Jesus in the Upper Left

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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 dive into the realities of leading house churches, balancing bivocational work, and the surprising ways people are eager for spiritual conversations—even if they’re hesitant about traditional church.

Key Topics:

• Jake and Madison’s journey from college to church planting in Portland
• How a global backpacking trip shaped their vision for ministry
• Lessons learned from Apartment Life and building relationships with non-churchgoers
• The heart behind Kainos Church and their house church model
• The challenges and joys of leading a house church network
• How bivocational ministry has allowed for sustainability and impact

Stay tuned for more conversations about how God is moving in the Pacific Northwest! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode to help spread the word!

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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 the urgency of mission, the role of theological education, and how churches can navigate cultural skepticism while staying true to the gospel. Whether you're a church planter, pastor, or someone passionate about reaching skeptics, this conversation is packed with wisdom and encouragement.

 Topics Covered:

• How Dan’s non-Christian background shaped his ministry
• Lessons from planting Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz
• The biggest cultural challenges facing the church today
• Why theological education is crucial for long-term ministry
• How to develop a missional culture in your church

Like, comment, and share if this conversation resonates with you! #JesusOnTheUpperLeft #ChurchPlanting #Mission #Theology

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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 spiritual hunger, engages skeptics, and creates a space for Holy Spirit-directed self-discovery. Whether you’re a pastor, church planter, or disciple-maker, this conversation will inspire you to approach evangelism and discipleship with fresh perspectives and practical strategies.

Key Topics:

• Alpha USA’s Mission & Approach
• Cultural shifts from skepticism to apathy
• Genuine listening and thoughtful questions
• The Long Game of Discipleship
• Practical Steps for Church Leaders

If you'd like to connect with Kirk or explore Alpha for your church or small group, visit alphausa.org/cities/portland.

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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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-level classes, Dr. Mounce unpacks the challenges and opportunities in ministry training today. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or a curious learner, discover how holistic training can transform not just your knowledge, but your relationship with Jesus.

Key topics include:

• The origins and mission of BiblicalTraining.org
• Balancing academic rigor and practical application in church leadership
• Tools and resources for mastering biblical languages
• Why holistic ministry training is essential for thriving leaders

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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. From the role of spiritual direction to the importance of physical health, this conversation is a call to care for the whole person—body, soul, and spirit.

Tune in to learn how pastors and ministry leaders can foster long-term sustainability and faithfulness. Plus, discover resources like counseling scholarships and coaching opportunities for the new year!

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward a healthier ministry journey.

Key Topics:

• Balancing output with meaningful input in ministry
• The three pillars of care: counseling, coaching, and spiritual direction
• Insights on overcoming burnout and compassion fatigue
• The importance of honoring physical health in ministry
• Resources for counseling and training in the Portland area

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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 encouragement for believers everywhere.

Highlights:

• Reflections on ministry wins and challenges.
• Exciting updates from Westside Church, Parklane Christian Reformed Church, and Brilliance Labs.
• The importance of prayer, storytelling, and building authentic community.
• A fun white elephant gift exchange story you won’t want to miss!

Get Involved:

• Share your questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes by emailing [email protected].
• Connect with the team on YouTube comments or follow us on social media!

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations!

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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. Explore how Love INC empowers churches to live out their faith, offering hope, dignity, and the love of Christ to those in need.

Topics Covered:

• The unique challenges and opportunities of ministry in Portland and the Pacific Northwest.
• How Love INC unites churches across denominations to meet tangible and relational needs.
• iThe transformative impact of relational ministry and community development.
• nspiring stories of individuals served by Love INC and how the ministry creates sustainable solutions.
• Practical insights for pastors and leaders on how to engage their congregations in impactful service.

Learn more about Love INC at www.loveinc.org.

Enjoy the episode? Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more inspiring stories and conversations!

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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 culture.

This week we discuss:

• Michael’s unexpected call to pastor in Portland
• Adapting to West Coast culture: challenges and surprises
• The importance of word-centered ministry in a post-Christian context
• Building connections through a nonprofit coffee shop ministry
• Leadership development and raising the next generation of church leaders

Connect with Pastor Michael: 

• https://hinsonchurch.org
• Visit the Eastside Coffee Bar on SE 20th & Hawthorne
• Discover more on The Gospel Coalition, 9Marks, and Simeon Trust

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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 leading others in worship. Discover how Bart’s deep love for music and people has shaped his unique approach to worship and tribe-building within the Church.

Key topics include:

• Bart’s origin story in music, from garage bands to leading worship
• How God uses every season of life for His glory
• Breaking barriers between the sacred and secular
• Building authentic relationships and cultivating team culture in ministry
• Why true worship transforms hearts

✨ Engage with Bart:

• Email: [email protected]
• Check out Bart’s music: Hit Machine Entertainment
• Experience worship at Westside Community Church in Beaverton!

Be inspired by Bart’s story and learn how you can break through your own barriers to live out your faith fully. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

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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 insights into music, liturgy, and Church gatherings
• How Churches can reclaim their local identity

If you’re passionate about faith, music, and creating meaningful church experiences, this episode is for you!

👉 Connect with Tim Smith: movedbyglory.com