Prepare for Ministry

why wait until after graduation to start developing the ministry competencies you need today? Start now.

Some of the Holy Spirit’s best work in us happens as we are focused on serving others. The local church provides the ideal context for this kind of hands-on learning, and one of the greatest advantages of Portland Bible College is its relationship to Mannahouse. This connectivity provides students with a wide variety of “hands-on” ministry opportunities.

The ministry staff of both the church and the college have a great heart to see students equipped and released into ministry opportunities, and much care is taken to place students into areas of interest and calling for their practicum requirements.

We are one with the church. Completely integrated in mission and vision; and this produces the best fruit in our students.

We’re committed to equipping each student with the character and competence to rise to the world’s needs and become catalysts for kingdom impact in every sphere of society – now and into the future.

The impartation you receive in class lectures, is immediately put into action in your ministry involvement through our taylor-made practicum and apprenticeship program.

Our Ministry Experience Practicum/Apprenticeship program is based on the following beliefs:

  • All Christians should serve others
  • God’s primary instrument in the world is the local church
  • Students often learn best by doing
  • Practical application is an essential part of academic education
  • Ministry skills are best developed in a purposeful context that includes supervision, mentoring and evaluation

Please Note: All students are expected to serve in their own local church unless they are geographically too distant, in which case they are integrated into Mannahouse for this part of their program. Students taking classes online can receive credit for their participation with ministries within their own local church.

Portland Bible College has given me the hands-on training I needed right from the start. The faculty, staff of both the college and the church invested in me and my future throughout my time there. My wife and I pastor in Kampala, Uganda and have been able to put our training into practice at our vibrant local church.

Richard Senkungu, ACL, Lead Pastor, Life Church Uganda

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Prepare for Work

Is your ministry outside of the four walls of the church? PBC is here to instill in you the work ethic, character and values that are sought after by today’s leading companies and CEO’s. Get ready for the work force as you deepen your faith in God and develop meaningful connections that will launch you into a great future!

I knew I had a passion for business, but also wanted to live my life for Jesus and walk in His will. I wasn’t sure how that could fit together, but I took the leap and enrolled in Theology with a Leadership emphasis. I began to develop both my passion and my skills and discovered my calling for biblical entrepreneurship. Not long after graduating, I landed a job as the senior director of marketing at a communications company. After only a few years, I’m now overseeing over 850 employees, and using what I learned at PBC every day.

Drew Williams, BTh, Senior Director of Marketing

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Prepare for Grad School

Need further training in your field requiring Master level education? Let PBC build the foundation for that learning and prepare for you for graduate school!

Our graduates are beloved and coveted by grad schools across the country, yet, there’s something special when your own neighbors recognize the quality of education that our students receive in preparation for grad school. Here are three examples of partnerships that we’ve struck to help you move to the next academic level in your ministry career:

  1. Portland Seminary
  2. Western Seminary
  3. George Fox University School of Business
  4. Regent University

Several of our faculty and staff have obtained their post-graduate degrees from these fine schools and we’re proud to call them our friends!

Click here for a list of other wonderful colleges and universities that have taken our students.

I was heart broken and came to PBC to heal. I didn’t know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go but I knew God had a plan. It was in the pastoral counseling classes that I felt the most alive and excited. My passion grew as I followed His leading and now I get to be a part of other people’s journey of healing. I came to PBC and pursued both the Associate and Bachelor degrees in Pastoral Counseling and continued on to obtain a Master of Arts in Counseling from Western Seminary. I now work with young people as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. PBC was instrumental in helping me find my calling and I’m forever grateful!

Stehpanie (Kaylor) Fox, BTh, MA, LMHC

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So what do you do if you have a heart for ministry AND a passion for business? You go to PBC, get your foundations in the Word and transformational leadership, and then you head off to George Fox University’s Master of Business Administration full-time program! Being “marketable” these days can require additional training. By coming to PBC first, I was able to grow in God, pursue His call upon my life and save a ton of money. I’m fulfilled, my parents are happy and I’m ready to take on the family business. Let’s go!

Josh Ross, BTh, MBA

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Made for More

Interested in PBC?

Take the next step. Schedule a campus tour and experience the PBC community for yourself!