Jesus in the Upper Left

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Join Gabe Kolstad as he talks with his good friend Sean Thomé, a leader with Expand Network and Multiply PDX. Sean shares his incredible journey from growing up overseas and competitive surfing to a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Hear how his youth pastor's hands-on discipleship shaped his philosophy: pursue Jesus first, make reproducing disciples, and then trust Jesus to build His church. Sean transparently discusses the pivotal moments and paradigm shifts in his ministry, including a powerful "repentance from church planting" to prioritize disciple making and pastoral encouragement. Discover practical insights on intentional prayer strategies and how local churches can join God's kingdom movement by taking "mustard seed steps" of obedience in community.

Key Topics Discussed

• Sean's personal journey: From Tokyo and Iran to competitive surfing and a life-changing encounter with the Gospel.
• Youth pastor's influence: The intentional discipleship model that shaped Shawn's early faith and ministry.
• Repenting from church planting: The pivotal realization that prioritizing discipleship over church planting leads to healthy church growth.
• The "backwards" model: Pursuing Jesus first, then making disciples, then trusting Jesus to build the church.
• Shift in Expand Network's values: Moving from asking for support to "washing feet" and serving local churches.
• Recognizing personal giftedness: How Shawn's apostolic wiring led him to step into a network leadership role.
• The "both/and" of ministry: Emphasizing both building up the local church and starting new work for kingdom expansion.
• The story of Restore Hillsboro: An example of a church planting with a multiplication mindset from the start.
• Strategic prayer: Developing an intentional prayer strategy for ministry, moving beyond just "praying about strategy."
• Mustard seed obedience: The importance of radically faithful, small steps and doing ministry in community.

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This week on Jesus in the Upper Left we have a compilation of highlights from several of our top episodes! First, we hear from Jake and Madison Nagy about the unique opportunities for ministry they have found through their house church network Kainos Church! Then, Kirk Petersen shares about his work with Alpha and how to capitalize on the shifting culture of the Pacific Northwest to share the Gospel in new ways. Finally, Micah Dodson provides nuggets of wisdom on how to avoid burnout and build a ministry life that is effective for the long haul. We hope you find their stories both encouraging and practical! 

Thank you for listening to Jesus in the Upper Left! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to support the podcast.

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Join Tim Osborn and Pete Armstrong as they welcome Derrill Corbin, the senior pastor of Mannahouse, for an insightful conversation about leadership, multiplication, and loving the city of Portland. Derrill shares his personal journey, from a childhood connection to the church to unexpectedly stepping into senior leadership. He unpacks the core DNA of a multiplying church, emphasizing that every individual is made to move and has the potential to multiply God's kingdom. Discover the importance of loving the city, leading with the individual in mind, and fostering a movement where everyone is empowered to scatter the seed. Derrill also touches on the unique context of ministry in Portland and the power of unity among churches.

Learn more about Mannahouse at mannahouse.church and check out Derrill's book, "Made to Move"!

Key Topics Discussed:

• Derrill's unexpected journey to becoming the senior pastor of Mannahouse.
• The history and DNA of Mannahouse as a multiplying church movement.
• The importance of loving the city and its people.
• Leading with the individual in mind and empowering everyone for ministry.
• The concept of "Made to Move" and everyone's potential to multiply.
• Lessons learned from pastoring and church planting experiences.
• The significance of unity and collaboration among churches in Portland.
• The unique challenges and opportunities of ministry in the Portland context.
• The power of prophetic words and pivotal moments in leadership.
• The importance of developing leaders and giving away authority.

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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. Discover their experiences of finding community, partnering with existing ministries, and their vision for demonstrating God's love in tangible ways. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on church planting rooted in humility, collaboration, and a deep reliance on Jesus.

Connect with Restoration Church PDX at restorationchurchpdx.com.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The importance of coming to a new ministry context as learners.
• Pete and Christy's journey of stepping back and discerning God's call.
• The role of humility and dependence on Jesus in ministry.
• Finding community and building relationships in a new city.
• Partnering with existing churches and ministries in Portland.
• The vision for Restoration Church PDX and their community-focused approach.
• The concept of joining God in His ongoing work and harvest.
• Experiencing God's movement and openness in the Portland community.
• The significance of prayer and seeking God's heart in ministry.
• Encouragement for those considering serving Jesus in the Upper Left.

