Westside Podcast

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In this week’s episode of Midweek Motivation, Jess sits down with Maddie (a junior in high school and student leader) and Cole (an adult leader in students) to talk about what God is doing in Westside’s student ministry. 🙌

They share their own stories of how God has been shaping their lives, why they stepped into leadership, and the incredible growth and boldness they’re seeing among students right now. From safe spaces for prayer and Bible study, to students stepping up as shepherd leaders and launching FCA clubs in their schools, this conversation will inspire you with the bold faith of the next generation.

Discover how God is moving in our youth, why genuine community matters, and how the church can learn from the boldness of our students.

Discover in this episode:

• Maddie’s journey from being mentored to mentoring others as a shepherd leader
• Cole’s passion for teaching and how students’ hunger for Scripture inspires him
• The shift in student culture from cliques to authentic community
• How FCA is reaching students outside church walls
• Why genuine conversations and intentional relationships matter
• Encouragement for the wider church from our student leaders

✨ God is raising up bold students at Westside—and their stories will challenge and inspire you to live out your own faith with courage.

Key Takeaways:

• Student ministry is thriving when students create safe spaces for each other.
• Leadership isn’t about age—it’s about willingness to serve and love others.
• Genuine conversation builds deep spiritual community.
• The next generation is hungry for God’s Word and bold in their faith.

Question for Reflection:

How can you learn from the boldness of the next generation and step into faith-filled conversations this week?

👉 Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

👉 Share this with someone who needs encouragement.

👉 Want to grow deeper? Find a group or serving team at westsidecommunitychurch.com/groups

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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 living in the end times.

#endtimes #revalations #endtimestudy #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/

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Welcome to this week’s Midweek Motivation! Jess sits down with Elizabeth, the coordinator of Westside’s annual Good Neighbor Project, to talk about the heart behind serving our community.

Elizabeth shares her own journey into leadership, powerful stories of volunteers stepping up, and how families and kids experienced the joy of serving together. You’ll hear about leaders who discovered their gifts, neighbors who were blessed, schools that were impacted, and even kids handing out water bottles with rakes bigger than they were!

This episode is packed with inspiration about how God uses simple acts of service to change lives and bring people together. You’ll also learn how Good Neighbor Project builds bridges with schools, churches, and organizations across our county — all united to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your small step could make a difference, Elizabeth’s stories will show you it can. 🙌

👉 Want to serve year-round? Sign up for the All Year Round Good Neighbor Project group and keep making an impact!
👉 Explore more ways to grow at westsidecommunitychurch.com.

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In this week’s Midweek Motivation, Pastor Jess closes out our Campfire Conversations series with one powerful, practical tool to help you share your faith naturally: BLESS.

BLESS is a simple acronym that will guide you to Begin with prayer, Listen deeply, Eat together, Serve, and Share your story. It’s not about being pushy or awkward—it’s about letting the work God is doing in you overflow into the lives of others.

Whether you’ve struggled to start spiritual conversations or you’re looking for new ways to connect, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to live on mission right where you are.

Discover:

• What BLESS stands for and how to live it out every day
• Why sharing your story is more powerful than you think
• How to make faith conversations feel natural and genuine
• Practical ways to serve others and open doors for God’s work

When you embrace the BLESS lifestyle, you’ll see God use your everyday moments to impact eternity. It’s not about adding more to your to-do list—it’s about living with intention and love.

Key Takeaways:

• Begin with prayer to align your heart with God’s mission.
• Listening is more powerful than speaking in building trust.
• Meals are one of the best ways to connect meaningfully.
• Serving others reflects the heart of Jesus.
• Sharing your story can change someone’s life.

Question for you to think about:
Which letter of BLESS will you focus on this week, and why?

Special Callout:
This week we’re focusing on serving! If you're interested in getting involved at westside visit https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/volunteering.

Subscribe for weekly encouragement and join us in growing deeper in faith and living out God’s calling.

#MidweekMotivation #WestsideCommunityChurch #BlessOthers #FaithInAction #ShareYourStory #CampfireConversations #Serving #ChristianLiving #Evangelism #SpiritualGrowth #PracticalFaith

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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 Standing Strong When Things Go Wrong!

#ephesians #spiritualjourney #youbelong #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

Do you ever think about the stories people will tell about your life around future campfires? In this week’s Midweek Motivation, Pastor Jess Bishop shares three practical habits to help you intentionally walk in step with Jesus today, creating a legacy worth sharing tomorrow. Discover how reviewing your vision, deeply knowing God, and keeping a clean slate can draw you closer to Him and allow His influence to overflow into every area of your life.

