Westside Podcast

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There are seasons when life feels backwards, confusing and stuck. In this conversation, Jess talks with her friend Shameka about what it looks like to find real hope while you wait, trust God when nothing makes sense and discover that He has been writing a better story all along.

Discover:

• How God led Shameka through a season of confusion, transition and financial struggle
• What it looked like to move in obedience even when it felt embarrassing and illogical
• A simple, practical way to worship that invites God’s presence into your waiting
• Why trust is learned over time and how God patiently teaches us to rely on Him
• How God opened a door to Oregon and to Westside in a way she did not see coming
• Encouragement for anyone who feels hopeless or is even wondering if life is worth it

In the middle of the unknown, God is not absent. He is teaching, guiding and preparing you. This episode will remind you that your waiting is not wasted and that God is already working details together that you cannot see yet.

Key Takeaways:

• God often connects the “random” pieces of our story in ways we only understand later
• Trust usually grows when we release control, not when we get more answers
• Worship is not just music, it is intentionally turning our attention and affection to God
• A few intentional minutes alone with God can shift an entire season of anxiety
• Your situation may not change right away, but God will change you in the middle of it

Question for you to think about:

Where in your life are you feeling stuck or unsure right now, and what is one small way you can invite God into that waiting this week?

Calls to action:

• Subscribe so you never miss a Midweek Motivation episode
• Share this with someone who is in a waiting season and needs hope
• Leave a rating or review to help more people find this podcast
• Join us for a weekend at Westside or online at westsidecommunitychurch.com

#MidweekMotivation #HopeInTheWaiting #TrustGod #GodsTiming #WestsideCommunityChurch #FaithInRealLife

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Follow along with message notes at https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/notes-resources

Join us as Gabe Kolstad brings us a message about How to Have More Hope.

#hope #christmas #Jesus #fullservice #fullchurchservice #christian #sermon #worship #westside #church #2025sermon #churchonline #gabekolstad

Westside is a place made up of real people from all walks of life. We are a “come as you are” church that strives to be a safe place for people to investigate faith. No matter your story, questions, doubts or struggles, we’re glad you’re here today.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
SUBSCRIBE to always see our content and let us reach more people for Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx?sub_confirmation=1
Give to support this ministry and help us reach people all around the world: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/give

STAY CONNECTED:
Website: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westsidecommunitychurch/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx/

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How do you hold onto real hope when life feels loud, chaotic, and full of distractions? In this week’s Midweek Motivation re-air, Pastor Jess sits down with psychologist and coach Nancy Castile to unpack how trust in God brings clarity, calm, and confidence even in the middle of noise.
This conversation is filled with wisdom that still hits home today.

Discover

• The difference between fleeting optimism and the Bible’s definition of hope
• How God’s promises bring peace when your mind feels scattered
• Practical ways to create space for spiritual and emotional clarity
• Why hope grows strongest in seasons that feel overwhelming

This episode is a reminder that no matter what’s competing for your attention, God offers an unshakeable anchor of hope. Let this encourage you mid-week—and consider sharing it with someone who could use a lift today.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.
Join us in person or online at Westside: westsidecommunitychurch.com
Rate and review the podcast to help more people find hope.

Send us Fan Mail

Follow along with message notes at https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/notes-resources

Join us as Gabe Kolstad brings us a message about Why We Need Hope Now.

#hope #Jesus #fullservice #fullchurchservice #christian #sermon #worship #westside #church #2025sermon #churchonline #gabekolstad

Westside is a place made up of real people from all walks of life. We are a “come as you are” church that strives to be a safe place for people to investigate faith. No matter your story, questions, doubts or struggles, we’re glad you’re here today.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
SUBSCRIBE to always see our content and let us reach more people for Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx?sub_confirmation=1
Give to support this ministry and help us reach people all around the world: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/give

STAY CONNECTED:
Website: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westsidecommunitychurch/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx/

Send us Fan Mail

This week on Midweek Motivation, we’re wrapping up our Legendary Living series with something incredibly special — a three-generation conversation about legacy, faithfulness, and the impact one life can have on an entire family line. Pastor Gabe sits down with his father-in-law Pastor Ken, Mama Lou, Melissa, Caleb, and Maria for a heartfelt discussion about meeting Jesus, staying faithful, navigating hard seasons, and passing on spiritual strength to the next generation.

