland, the challenge of impacting a community and seeing lives transformed begins with a simple premise: “The Word must become flesh.”
In short, trite greetings and feel-good sermons don’t get the job done.
“We are a community that emphasizes contemplation and Scripture, so it’s key for us to allow the Word and Spirit to lead us to action in the place we live,” says Sommer, a 2011 graduate of Portland Seminary’s Master of Divinity program who founded the church in 2013.
Questions?
Michael Simmons, MA
Admissions Counselor, Seminary