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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 ministry and prepared him for the unique challenges and unexpected blessings of planting a church in the Upper Left. Discover the importance of a missionary heart, the lessons learned from both successes and "fallen soldiers," and the collaborative spirit Matt is fostering in the Portland church planting landscape.

Learn more about Sojourn Church at https://www.sojournpdx.org/

Key Topics Discussed:

• Matt's upbringing and early faith journey.
• The pivotal mission trip to Argentina and meeting his wife.
• Serving in India and the lessons learned in a highly unreached area.
• The challenging transition back to the US and the call to Portland.
• The experience of planting Sojourn Church in Northeast Portland.
• The importance of a missionary mindset in church planting.
• Reflections on church planting in Portland: successes, challenges, and "fallen soldiers."
• The significance of collaboration and networking among Portland churches.
• Matt's role with GC2 in supporting church planters in the Northwest.

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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 potential leaders, structuring a residency program, and overcoming challenges in training future pastors and church planters. This episode offers valuable perspectives for church leaders, planters, and anyone passionate about equipping individuals for effective ministry.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Ryan's journey into ministry and pastoring
• The need for residency programs in addressing the leadership gap
• Cultivating a gospel-centered culture in the church
• Identifying and developing potential leaders within the church
• Structuring a one-year residency program
• Balancing practical experience with theological training
• The importance of mentorship in residency programs
• Navigating challenges and failures in residency
• The long-term impact of residencies on church planting and growth

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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 correlation between spiritual disciplines and outreach engagement, and discover practical insights on overcoming challenges to church growth, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Lisa also highlights the significance of collaboration among churches and the need for innovative approaches to ministry. This episode is packed with wisdom for church leaders, pastors, and anyone passionate about seeing the church thrive.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Lisa and Robert's journey into ministry
• The importance of vulnerability and healing in ministry
• The connection between business principles and church multiplication
• The correlation between spiritual disciplines and outreach engagement
• Challenges to church multiplication, including cultural factors
• The value of collaboration among churches
• The need for new and creative expressions of church
• Resources and recommendations for those interested in multiplication
• The significance of understanding personality profiles in ministry

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit LisaGaron.com and friendsmultiply.org. Subscribe for more insightful conversations!

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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 the next generation of church leaders. Discover how the Evergreen Network is fostering healthy church plants by prioritizing the well-being of its leaders and adapting to the changing cultural landscape. Toney also shares his perspective on the differences between post-Christian and pre-Christian cultures, and the surprising realities of living in Seattle. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in church planting, leadership, and the work of God in the Upper Left.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Differences between church planting in the Northeast and the Northwest
• The importance of contextualization in ministry
• Prioritizing leader health and well-being over metrics
• Empowering the next generation of church planters
• The role of humility and self-awareness in leadership
• The shift away from personality-driven church planting
• The value of community and mentoring in ministry
• The Evergreen Network's approach to church planting
• The realities of living in Seattle.

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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 their journey of faith, vulnerability, and practical love. Learn how they balance their demanding work, the importance of community, and their vision for revival in their city. This episode is filled with stories of hope, transformation, and the power of God's grace in action.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The origins and mission of Hannah Grace Ministry
• Supporting and mentoring birth parents and their children
• The importance of relational ministry and removing the "scarlet letter"
• Jason and Tara's personal transformation and growth in their faith
• The impact of the music program (Ascend Music) on children's self-esteem
• The challenges and blessings of ministry in the Pacific Northwest
• Balancing ministry work with family life and Sabbath
• The intertwined relationship between Hannah Grace and Faith Rock Community Church
• The vision for revival and giving God the glory

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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 support, and a vision for renewal. Hear how Erin and her team are navigating this unique church-planting journey, the challenges they face, and how they’re trusting God every step of the way.

🔗 Learn more and connect with Erin at seedsofhope.me

Key Topics:

• Erin Taylor’s journey from the Midwest to Hillsborough, Oregon, and what led her to this new church-planting initiative.
• The powerful concept of "Dying to Restart"—how a closing church is paving the way for a fresh start.
• The role of partnerships and community support in launching a new church.
• Insights into the unique cultural and spiritual landscape of Hillsboro.
• The importance of women in church planting and Erin’s vision for encouraging more female leaders.
• The long-term hope for multiplying this model beyond Hillsboro.