Discover

• How three generations met Jesus and built their spiritual foundations
• What keeps someone faithful for 64 years of walking with God
• How to stay grounded through loss, struggle, and loneliness
• Why community, the Word, and serving matter more than we realize
• Marriage + parenting wisdom young families need to hear
• The importance of vision, habits, and staying busy with God’s purpose
• How legacy multiplies across families, communities, and beyond
• A powerful encouragement from Galatians 6:9

Reflection

Legacy doesn’t just happen — it’s built over time through the small, faithful choices we make every day. This episode is a reminder that no matter where you come from, you can start a new spiritual line that impacts generations. Whether you’re raising kids, building your faith, or rediscovering who God wants you to be, this conversation will encourage you to stay steady, stay rooted, and stay in the fight… because your story could bless generations you’ll never meet.

Key Takeaways

• The Word of God is the foundation for lifelong faith
• Community and spiritual mentors carry you through the hardest seasons
• Serving keeps your heart soft and connected
• Vision and purpose keep your life aligned with God
• Marriage must be nurtured even while raising kids
• Your legacy begins with simple faithfulness today
• Don’t quit — consistency compounds into generational blessing

Question for You to Think About

What’s one choice you can make this week that builds the legacy you want to leave?

–––

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Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

Join us in person or online at Westside: westsidecommunitychurch.com

Rate and review the podcast to help more people find hope.

#MidweekMotivation #LegendaryLiving #FaithLegacy #WestsideCommunityChurch #Generations #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianPodcast

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Follow along with message notes at https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/notes-resources

Join us as Gabe Kolstad and Ken Wooten bring us a message about Passing It On.

#legendaryliving #biblelegends #hope #Jesus #fullservice #fullchurchservice #christian #sermon #worship #westside #church #2025sermon #churchonline #gabekolstad #kenwooten

Westside is a place made up of real people from all walks of life. We are a “come as you are” church that strives to be a safe place for people to investigate faith. No matter your story, questions, doubts or struggles, we’re glad you’re here today.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
SUBSCRIBE to always see our content and let us reach more people for Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx?sub_confirmation=1
Give to support this ministry and help us reach people all around the world: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/give

STAY CONNECTED:
Website: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westsidecommunitychurch/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx/

Send us Fan Mail

This week’s Midweek Motivation dives deep into one of the most important conversations we can have as parents, leaders, mentors, and followers of Jesus: How do we raise up the next generation well? Jess introduces a powerful, heartfelt conversation between Tim Wooten (Family Ministry Director & Student Pastor at Westside) and Pastor Mike Martindale (Lead Pastor of Epic Life Church). Together, they unpack what it really takes to invest in students and why the next generation is central to the future of the church and the world.

Discover:

• Why presence matters more than perfection in parenting
• The power of modeling character instead of just teaching it
• Why consistency in church and faith rhythms shapes lifelong disciples
• Their history together across decades of ministry
• How God used a chaotic 2020 to reveal Epic Life Church’s mission
• The three essentials every parent, teacher, and grandparent must prioritize

This conversation is filled with stories, encouragement, challenge, and hope—and it will equip you in a fresh way to invest in the young people around you.

Whether you’re raising kids, mentoring students, or simply wanting to make an impact, this episode will help you step in with greater purpose and confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Presence earns you influence. Kids remember who showed up.
• Character is “caught” more than it’s taught.
• Consistency—especially with church and spiritual habits—shapes a child’s entire future.
• Every person, no matter their age, has a role in raising the next generation.
• What we do in moderation, our kids do in excess.

