Jesus in the Upper Left

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Pete Armstrong and Ahshuwah Hawthorne dive into the crucial topic of mental health in the church with Jamie Califf, a licensed mental health counselor and executive director at CARES Counseling. Discover insights on: The interplay between mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health The unique challenges faced by church leaders and...

Send us Fan Mail Join Pete Armstrong and Gabe Kolstad as they sit down with Ben Sand, founder of the Contingent, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering leaders and mobilizing communities. In this thought-provoking episode, you'll discover: - The unique challenges and opportunities of living out faith in a post-Christian, libertarian city like Portland - How the church can step up and address pre...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready for a power-packed mashup episode on the Jesus in the Upper Left podcast! Gabe Kolstad brings together wisdom from three ministry giants – Rick McKinley, Renee Boucher, and Tony Kriz – as they unpack the vital role of context in ministry. In this episode, you'll uncover: Why understanding your specific context is essential for effective ministry How to discern and e...

Send us Fan Mail Join Pete Armstrong and Gabe Kolstad as they sit down with Tim Osborn, a seasoned pastor and leader now serving at Western Seminary. Tim shares his incredible journey from a sun-soaked upbringing in Southern California to planting churches in the heart of Portland. In this episode, you'll discover: - How a missions conference (that Tim didn't even want to attend!) change...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Jesus in the Upper Left podcast! In this episode, Gabe Kolstad from Westside Community Church in Aloha is joined by his great friend and executive pastor, Steve Barker. Together, they delve into the unique challenges and rewards of leading from the second chair in the Pacific Northwest. 🔹 Key Topics: Introduction to Steve Barker and his background in ministry....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Upper Left Podcast, Gabe Kolstad from Westside Community Church and Ahshuwah Hawthorne from Brilliance Labs host an enlightening conversation with Steve Stratos and Ryan Moffat. Dive into the incredible journey of two churches, Vast Church and Sisters Community Church, as they navigate through conflicts, splits, and ultimately, a transformative merger rooted...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on this week's episode of the Jesus in the Upper Left podcast as we dive into a captivating conversation with Shai Linne. Shai shares his journey from Philly to Portland, exploring the intersection of art, creativity, and the church. We discuss the importance of fostering a love for the Word and the role of creativity in worship. Shai also opens up about his experienc...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this enlightening episode of "Jesus in the Upper Left" as we sit down with Dr. Leah Payne, Associate Professor of American Religious History at Portland Seminary. Dive deep into the riveting world of contemporary Christian music through the expert lens of Dr. Payne, whose extensive research offers unique insights into its profound impact on American evangelica...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in Episode #49 of "Jesus in the Upperleft," hosted by Gabe Kolstad of Westside Community Church. We dive deep with Craig Whitney from the Multiply Project, exploring innovative strategies for church growth and leadership development. Discover how your church can transform by equipping and unleashing local leaders to extend their influence. Craig shares invaluable...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this deep-diving episode of the podcast as we engage with Karen, Vice President of Academics at the Multnomah campus of Jessup University, on the vital intersections of justice, mercy, and faith. Karen brings her extensive experience in academia and her passion for biblical justice to discuss how these concepts play out in today’s complex societal landscape, especially...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this reflective episode as we explore the enriching themes of "Spiritual Formation and Simplicity" with Pastor Paul Pastor. Discover how simplifying your life can deepen your spiritual journey and bring a renewed sense of peace and purpose. 🌿 Dive into discussions about the benefits of minimalism in our spiritual practices and everyday lives. 📅 Tune in to le...

Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening episode, we delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of "Blue State Ministry" with Pastor Devin Smith. Join us as we discuss how faith communities can thrive and effectively minister in politically divided environments, fostering understanding and dialogue across diverse viewpoints. 🗓️ Tune in to gain insights into navigating the complex la...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this powerful episode as we sit down with Pastor Avery Stafford of Common Grounds Church to explore a successful model of collaboration and unity. Discover how bridging diverse communities and fostering cooperative efforts can lead to meaningful change and strengthen the bonds within congregations. 🤝 Learn more about Pastor Avery's work and initiatives at Common G...

Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode, we sit down with author and church leader Joshua Butler to discuss the complexities of navigating election years as a church leader. Discover key insights and practical advice that can help faith communities remain united and impactful during politically charged times. 📚 Grab your copy of Joshua's enlightening book, "The Party Crasher":...

Send us Fan Mail Dive into the heart of community and belonging in this compelling episode of 'Building Thriving Communities' as we talk with We Belong PDX. Join us as we unravel the essence of belonging and explore the transformative power it holds within communities. Discover the inspiring stories and profound insights shared by We Belong PDX as we delve into their journey of cultivati...

Send us Fan Mail Hey everyone! 🌟 Tune in to this week's episode of 'Building Thriving Communities' as we delve into insightful conversations with Brad Ketch, an expert in community development. Join us as we uncover the keys to fostering sustainable change and empowerment within communities. Discover the inspiring stories and profound insights shared by Brad as we explore the journ...

Send us Fan Mail This week on 'Jesus in the Upper Left,' we had the pleasure of hanging out with Jon Ferguson,  from Community Christian Church in Chicago, and a key player at New Thing! Jon shared invaluable insights into the journey from a simple dream to a full-fledged Church Planting Movement. His wisdom resonates deeply, offering guidance and inspiration to all dreamers and visionar...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an enlightening journey with 'Jesus in the Upper Left'! 🎙️ Join us for a compelling conversation with the insightful Ricardo Barber, the esteemed guest from One Hope PDX. Our focus: 'A Co-Vocational Vision for Church Planting.' Ricardo shares his perspectives and experiences, illuminating the concept of co-vocational ministry and its transformative po...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready for an uplifting and inspiring episode of 'Jesus in the Upper Left'! 🎙️ Join us as we engage in a heartfelt conversation with Nathan Riley, the esteemed guest from Red Sea Church in the St. John's neighborhood of Portland. Our focus: 'Happy in a Hard Neighborhood.' Nathan shares his insights and experiences, shedding light on the joys and challen...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare for an enlightening episode of 'Jesus in the Upper Left'! 🎙️ In this thought-provoking conversation, delve into the challenges and opportunities of 'Funding Ministry in an Expensive Time & Place' with our special guest, Jordan Bush, Executive Director of TGFB Media. Jordan brings a unique perspective, working with TGFB Media to help the church use a...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready for an inspiring episode of 'Jesus in the Upper Left'! 🎙️ Join hosts Ahshuwah Hawthorne and Gabe Kolstad in a compelling conversation with special guest Ryan Sidhom of River City Church in Vancouver, WA. Our focus: 'How One Church Has Found Favor With the City.' Ryan shares insights into the remarkable journey of River City Church and how they've...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a thought-provoking exploration on 'Jesus in the Upper Left'! 🎙️ In this intriguing episode, we're joined by Ruben Alvarado, a distinguished figure from Multnomah University. Our focus revolves around 'Weed, Imagination, and PDX.' Ruben brings his unique perspective to the table, diving into the intersection of cannabis culture, imagination, and...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare for an eye-opening discussion on 'Jesus in the Upper Left'! 🎙️ In this enlightening episode, join us for an insightful conversation with Vergil Brown, the esteemed Pastor of Redemption Church. Our focus centers on 'Surprising Realities of Ministry in Portland.' Vergil, alongside Pete and Gabe, delves into the unique challenges, unexpected discoveries, a...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an illuminating journey with us on 'Jesus in the Upper Left'! 🎙️ In this compelling episode, we're privileged to host Christopher Coffman, the esteemed Pastor of River West Church. Our focus remains on 'The Power of Collaboration.' Christopher, as the guiding force at River West Church, delves into the profound impact and transformative potential...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare for an inspiring episode of 'Jesus in the Upper Left'! 🎙️ Join us for a compelling conversation with Rhona Mahl from Transitional Youth. Our focus this week is 'Dramatic Youth Restoration in PDX.' Rhona shares powerful insights into the impactful work of Transitional Youth, dedicated to restoring the lives of young individuals in Portland. This discussi...