Photography provided by Michael Showell
School of Theology is a week-long intensive where we share communion in community. A place and a time to question, discuss, learn, and grow - all in an open and loving environment surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Central Oregon. Our goal is that these spaces will combine to provide the perfect opportunity for a life changing experience.
In addition to the 4-5 hours of daily "class time", we also share accommodations and meals together providing unparalleled access to the presenters, which creates a unique space to grow in the soil of healthy relationships.
Something Different:
We are very excited to announce that this SOT will feature all women speakers! For most of us, the bulk of our theological perspectives have been shaped by men. This, we believe, has been a tragic oversight. Whether that has been intentional or not, we are long overdue to hear from the other half of the human race.
Space will fill quickly for this SOT and is limited to about 30 spots. Registration is only reserved on a “first registered - first in” basis when we receive your $200 non-refundable deposit.
COST
We have a very limited number of private rooms and these will be available on a first come - first in basis.
Shared Accommodations: $1500/person
Includes the seminar, six nights in beautiful lodging, and all home cooked meals.
Private Accommodations for a Single:
Private bedroom - shared bathroom - $1900/person
Private bedroom - private bathroom - $2500/person
Both options include the seminar, six nights in beautiful lodging with private room, and all home cooked meals.
Private Accommodations for a Couple:
Private bedroom - shared bathroom - $2800/couple
Private bedroom - private bathroom - $3500/couple
Both options include the seminar, six nights in beautiful lodging with private room, and all home cooked meals.
If you are local to the Central Oregon area and would like to attend the week but you would rather sleep in your own bed at home, your cost is $900/person.
Registration
There is a $200/person non refundable deposit that must accompany your registration in order to secure your spot. Every person must register individually, even if you are coming as a couple.
Once you register you will receive confirmation of your payment and reserved spot.
Balance of payment is due on March 16, 2026.
However, you can contact us anytime if you have a question or need some additional info.
When
May 16 - 22, 2026
Where
Sunriver Resort, Oregon
Sunriver is a resort community set at the foot of the Cascade mountain range that offers multiple recreational opportunities. World-class hiking, fishing, biking, tennis, golf, swimming are all available on property and in the surrounding area.
Presenters
Most presenters will be with us all week, either physically or virtually sharing meals, and interacting in and out of the classroom setting.
Dr. Cherith Fee Nordling
Cherith is a theologian, writer, and mentor in Christian formation with a Ph. D. from the University of St. Andrews. Most recently she served as Associate Professor of Theology at Northern Seminary in Lisle, Illinois. She also taught for five years at Calvin College and Seminary while serving as Co-Director of Christian Formation with her husband, Robert. She has taught as adjunct professor at numerous other institutions and continues as a seasonal lecturer for Regent College, Vancouver, BC and for the YWAM Masters Program in Christian Formation.
Gaby Viesca
Gaby was born and raised in Mexico and has been living in the United States for the last nine years. She holds a master's degree in Biblical studies and a bachelor's degree in international business. She currently serves as the Director of Strategic Planning & Outreach at Portland Seminary.
Gaby has worked in full-time pastoral ministry in Israel, Mexico and the Pacific Northwest and enjoys God's presence the most when she's exploring the outdoors, traveling, dancing, and talking to strangers who quickly become friends. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband, Daniel, and their dog, Mila.
Katie Skurja
Katie founded Imago Dei Ministries and is the author of “Paradox Lost: Uncovering Your True Identity in Christ”, which peels away misconceptions of the nature and character of the triune God. She holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as a Masters of Spiritual Formation. She and her husband, Jim, have two sons.
John MacMurray
John is the founder and director of the Northwest School of Theology and the Open Table Conferences. Formerly an adjunct professor in Bible Literature, he now speaks internationally, and writes. His books include “A Spiritual Evolution” and “Father Fiction” (co-written with Donald Miller). He is also a landscape nature photographer, published in National Geographic, Sierra Club, and Audubon.
Eden Jersak
Eden is the author of “Rivers from Eden: 40 Days of Intimate Conversation with God” and runs Fresh Wind Press. She was in the leadership team of Fresh Wind Christian Fellowship from its inception for 15 years and was the lead pastor for 5 years. She is currently a lay teacher at The Bridge in Abbotsford, Canada.
Felicia Murrell
Felicia is a certified master life coach and former ordained pastor with over twenty years of church leadership experience. She also serves the publishing industry as a freelance copy editor/proofreader and is the author of Truth Encounters. Felicia resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband, Doug. Together, they have four adult children. You can connect with Felicia on Instagram @hellofelicia_murrell or read more of her writing at http://Felicia Murrell.blogspot.com
Susan Carson
Susan (she/her) is a certified Spiritual Director and holds a Masters in Theology and Culture from St. Stephen’s University. She is founder and executive director of Roots&Branches Network, a nonprofit in Cincinnati, Ohio, centered in contemplative healing, spiritual direction and enneagram consulting. Susan is a writer and host of the rooted (IN).ten.tionally podcast, and a content contributor for organizations including Clarion Journal for Religion, Peace and Justice; She Leads Church; Global Leadership Network; Fall Creek Abbey; Gravity Leadership Podcast; Heart to Heart Season of Joy 2022; Impact Nations Podcast and YouVersion. Susan's passion is creating safe spaces for spiritual encounters that heal and restore. Learn more at susancarson.net.
Daily Schedule
Morning
8a – Breakfast
9a – Morning Session 1
10:30a – Morning Session 2
Afternoon
12:30p – Lunch
1:30 – Free Time
Evening
6p – Dinner
7:15p – Evening Session
9:30p – Dessert
“This conference will challenge your paradigms and focus your understanding of the Bible, Christology, and the Trinity. You will not leave unchanged.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the group at SOT?
We typically limit the size of SOT to around 30 people. We have found this size to be an intimate yet workable size to process the sessions in a small relational community.
Will the sessions be recorded?
Yes, and this is included in your fee but it will be audio only. We’re working on the possibility of video as well.
Is there financial assistance or scholarships available?
Yes, that may be possible. If you would like to participate and need financial assistance please email us.
When is the balance of payment due?
March 16, 2026.
What protocols will you be following due to the current COVID situation?
As we all know, life has changed with COVID. Our policy is to follow any mandates the federal/state/local governments require at the time of our event. We will check for protocols just before our event and notify you of any that you need to be aware of.
Will the recordings be available to the public for purchase?
Historically, because of the personal and sometimes sensitive nature of the class conversations, we have not made the recordings available to the public. However, we may be able to edit out these parts of the sessions and if we are successful, we will make the recordings available.
What is the Refund Policy?
Your deposit is non-refundable.
As a general rule, no refunds will be issued once you have paid your balance due. However, contact us if you need to request a refund. We take requests on an individual basis
Balance is due 60 days before our event on March 16, 2026.
Unless you have made prior arrangements with the organizers, if balance is not received by March 16, your spot is forfeited and offered to the those on the waiting list.
Note: We rent beautiful homes at the Sunriver Resort for your lodging experience at SOT. Payment for the rental houses is required 60 days in advance of occupancy, regardless of how many people stay in them. Because we have experienced last minute cancellations in the past, it has become necessary to adjust our refund and cancellation policy.