What it is: The Portland Preaching Retreat is a four-day retreat for teaching pastors in the Portland Metro Area. Designed to bless and serve local pastors, the Preaching Retreat hosts a scholar who will teach on one book of the Bible over four days, going in depth on ways this content can be preached in a sermon series. Pastors will leave inspired and refreshed, with new friends and a whole series’ worth of sermon outlines. This year, the guest scholar is Dr. Nijay Gupta of Northern Seminary teaching on the book of Galatians. Pastor John Rosensteel of New Hope Church will be the local host, and Pastor Chris Dolson of Blackhawk Church in Middleton, WI will be joining as a guest facilitator.

Retreat Information 

Scholar Info: Dr. Nijay Gupta teaches New Testament at Northern Seminary. He has published over twenty books including A Beginner's Guide to New Testament Studies, Paul and the Language of Faith, Tell Her Story, and Galatians in the Story of God commentary series. Nijay is also co-editor of the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters and Senior Translator for Pauline Letters for the New Living Translation. He co-hosts the Slow Theology Podcast with AJ Swoboda. Nijay lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Amy and three kids, and he enjoys preaching in the area and connecting with local pastors. 

Cost: The cost to attend the retreat and stay overnight is $500 per person. This includes all meals, lodging, and two commentaries by Dr. Gupta. We have a very limited number of drive-in spots for those who would prefer to decline the overnight room and drive in each day. Once those sell out, we will not be able to accommodate any additional guests. If cost is a barrier, please contact [email protected]. A limited number of scholarships are available.

Schedule: Programming begins on Tuesday at 10:30 AM and concludes by Friday at 12 PM. Please plan to attend participate the entire time. Daily sessions with Dr. Gupta will roughly start daily at 8:30 AM and end by dinnertime, with short breaks throughout the day. Evenings will remain unprogrammed for relaxation and connecting with each other. 

Accommodations: Overnight guests will have a private room and bathroom. Linens and towels are provided. A buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served daily. Coffee will be available during meals and break times. For drive-in participants, lunch will be included daily.

Background: The Preaching Retreat Framework was started more than 20 years ago by graduates of the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Doctorate of Ministry program, under Dr. Haddon Robinson. Since then, teaching pastors from around North America have gathered annually to learn from scholars from around the world. This will be the second city-focused Preaching Retreat, following last years’ time at Mt. Angel with Tim Mackie.

Questions? Contact Elise at [email protected]