"Jesus in the Upper Left" is a Portland-based, thought-provoking podcast that explores the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry, church planting and Gospel multiplication in the Pacific Northwest. Packed with inspiration, ideas, and connections, each episode delves into topics like racism, the history of movements and renewal, mistakes made, lessons learned, creative ideas and more. With a focus on personal stories and honest conversations, "Jesus in the Upper Left" offers a fresh ...
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Coming as Learners: Planting a Church with Humility and Open Hands
49:05
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49:05Send us a text Join Pete Armstrong and Gabe Kolstad as they welcome Pete and Christy, a new church planting couple in the Portland area. In this inspiring conversation, Pete and Christy share their journey of stepping back from past ministry, learning to listen to God's leading, and their intentional approach of coming to Portland as learners. Disc…
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From Argentina to Portland: The Unexpected Journey of a Church Planter
53:31
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53:31Send us a text Join Tim Osborn and Pete Armstrong as they explore the winding path that led guest Matt Boyd to plant Sojourn Church in Northeast Portland. From a youth spent in traditional church settings to a life-altering mission trip to Argentina, and then serving in India, Matt shares the formative experiences that shaped his understanding of m…
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Raising Up Leaders: The Power of Residency in Church Planting
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41:30
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41:30Send us a text Join Gabe Kolstad and Ryan O'Malley as they delve into the vital role of residencies in developing the next generation of church leaders. Ryan shares his experience in establishing a residency program, addressing the leadership gap in churches, and cultivating a gospel-centered culture. Discover practical insights on identifying pote…
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Multiplying Disciples: Spiritual Disciplines, Outreach, and the Future of the Church
39:33
39:33
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39:33Send us a text Join Gabe Kolstad in a dynamic conversation with Lisa Garin as they explore the crucial topic of multiplying disciples and churches. Lisa shares her personal journey into ministry, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and the transformative power of using our experiences to serve others. Dive into a discussion about the correl…
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Send us a text Join Toney Salva, leader of the Evergreen Network, as he shares insights on church planting in the Pacific Northwest. With years of experience in both the Northeast and the Northwest, Toney discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry in this region. He emphasizes the importance of context, humility, and empowering t…
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Hannah Grace: Building Community and Finding Revival
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46:30Send us a text Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jason and Tara Hood from Hannah Grace Ministry and Faith Rock Community Church. Discover how their unique approach to ministry is making a profound impact on families in the Portland metro area. From fostering and family support to music programs and church community, Jason and Tara share th…
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Send us a text What happens when a church closes its doors—but doesn’t see that as the end? Erin Taylor joins us to share the incredible story of a church in Hillsboro, Oregon, that made the courageous decision to close in order to be reborn. Through the innovative "Dying to Restart" model, a new church is emerging, fueled by faith, community suppo…
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Send us a text Jake and Madison Nagy join Jesus in the Upper Left to share their journey of planting and leading Kainos Church, a house church network in Portland. They reflect on their early ministry experiences, their global travels that shaped their mission, and how an apartment ministry taught them invaluable lessons about community. They also …
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Church Planting in a Post-Christian Culture | Dan Kimball
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46:48Send us a text In this episode of Jesus on the Upper Left, we’re joined by Dan Kimball, author, church planter, and professor at Western Seminary. Dan shares his journey from punk rock drummer to church leader, the challenges of planting Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, and what it means to reach people in a post-Christian culture. We dive into …
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Engaging Spiritual Hunger & Skepticism with Kirk Petersen
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45:18Send us a text Join us on this episode of the Jesus in the Upper Left podcast as we welcome Kirk Petersen from Alpha USA. Kirk shares his incredible journey of ministry in Portland and the transformative power of Alpha—a 10-week experience that helps people explore faith in a relational and non-threatening way. Discover how Alpha addresses spiritua…
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Holistic Biblical Training: Equipping Leaders for Ministry
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59:22Send us a text In this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, we sit down with Dr. Bill Mounce, founder of BiblicalTraining.org. Join us as Dr. Mounce shares his passion for equipping lay leaders, pastors, and everyday believers with accessible theological education. From his journey in academia to building an online platform offering free seminary-le…
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Send us a text In this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Micah Dodson, Ahshuwah Hawthorne, and special guest Dominic Ibaria tackle the critical topic of thriving in ministry. Drawing from years of experience and research, Dominic shares practical insights into overcoming pastoral burnout, embracing limitations, and finding life-giving rhythms. Fr…
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Send us a text In this festive and heartfelt year-end episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Ahshuwah Hawthorne, Gabe Kolstad, and Pete Armstrong reflect on the highlights, challenges, and lessons of 2024. From powerful stories of evangelism and community impact to navigating personal growth and loss, this conversation offers inspiration and encourage…