Discover:

• How reviewing your vision fuels your spiritual journey
• Practical ways to deepen your intimacy with God
• The importance of keeping a clean slate with Jesus

Imagine the campfire stories your children and grandchildren will tell because you intentionally walked in step with Jesus today.

Key Takeaways:

• Regularly revisiting your vision keeps your faith journey focused and energized.
• Intimacy with God transforms how you approach your relationships and work.
• Keeping a clean slate with God removes barriers to spiritual growth and intimacy.

Question for you to think about:

What stories do you want others to share about your life, and what habits will help you intentionally create them today?

Resources Mentioned:

• Sticky Faith in a Slippery World
• Spiritual Habits Workshop

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe and share to spread the hope!
• Join us online or in person at Westside Community Church: westsidecommunitychurch.com

#MidweekMotivation #WalkingWithJesus #IntentionalLiving #WestsideCommunityChurch

Send us Fan Mail

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

Join us as Gabe Kolstad & Caleb Kolstad bring us a message about living as people of light!

#ephesians #spiritualjourney #youbelong #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

Ever wonder if you’re truly using the unique gifts God gave you? In this week’s Midweek Motivation, join Pastor Jess and Caleb Kolstad, Westside’s Production Director, for an engaging “Campfire Conversation” about discovering your spiritual gifts and putting them into action. Caleb shares his personal journey—from a curious six-year-old volunteer to passionately leading a thriving ministry team. Learn practical tips on experimenting with different opportunities, how to recognize what truly fires you up, and the power of boldly encouraging others.

Discover:

• How to practically identify and embrace your spiritual gifts
• The power of the “I See in You” conversation
• Why serving transforms not only others but yourself
• Biblical insights from Jesus’ interaction with Peter

Whether you’re exploring your own calling or eager to ignite passion in those around you, this episode is your next step toward bold spiritual growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Your gifts often feel natural—but others notice them clearly.
• True fulfillment comes from boldly stepping into your gifts and serving.
• Encouraging others activates spiritual transformation for you both.

If you’ve been waiting to plug into community—this is your sign! We’d love to help you get connected at Westside. Explore options at https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/volunteering or visit us in person this Sunday!

Question for You to Think About:

What gift or passion have you been holding back from exploring or sharing?

Be bold. Your journey begins here.

Subscribe, share, and join us for more Midweek Motivation!

👉 Learn more: westsidecommunitychurch.com

#MidweekMotivation #DiscoverYourGifts #BeBold #WestsideCommunityChurch

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 Find What You're Really Here For.

#ephesians #spiritualjourney #youbelong #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

Does your community challenge you to grow, or let you stay where you are?

In this episode of Midweek Motivation, Pastor Jess Bishop is joined by Gabe Kolstad and special guest Shauna McAfee to talk about real, life-changing community. Shauna shares her vulnerable story of moving to Oregon, battling loneliness and depression, and how getting plugged into a growth group at Westside became a turning point.

You’ll hear how transformational community forms—through consistency, deep relationships, spiritual growth, and using your gifts. Whether you’re part of a church or just searching for connection, this honest conversation will help you reflect on your current community and ask: Is it moving me forward?

🔍 Discover

• What makes community transformational
• Shauna’s story of finding connection and purpose
• Why spiritual gifts matter in group life
• The “Core Four” of meaningful relationships
• How to build or find life-giving community

💭 Reflection
This episode reminds us that community is more than proximity—it’s about growth, challenge, and belonging. You were never meant to do life alone. Step into connection, take the leap, and watch how God uses people to transform your life.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Transformation happens together, not in isolation.
• Deep community requires showing up consistently and being vulnerable.
• Growth groups and serving teams can both create connection.
• Everyone has a unique contribution—find yours and bring it to your community.

❓ Question for You:
Is your current community helping you become who God made you to be?

📣 Call to Action:
If you’ve been waiting to plug into community—this is your sign! We’d love to help you get connected at Westside. Explore options at westsidecommunitychurch.com/volunteering or visit us in person this Sunday!

Subscribe, share, and don’t forget—you belong here.

#MidweekMotivation #WestsideCommunityChurch #FindYourPeople #FaithCommunity #GrowthGroups #YouBelongHere