About John
For over forty-five years John MacMurray has taught Bible, Theology, and Photography in churches and schools serving in both staff and non-staff leadership roles. Known best for communicating with university age students—he has led college groups, served as an adjunct professor of Bible Literature, and taught for various schools and organizations internationally. A lifetime of teaching led John to start and direct the Northwest School of Theology and the Open Table Conferences.
John is also an award winning landscape nature photographer. Somewhat of a rarity in the world of professional photographers, he still captures images on film using a large format camera. His images have appeared in Sierra Club, National Geographic, Audubon, and several other prestigious nature publications.
He is the author/illustrator of two beautiful table books that display his work—By Chance? and The Call of Creation. He also co-authored a book with best selling writer Donald Miller titled To Own a Dragon—now released as Father Fiction.
Get in touch
Whether in a sanctuary or a bar, a classroom or a living room; John MacMurray loves to communicate that God is better than we imagine. If you would like to have John at your next event please email him using the link below.
Email John ▸
Conferences
Sunriver, Or
School of Theology
A week together within a safe community of kindred learners is set amidst spectacular natural surroundings, offering the opportunity to explore questions of life and faith with a depth that is hard to match in the rhythms of daily life. Group size is limited to twenty participants and provides an environment that encourages genuine spiritual dialogue so that we are stimulated to think critically and act humbly.
Nationally recognized writers, speakers, and teachers join and lead us to examine familiar paradigms and integrate different perspectives. Personal access to these men and women is unparalleled.
Where:
SUNRIVER, OR
Classes are held in beautiful Sunriver, Oregon. Sunriver is a resort community set at the foot of the Cascade mountain range that offers multiple recreational opportunities. World-class hiking, biking, tennis, golf, swimming are all available on property.
Class sessions occur in June. Historically, we have limited the number of participants to 20-30. Recently, on an every other year schedule, we double the size because we bring in twice as many teachers. Spots fill quickly for these unique events. For more information or to register, Click Here.
Cost: There are different options.
• $1500/wk - Shared Accommodations
• 1900 - single $2800 - couple/wk - Private Accommodations (w/shared bathroom)
• $2500 - single $3500 - couple/wk - Private Accommodations (w/private bath)
All options include school fee, lodging, and all meals.
Portland, Or
Open Table Conference
Open Table is a unique conference that provides space for authentic dialogue to explore questions about God, life, and spirituality. It is part of a relational movement—a growing awareness—that bows at wonder and mystery and delights in love and freedom. Hidden agendas do not fuel our conversation; rather it is the relentless and unimaginable love of God that we seek to engage.
Where:
WARNER PACIFIC COLLEGE
Warner Pacific College is located just outside of Portland, 20 minutes from Portland International Airport. Open Table Conference will be meeting in the McGuire Auditorium, the college's largest and most beautiful meeting space.
Cost:
• Early Bird - $149 (Ends June 14)
• General Admission - $179
• Student/Military - $99