Westside Podcast

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Welcome to Westside! Engage in the chat and Follow along with message notes at https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/notes-resources

Join us as Gabe Kolstad brings us a message about What Happens When I Die?

#heaven #comealive #yourstory #Jesus #fullservice #fullchurchservice #christian #sermon #worship #westside #church #2026sermon #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

Welcome to Westside! Engage in the chat and Follow along with message notes at https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/notes-resources

Join us as Gabe Kolstad brings us a message about being Alive for the First Time.

#heaven #comealive #yourstory #Jesus #fullservice #fullchurchservice #christian #sermon #worship #westside #church #2026sermon #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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Cody Cacciacarro grew up a self-described skeptic — homeschooled, country-raised, and convinced church people were just a little too "happy clappy" for him. Then life caught up. In this week's Midweek Motivation, Cody sits down with Jess to share the unlikely chain of events — including a 30-minute conversation with a stranger in a WinCo during COVID — that moved him from doubt to a real, living faith in Jesus.

Note: The audio in this episode had an issue. We repaired it as best as possible to make it an enjoyable listening experience, but we're aware it's not up to our preferred quality. We're sorry for the inconvenience and remain committed to our standard of excellence.

Discover:

• Why healthy skepticism can actually lead you toward truth, not away from it
• The honest questions Cody wrestled with about Jesus, the Trinity, and the Bible
• The desperate prayer he whispered in a grocery store — and what happened next
• How community, men's alliance, and relational discipleship pulled him out of isolation
• What it really felt like the moment he said yes to Jesus

Reflection: Cody's story is a reminder that God isn't intimidated by your questions. He meets people in grocery store aisles, in business meetings, and at the end of themselves. If you've been holding back because you think you need to have it all figured out first — or because you think you're too far gone — Cody's journey says otherwise. You're not too broken to be helped. And the next step is closer than you think.

Key Takeaways:

• Skepticism isn't the enemy of faith — closed-mindedness is
• God answers prayer, but He often hands you the recipe, not the finished cake
• You're never too broken, too far, or too late to be reached by Jesus
• Community with other believers accelerates growth in ways isolation never can
• Asking honest questions — and finding people willing to answer them — changes everything

Question for you to think about: What's one honest question about faith you've been afraid to ask out loud — and who could you bring it to this week?

Calls to Action: If Cody's story moved you, do three quick things: subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode, drop a comment sharing what stood out to you, and send this to one person who's been asking questions about Jesus. If you're local to Portland, come visit us at Westside — we'd love to meet you.

• 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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx

#MidweekMotivation #WestsideCommunityChurch #Testimony #FaithJourney #JesusChanges #ChristianPodcast #SkepticToBeliever #Discipleship #PrayerWorks #FaithOverDoubt #PortlandChurch #ChristianTestimony #FollowingJesus #MensMinistry #GodIsReal

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

Join us as Gabe Kolstad brings us a special Easter message about how Your Story Isn't Over.

#heaven #comealive #yourstory #easter #Jesus #fullservice #fullchurchservice #christian #sermon #worship #westside #church #2026sermon #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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This Holy Week, Jess sits down with Tony — Westside's Saturday service stage director and one of the most naturally evangelistic people you'll meet — for an unscripted conversation about why we follow Jesus and how we tell others about it. From the streets of Jerusalem to a pay phone at Timberline Lodge, this episode will challenge you to answer the most important question of your faith: Why do you follow Jesus?

Discover:

• Why Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey was an intentional act of peace — and what it means for how we share our faith today
• Tony's powerful testimony of hearing God's voice at Timberline Lodge in 1976 — and the stolen car battery that led to that moment
• What it looks like to be a "person of peace" and how Jesus sent the disciples to find them
• How Holy Week moves from celebration to devastation to resurrection — and why that journey matters
• Practical ways to talk about Jesus at work, with family, and in everyday life without being "in your face"
• Why your personal story is your most powerful evangelism tool — and no one can take it from you

Reflection: Following Jesus doesn't require a theology degree or a perfect life. Tony's story reminds us that God meets us exactly where we are — even at a pay phone with a stolen battery — and that our willingness to simply share what happened to us is enough. This Easter season, you don't need a script. You just need your story and the courage to tell it.

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus came in peace on a donkey, not in force on a war horse — and that's the model for how we share the gospel
• The question "Why do you follow Jesus?" is one every believer needs to be able to answer for themselves before they can answer it for someone else
• Your story is your evidence — no one can argue with what happened to you
• Being bold doesn't mean being aggressive; it means being willing to speak up with kindness and gentleness
• Holy Week isn't just a remembrance — it's a reminder that the resurrection really happened, and that changes everything

Question for you to think about: If someone asked you today, "Why do you follow Jesus?" — what would your honest answer be?

Calls to Action: Subscribe so you never miss an episode and help us reach more people with the gospel. Drop your answer to that question in the comments — we'd love to hear your "why." Share this episode with someone who needs to hear Tony's story this Easter. And if you're in Portland, come check out our Saturday or Sunday services — we'd love to meet you.

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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx

#MidweekMotivation #HolyWeek #Easter #WhyIFollowJesus #ShareYourFaith #Testimony #WestsideCommunityChurch #JesusChangedMyLife #Peacemaker #Evangelism #ChristianPodcast #FaithStory #ResurrectionSunday #PortlandChurch #BoldFaith

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

Join us as Gabe & Caleb Kolstad bring us a message about The King of Restoration.

#broken #repaired #restored #Jesus #fullservice #fullchurchservice #christian #sermon #worship #westside #church #2026sermon #churchonline #calebkolstad #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

What if you already had everything you needed to step into what God is calling you to — and the only thing in the way was you waiting for permission to start?

In this episode of Midweek Motivation, Jess shares a hilarious story about her kids turning Fear Factor into a DIY living room challenge — and uses it to unpack a powerful truth: we don't have to wait to live out our faith. The Kingdom of Heaven isn't something we experience later. It's something we participate in right now.

Discover:

• Why we tend to hesitate instead of stepping into what God has already commissioned us to do
• What the Lord's Prayer reveals about heaven on earth — today, not someday
• How the Great Commission applies to your everyday life — at home, at work, and in your relationships
• The incredible power available to every believer through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:19)
• Practical next steps to stop waiting and start walking with Jesus moment by moment

Reflection: You were worth the sacrifice Jesus made — and that truth isn't just something to believe, it's something to live from. When you understand that God is already with you, already equipping you, and already walking beside you, waiting starts to feel less like wisdom and more like hesitation. Today is the day to take a step. Not a perfect step. Just a faithful one.

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus didn't say "wait until you're ready" — He said "go" (Matthew 28:18-20)
• The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you right now (Ephesians 1:19-20)
• Fear, insecurity, comfort, and the need for control are the real reasons we hesitate — not lack of ability
• Heaven on earth is a present-tense reality, not a future promise
• Walking with the Spirit means letting Him lead in every part of your life — moment to moment (Galatians 5:25)

Question for you to think about: If you believed you couldn't fail and wouldn't be rejected — how would you engage differently at home, at work, and in your relationships?

Call to Action: If this encouraged you, drop a comment and let us know — what's one step you're taking today? Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this with someone who needs the reminder that they don't have to wait. We'd love to see you at a Westside service this weekend!

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 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx

#MidweekMotivation #WestsideCommunityChurch #HeavenOnEarth #DontWait #GreatCommission #WalkByTheSpirit #FaithInAction #ChristianPodcast #LiveItOut #YouAreWorthIt #Ephesians1 #Matthew28 #SpiritLed #DiscipleshipDaily

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 you are worth the cost of your restoration.

#broken #repaired #restored #Jesus #fullservice #fullchurchservice #christian #sermon #worship #westside #church #2026sermon #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

We've all had that moment — the panic of being exposed, the instinct to run, to hide, to pretend it didn't happen. But what if that Christ-exposed moment was never meant to destroy you — but to heal you? In this episode of Midweek Motivation, Jess unpacks the real meaning of shame, why it's more than just a feeling, and how the Holy Spirit walks us through it toward freedom, restoration, and grace.

Discover:

• Why shame is a human experience of exposure — not just an emotion
• The instinct to hide and how it traces all the way back to Adam and Eve
• What Jesus taught about the Holy Spirit's role in conviction, truth, and identity (John 14–16)
• Three common responses to shame — and why only one leads to real freedom
• Practical steps to take when shame shows up in your life

Reflection: If you've ever carried the weight of something you thought defined you, this episode is your reminder that brokenness is not your identity. God's first instinct when you feel exposed isn't to condemn — it's to pursue. The Holy Spirit doesn't leave you stuck in shame. He reminds you who you are in Christ, reveals truth, and guides you forward. Freedom is waiting on the other side of what you've been hiding.

Key Takeaways:

• Shame is the human experience of exposure when something broken comes to light — it's deeper than a feeling
• Humanity's first instinct is to hide; God's first instinct is to pursue
• The Holy Spirit reminds us of what Jesus said, convicts with truth, and guides us into that truth
• You cannot heal what you hide — healing requires bringing brokenness into the light
• Shame can be a doorway, but it was never meant to be a home — don't carry it with you
• God exposes and convicts to heal, not to shame

Question for you to think about: What would change in your life if you stopped hiding and let those moments of conviction lead you back to God?

Calls to Action: If this encouraged you, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode. Drop a comment and let us know — what's one thing that stood out to you? Share this with someone who needs to hear it this week. And if you're in the Portland area, we'd love to see you at a Westside service.

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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx

#MidweekMotivation #WestsideCommunityChurch #ShameAndGrace #IdentityInChrist #HolySpiritGuide #YouCantHealWhatYouHide #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndFreedom #GraceOfGod #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianEncouragement #WalkInTruth #GodsGrace #PortlandChurch

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Welcome to Westside! Engage in the chat and Follow along with message notes at https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/notes-resources

Join us as Stephen Radie brings us a message about Search Party.

#broken #repaired #restored #Jesus #fullservice #fullchurchservice #christian #sermon #worship #westside #church #2026sermon #churchonline #stephenradie

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/