Portland Seminary at George Fox University in Oregon

Light the Way

In a world where emotions run high and divisions run deep, we need leaders who think in the light of our shared humanity, lead from a place of personal wholeness and find common ground in God’s healing presence. That’s the kind of leader you’ll become at Portland Seminary.

As you harness the power of your heart and mind, you’ll emerge as a trusted guide for individuals and communities, kindling hope and illuminating a path to the peace of Jesus. Wherever you go, you’ll model the way to create life-giving – and sustainable – change.

The Way to Learn. The Way to Lead.

Join a Christ-centered community that’s committed to preparing you spiritually, academically and professionally to think with clarity, live with integrity and serve with the heart of God.

Holistic & Transformative
Become a holistic thinker by integrating intellectual curiosity and emotional awareness. The perspective you gain will transform the way you synthesize ideas and cast your vision.
Flexible & Relational
Get an education that fits your life. We blend online courses and discussions with annual in-person gatherings that will enrich your academic and social experience.
Personal & Purposeful
Strengthen your identity as a Christlike presence and contextualize your ministry wherever you’re called to lead. This isn’t just an education – it’s a pathway to purpose.

View Programs

A Diverse Community

47
denominations

40
states

10
countries

∞
callings

Watch video: Light the Way | Portland Seminary

Grow as a Healing Leader

We believe the people of God are ideally suited to heal our divided world. Whether you lead a church or nonprofit, provide one-on-one spiritual guidance, or help others make sense of their lives through another calling, Portland Seminary will empower you as a source of wisdom, stability and trust in times of uncertainty and change. You’ll find strength and comfort in God as the source of your identity.

You’ll broaden your perspectives by integrating critical thinking skills with the emotional and creative dimensions of the human condition. And you’ll find healing through the power of the Holy Spirit so you can lead others to a place of reconciliation and restoration.

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.

You’ll also 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 San Francisco, providing hope to marginalized individuals in Oklahoma 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 a community that takes faith seriously and respects the different paths people walk. Come as you are, and thrive in a sacred learning environment where women and men push each other to grow, lead and live out their calling.

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.

Get the Best of Both Worlds

Journey with us in person and online. You’ll join your peers for an immersive formational experience each September, connect with your class Mondays on Zoom and engage in online forum discussions throughout the week.

Along the way, you’ll take a series of courses with the same group of students, leading to engaging discussions and powerful networking opportunities. Your cohort community will be a source of strength and joy as you push through challenges, grow as followers of Jesus and form friendships that last a lifetime.

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.

Master's Degree Programs

Doctoral Degree Programs

Spiritual Direction Certification

Certification for Spiritual Directors

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.