students in class

Threshold

Threshold

 

Threshold is a unique, weeklong opportunity for students to complete one or more in-person courses at our Portland Campus. It is offered every semester and is especially designed to provide community and mentorship for students who might not live in Portland. 

Complete up to 36 Credits In Person

Students in the MDiv, MABTS, or MAML can complete up to 36 credits of their degree entirely through Portland intensives. That's nearly half of an MDiv, and the majority of an MABTS or MAML, completed in concentrated week-long sessions on campus in Portland.

While coursework for Threshold classes is spread out over the entire semester, class time is concentrated in all-day intensives on the Portland Campus. Classes meet for two or four days, depending on the number of credits, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many students will participate in more than one class at Threshold, while enjoying community meals together and fellowship with faculty and classmates throughout the week.

Here is a sample Threshold schedule:

 

An Enriching Seminary Experience

woman in class

Flexibility

Come to Portland for only a short period of time and receive the rich benefits of in-person learning. 

 students eating lunch

Community

Develop relationships with other ministry leaders as you engage in class and enjoy meals together.

 Professor Stephen Stallard chats with students

Mentorship

Be mentored by our faculty—ministry practitioners with a pastoral heart to serve students.

Fall 2026 Courses

Dates*CourseCreditsProfessor
Oct. 19–20 CS501—Introduction to Christian Spirituality 2 Andrew Pack, EdD
Oct. 21–22 MF501—Foundations of Ministry Formation 2 Andrew Pack, EdD
Oct. 19–22 BL501—Interpreting Genesis to Song of Solomon 4 Andrew Dvoracek, PhD
Oct. 23–24 TH570—Theology of and Our Place in Suffering 2 Gerry Breshears, PhD

*Coursework begins on Sept. 5 and ends on Dec. 11.

Planning for future semesters? View our 3-year Threshold Rotation Schedule.

Meals

MealsWestern provides lunch to Threshold students on Monday through Thursday. We also host two dinners and provide breakfast and snacks on certain days. 

Accommodations

Although Western does not offer on-campus housing, we can help connect you with several options in the Portland area, including staying with a Western family or sharing an Airbnb with other students. Please contact Emily Stone at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out what lodgings are available.