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Building Bridges of Hope: Love INC’s Mission to Unite and Serve
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1:04:07Send us a text Discover the inspiring journey of Love INC (Love In the Name of Christ) in this heartwarming episode. Join us as we speak with Matt Farlow, the Executive Director of Love INC East Multnomah County, and other leaders about mobilizing churches to serve communities, fostering relationships, and addressing needs beyond material resources…
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Leading Through Cultural Change: Pastor Michael Lawrence’s Portland Journey
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47:03Send us a text Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Pastor Michael Lawrence of Hinson Baptist Church as he shares his inspiring journey from Washington, D.C., to Portland, Oregon. Discover how he embraced cultural differences, led a historic church, and developed innovative ministries in a city known for its spiritual apathy and progressive cu…
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From Rock Star to Worship Leader: Bart Hafeman’s Journey of Faith and Music
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46:20Send us a text What happens when a rock star surrenders to God’s call and finds a new purpose in Worship? Join Gabe Kolstad as he interviews Bart Hafeman, worship leader at Westside Community Church and former frontman of the hit band Hit Machine. In this powerful conversation, Bart shares his remarkable journey from the Portland music scene to lea…
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Worship Beyond Music: Tim Smith’s Journey in Ministry
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58:39Send us a text Welcome to another episode of Jesus in the Upper Left! This week, Gabe Kolstad and Ahshuwah Hawthorne are joined by Tim Smith, a worship consultant and former worship pastor with decades of experience in ministry. In this episode, we dive deep into: The true definition of worship Lessons learned from Mars Hill Church Theological insi…
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Worship, Creativity, & Finding Hope with Hannah Glavor
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47:54Send us a text In this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, we sit down with Hannah Glavor, an indie artist and worship leader, to explore how faith, creativity, and hope come together in powerful ways. 🎶 Learn how Hannah’s journey—from worship leader to indie artist—has shaped her voice and mission. 📖 Topics include: •Facing challenges like a brain…
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Beyond Performance: Rethinking Worship with Brian Winchester (Saving Grace Church)
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1:06:21Send us a text What is true worship, and how can we cultivate a deeper, more authentic experience in our churches? Join Ahshuwah Hawthorne and Andre as they discuss worship with Brian Winchester, pastor of Saving Grace Church and a former hip-hop artist. Brian shares his unique journey from the music industry to ministry, exploring the transformati…
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Planting and Thriving in Portland: A Church Planter's Journey
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1:02:26Send us a text What are the unique challenges and joys of planting a church in Portland, Oregon? Join Ahshuwah Hawthorne and Andre as they sit down with Simon Bardoni, a church planter with over seven years of experience in the city. Simon shares his personal journey, the milestones, and the unexpected turns that have shaped his ministry. In this e…
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Reclaiming Sacred Time: Combating the Secular Eclipse with Dr. Metzger
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1:01:10Send us a text Is the secular calendar eclipsing the Christian imagination? Join Pete Armstrong and Ahshuwah Hawthorne as they welcome Dr. Metzger, author of "Setting the Spiritual Clock," to explore the importance of reclaiming sacred time in a secular age. Dr. Metzger shares his insights on navigating the liturgical calendar, engaging in multi-fa…
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The Secret Struggle: Understanding Addiction in Your Church
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1:02:47
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1:02:47Send us a text What lies at the heart of addiction? Join Pete Armstrong and Petr Shotropa as they delve into the complexities of addiction and recovery with licensed professional counselor, Rhys Passimio. Rhys shares his personal journey, professional insights, and the often-misunderstood aspects of addiction, particularly within the context of fai…
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Discipleship Reimagined: It's Not Just About Programs
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45:46Send us a text What does real-life discipleship look like in the midst of busy schedules, suburban life, and cultural distractions? Join Pete Armstrong and Stephen Collins as they explore discipleship beyond programs and structures. Discover the power of head, heart, and hands in fostering spiritual growth, and learn how suffering can become a surp…
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The Secret to Thriving in Ministry (Hint: It's Not Just About KPIs)
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57:55
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57:55Send us a text In this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Ahshuwah Hawthorne talks with John Garrick about the importance of soul care, rest, and intentional friendships in ministry. Discover insights on: The hidden struggles of ministry leaders and the loneliness that can accompany even the most successful ministries The dangers of measuring succ…
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The Mental Health Crisis: A Christian Counselor's Perspective
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1:00:20
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1:00:20Send us a text In this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Pete Armstrong and Ahshuwah Hawthorne continue their series on mental health in the church with Dr. Bart Fowler, a licensed psychologist from Charis Counseling Associates. Together, they delve into: The growing mental health crisis, particularly among adolescents and young adults The role o…
