Portland Seminary
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Portland Seminary began in 1947 as the Western School of Evangelical Religion. In 1951, it became Western Evangelical Seminary with the support of Oregon Gov.
Portland Seminary is a Christ-centered community earnestly committed to preparing you spiritually, academically, and professionally to think with clarity, live with integrity, and serve with the heart of God. Mark O. Hatfield, with the original campus on the Evangelical Church conference grounds at Jennings Lodge, east of Portland. In 1993, the seminary moved to a new centrally located and more easily accessible campus near Interstate 5 and highways 99W and 217. In 1996, it merged with George Fox College to form George Fox University, and on Jan. 1, 2000, its name was changed to George Fox Evangelical Seminary. More recently, on Jan. 9, 2017, the name was changed to Portland Seminary to strengthen its regional presence and expand its national outreach. It is located at George Fox's Portland Center. The first students came from the founding denominations: the Evangelical Church of North America, Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends, the Free Methodists, the Nazarenes, and the Church of God, Anderson. Today, more than 35 denominations are represented in the student body. When the seminary began, it fulfilled the dream of its first president, Paul Petticord, and other regional Christian leaders, who recognized the need for a Wesleyan seminary in the Pacific Northwest. The ideal was set forth in an early catalog:
"...to train men and women in the definite doctrines of faith set forth in the constitution and bylaws and to give them such definite guidance and training that they may go out into the world with a positive message of salvation possible only in Jesus Christ. Not only is this training to be scholastic, but deeply spiritual. Not only theoretical, but practical in the usage of necessary methods essential for this day and age. This training is to be given by professors who are of high scholarship and of practical abilities and experienced in winning the lost to a definite relationship in Christ." Portland Seminary faculty members come from a variety of evangelical backgrounds. They share a common commitment to sound scholarship, warmhearted personal faith, and effective pastoral practice that continues to characterize the seminary's approach to theological education. The curriculum now includes not only the Master of Divinity, the foundational degree for pastoral ministry, but also an an MA in Ministry (with a specialization) and an MA in Spiritual Formation, delivered either locally in a primarily online hybrid learning community. The MA in Theological Studies degree, with emphases in Bible or Christian History and Theology continues to serve those called to teaching or eventual doctoral study. The Doctor of Ministry degree, for experienced pastors who hold the MDiv or its equivalent, is a cohort-style online program with three tracks: Semiotics and Future Studies, Leadership and Spiritual Formation, and Leadership and Global Perspectives. The MDiv, MA in Ministry, MA in Spiritual Formation, MA in Theological Studies and DMin degree are approved by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities also certifies the seminary's programs. This dual accreditation is maintained now through George Fox University and assures students of the highest academic and professional standards.
07/16/2026
Are you a leader with a vision to create systemic change? Discover how you can bridge the gap between your passion and real-world results.
https://oregonfaithreport.com/2026/07/social-entrepreneur-shaped-by-ministry/
Social Entrepreneur shaped by ministry - Oregon Faith Report Seminary graduate Ben Sand is using his 20 years of experience in social entrepreneurship to launch the Certificate in Community Initiatives program at Portland Seminary by Audrey Grice George Fox University, Ben Sand’s passion is social entrepreneurship. Since 2005, he’s been starting programs ...
05/10/2026
What a joy it was to celebrate our newest graduates at Commencement and officially welcome them into the Portland Seminary Alumni Community! Congratulations to the Class of 2026—we’re so proud of you!
04/29/2026
Are you a Christian leader feeling the tension between withdrawing from public life and being pulled into culture wars?
It’s time for a different path, one built on humility, clarity, and creativity. Join Dr. Leah Payne for an exclusive first look at Portland Seminary’s brand-new Doctor of Ministry in Faith & Cultural Engagement. This inaugural program is designed for leaders who view contested spaces as opportunities for promoting peace, constructive dialogue and renewal.
🗓️ When: May 20, 2026 | 12-2 PM
📍 Where: Well & Good Cafe (7357 SW Beveland St #100, Tigard, OR)
☕ Bonus: Coffee is on us!
Come discover how this program can help strengthen your public voice and deepen your pastoral presence.
🔗 RSVP today to secure your spot: https://georgefoxuniversity.regfox.com/dmin-in-faith-cultural-engagement-program-preview--launch
04/09/2026
IT’S GIVE DAY!
Today is the day to give to your passion and support Portland Seminary. Your Give Day donations invest directly in the future of the church. These funds provide critical tuition assistance for our masters and doctoral students, ensuring that financial barriers don't stand in the way of those called to lead. By supporting students in need, you help Portland Seminary equip the next generation of pastors, scholars and spiritual leaders.
Let’s make this the most impactful Give Day yet!
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2026GiveDay
04/06/2026
Join us this Thursday, April 9, for our annual fundraising opportunity to show your support for Portland Seminary! Your Give Day donations invest directly in the future of the church. These funds provide critical tuition assistance for our masters and doctoral students, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of those called to lead. By supporting students in need, you help Portland Seminary equip the next generation of pastors, scholars, and spiritual leaders.
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2026GiveDay
04/01/2026
Our doctoral programs aren't just about reading lists; they are built around immersive, in-person experiences designed to stretch your perspective and refresh your soul.
From advances around the globe, summit experiences in key US hubs, to formational retreats on the Oregon coast, we want to show you how our hybrid model fits your life while transforming your leadership.
Join us Thursday, April 16 to learn more while connecting with faculty:
~ 10 AM: DLd in Global Perspectives
~ 11 AM: DMin in Faith & Cultural Engagement
~ 12 PM: DMin in Leadership & Spiritual Formation
Link to register: https://slate.georgefox.edu/portal/graduate-visit-seminary
03/20/2026
Portland Seminary had a productive and successful visit with the ATS Evaluation Committee this week. Their feedback and formal recommendations were highly encouraging, and we now look ahead to receiving the final decision from the ATS Board of Commissioners in June 2026. Thank you to the Evaluation Committee for their insight and encouragement!
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Address
12753 SW 68th Avenue, # 278
Portland, OR
97223
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 4pm |
| Friday | 9am - 4pm |