Open and Relational Theology Program at Northwind Theological Seminary

02/24/2026

Time to start thinking about summer! And let me encourage you to attend ORTCON, this June 29-July 3 at the Grand Targhee Resort. We have a great lineup of speakers. Here's the info page... https://c4ort.com/ortcon/ and a video invitation... https://youtu.be/wc9jRVSQQtQ

ORTCON26 brings together scholars, leaders, pastors, activists, and everyday people to explore issues in open and relational theology. The conference provide...

02/12/2026

ORTLine26 is underway, and the discussions are rich! You can still register. You'll get all session discussions as audio downloads after the conference. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2026-tickets-1971280952394

02/10/2026

Last chance to register for ORTLine26, this Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 12-14! Register now and also get all the conference sessions after the event as audio downloads! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2026-tickets-1971280952394

12/30/2025

I'm excited to begin 2026 directing these doctoral students in open and relational theology! And it was a pleasure to work with those who recently graduated. For info on the doctoral programs, see this link: https://www.northwindseminary.org/cort-2024

10/23/2025

ORTCON26 is June 29 - July 3 at the Grand Targhee Resort. For info: https://c4ort.com/ortcon/

08/31/2025

I had a great time the at the Wild Goose Festival! Special thanks to Jason Tripp for being my comrade at the Center for Open and Relational Theology and Northwind ORT doctoral program booth. My festival talks were well received, and I met lots of new friends!

04/21/2025

ORTCON early bird registration expires April 30, so register soon. Here are the featured speakers... https://c4ort.com/ortcon/

04/16/2025

Thomas Jay Oord is looking for help writing his systematic theology. The process involves reading the first draft of his chapters on Substack and suggesting additions and changes. Paid subscribers receive perks. Here's the first chapter... https://open.substack.com/pub/thomasjayoord759927/p/first-of-its-kind?r=4nh7xh&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

12/31/2024

To start each year, I list the current students in the Open and Relational Theology doctoral programs at Northwind Theological Seminary. And I list recent graduates. It's an honor to work with these scholars! To find out more about the two doctoral programs, here's a link: https://www.northwindseminary.org/cort-2024

Northwind Institute, Online Ordination Courses

11/21/2024

Open and relational theology t-shirts are here! With eleven phrases, male/female sizes, and many colors from which to choose, get shirts for yourself or as Christmas gifts for others! Here's the link to the Shopify store...

My Store

10/28/2024

Join us in congratulating Teri Ditslear for successfully defending her doctoral dissertation at Northwind Theological Seminary. Her dissertation is titled, "Reimagining Church using an Open and Relational Dialogue." Teri's dissertation committee included Vikki Randall, Bruce Gordon Epperly, and Thomas Jay Oord, her doctoral advisor. Congrats, Dr. Ditslear!

10/24/2024

I just saw the new movie, Conclave. I love, love, love it!