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Church Planting: The Burnout Trap (and How to Avoid It)
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1:44:01
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1:44:01Send us a text In this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Pete Armstrong and Oshawa Hawthorne continue their series on mental health in the church with Micah Dodson from Thrive Church Planting (web: thrivechurchplanting.org / email: [email protected]) and Abe Figueroa from CARES Counseling. They delve into the unique challenges faced …
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When 'I Got This' Mentality Fails: A Therapist's Perspective
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39:07
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39:07Send us a text 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 Th…
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Portland's Biggest Challenge (and How the Church Can Respond)
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44:13
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44:13Send us a text 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 -…
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#55 - Cracking the Code Context is Key for Ministry McKinley, Boucher, & Kriz
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35:37Send us a text 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 …
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#54 - I Told God NO to Ministry... Then This Happened (Pastor Tim Osborn's Wild Ride)
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1:00:32Send us a text 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 T…
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#53 - Leading from the Second Chair in the Pacific Northwest with Steve Barker
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36:18Send us a text 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 …
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#52 - How God Can Redeem Conflict with Steve Stratos & Ryan Moffat
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53:09
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53:09Send us a text 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…
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Art and Creativity in the Church, and Cultivating a Love for the Word with Shai Linne
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45:53
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45:53Send us a text 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 wors…
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#50 - God, Rock and Roll with Dr. Leah Payne
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52:32Send us a text 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 …
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#49 - Revolutionizing Church Multiplication: Unleashing Local Leaders with Craig Whitney
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51:47Send us a text 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 th…
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#48 - Navigating Justice, Mercy, and Faith in the Modern World with Karen from Multnomah University
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53:19Send us a text 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…
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#47 - Spiritual Formation And Simplicity
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1:15:06Send us a text 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…
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#46 - Blue State Ministry with Pastor Devin Smith
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52:40Send us a text 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 i…
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#45 - A Powerful Model of Collaboration and Unity
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1:01:00Send us a text 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 Pasto…
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#44 - Navigating the Election Year as a Church Leader
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1:02:33Send us a text 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 enlighte…
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#43 - Cultivating Belonging: A Conversation with We Belong PDX
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38:36Send us a text 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…
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#42 - Building Thriving Communities: Insights from Brad Ketch
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42:51
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42:51Send us a text 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…
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#41 - Jon Ferguson on Getting from a Dream to a Movement
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47:55Send us a text 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 ins…
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#40 - A Co-Vocational Vision for Church Planting
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38:26Send us a text 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 minist…
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Send us a text 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 …
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#38 - Funding Ministry in an Expensive Time & Place
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56:59Send us a text 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 …
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#37 - How One Church Has Found Favor With the City
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57:10Send us a text 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…
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Send us a text 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 cul…
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#35 - Surprising Realities of Ministry in Portland with Vergil Brown
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39:47Send us a text 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 challenge…
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#34 - The Power of Collaboration with Christopher Coffman
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44:40Send us a text 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 t…
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