A Question for You to Think About

Which of the three essentials—presence, modeling character, or consistency—do you most want to grow in this week?

Calls to Action

Subscribe so you never miss an episode

Share this with a parent, teacher, or leader who needs encouragement

Join us for a service at Westside: westsidecommunitychurch.com/volunteering

Follow along for more resources and weekly motivation

#MidweekMotivation #NextGeneration #ParentingFaith #WestsideCommunityChurch #FaithInRealLife #StudentMinistry #Discipleship #FollowingJesus

Send us Fan Mail

Follow along with message notes at https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/notes-resources

Join us as Gabe Kolstad brings us a message about How to Raise Champions.

#legendaryliving #biblelegends #hope #Jesus #fullservice #fullchurchservice #christian #sermon #worship #westside #church #2025sermon #churchonline #gabekolstad

Westside is a place made up of real people from all walks of life. We are a “come as you are” church that strives to be a safe place for people to investigate faith. No matter your story, questions, doubts or struggles, we’re glad you’re here today.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
SUBSCRIBE to always see our content and let us reach more people for Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx?sub_confirmation=1
Give to support this ministry and help us reach people all around the world: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/give

STAY CONNECTED:
Website: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westsidecommunitychurch/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx/

Send us Fan Mail

This week we’re joined by someone incredibly special to the Westside family — Pastor Ken, who has spent over 50 years loving, leading, and encouraging our church. In this episode we dive deeper into Sunday’s message on wisdom, exploring what it really looks like to walk closely with God, apply Scripture, learn from experience, and become increasingly sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Ken shares tender stories, honest reflections from his decades of ministry, and practical insights on building a home filled with peace, raising children in the Lord, navigating information overload, learning from mentors, and discovering wisdom that goes far beyond knowledge.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The difference between knowledge and wisdom
• How wisdom grows through application, not information
• Why sensitivity to the Holy Spirit matters in everyday life
• What Solomon and David teach us about a wise heart
• How to build a wise home filled with peace, gentleness, and love
• Why reflection, Scripture, and mentors shape your character
• Practical barriers to wisdom — and how to overcome them
• The invitation from God to ask for wisdom in every season

REFLECTION
Wisdom doesn’t arrive all at once — it’s something that forms in us as we slow down, listen, reflect, and actually apply what God shows us. Pastor Ken reminds us that wisdom isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being the most surrendered, the most teachable, and the most committed to walking with Jesus day by day. When we root ourselves in Scripture and surround ourselves with godly mentors, God shapes our families, relationships, and choices in ways we could never accomplish alone.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Wisdom is knowledge applied
• Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit grows with practice
• Reflection + Scripture = wisdom forming over time
• Your home becomes wise when peace and gentleness lead
• Learning from older believers accelerates spiritual maturity
• God freely gives wisdom to those who ask for it

QUESTION FOR YOU TO THINK ABOUT
Where is one area of your life this week where you need to pause, reflect, and apply what you already know?

CALLS TO ACTION
Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Share this episode to encourage someone today.
Join us this weekend at Westside — find service times at westsidecommunitychurch.com.
Leave a like if this conversation encouraged you!

Send us Fan Mail

Follow along with message notes at https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/notes-resources

Join us as Gabe Kolstad & Jessica Bishop bring us a message about The Wisdom Blueprint: When Smart Isn't Enough.

#legendaryliving #biblelegends #hope #Jesus #fullservice #fullchurchservice #christian #sermon #worship #westside #church #2025sermon #churchonline #gabekolstad #jessicabishop

Westside is a place made up of real people from all walks of life. We are a “come as you are” church that strives to be a safe place for people to investigate faith. No matter your story, questions, doubts or struggles, we’re glad you’re here today.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
SUBSCRIBE to always see our content and let us reach more people for Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx?sub_confirmation=1
Give to support this ministry and help us reach people all around the world: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/give

STAY CONNECTED:
Website: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westsidecommunitychurch/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx/