Westside Podcast

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In this week’s Midweek Motivation, Jess sits down with Bart Hafeman, Weekend Experience Director and worship leader at Westside Community Church, for an honest conversation about surrender, identity, and what happens when we loosen our grip on control.

Bart shares his journey from becoming a Christian at 16, to decades of success leading the band Hit Machine, through a long spiritual “dry spell,” and into a season where everything came crashing down during COVID. Through loss, uncertainty, and deep wrestling, Bart learned what it truly means to seek first the Kingdom of God—and to allow faith and calling to come back together as one integrated life.

This conversation explores fear, obedience, dual identity, and the courage it takes to trust God with outcomes we can’t control.

Discover:

• Bart’s early faith story and how music played a role from the beginning
• The tension between public success and private surrender
• How COVID became a turning point that redirected his calling
• What it looks like to integrate faith and vocation without fear
• Why “less of me, more of Him” is more than just a phrase

As we continue the King of Hearts series, this episode challenges us to examine where control, fear, or divided identity may be keeping God from being at the center—and invites us to trust Him with what’s next.

Key Takeaways:

• God often uses loss to realign our priorities
• Fear doesn’t disappear before obedience—it follows it
• Living integrated faith brings freedom, not restriction
• Letting go of control creates space for God to move

Question for You to Think About:

Where might God be inviting you to loosen your grip and trust Him with the outcome?

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, share it with someone who needs hope this week, and consider joining us in person or online at Westside.

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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 Cultivating Your Heart.

#king #cultivating #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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As we step into a new year, many people are carrying uncertainty, unanswered questions, and heavy situations they didn’t plan for.

In this week’s Midweek Motivation, Jess sits down with Rachel for a deeply honest conversation about hope—what it really is, how God meets us in hard moments, and how to recognize His presence when life feels overwhelming.

This episode explores what it looks like to rest in God instead of striving, how worship reshapes our perspective, and why hope isn’t found in having answers—but in trusting the One who does.

Discover:

• What biblical hope actually means (and what it doesn’t)
• How God meets us in moments of fear, silence, and uncertainty
• Why resting in God often comes before clarity
• How worship re-centers our hearts when life feels heavy
• Practical ways to recognize God’s presence in everyday moments

Hope doesn’t mean everything turns out how we want.

It means we’re not walking through it alone.

Key Takeaways:

• Hope is rooted in God’s presence, not outcomes
• Rest often creates space to see God more clearly
• Worship shifts our focus from the problem to God’s faithfulness
• God meets us differently—but always intentionally
• You don’t need all the answers to take the next faithful step

A Question for You to Think About:

Where might God be inviting you to rest and trust Him instead of striving for control?

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, share it with someone who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find it.

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New Year’s resolutions promise change, but for most of us, they fade fast. In this episode of Midweek Motivation, Jess shares a faith-centered alternative she’s practiced for nearly a decade: choosing a Word of the Year.

Instead of striving harder or piling on goals, this episode invites you to slow down, reflect, and step into the year ahead holding God’s hand. Jess walks through a clear, practical process for reflecting on the past year, looking ahead with faith, and discerning what God may be inviting you to focus on next.

This conversation is both deeply spiritual and highly practical, offering a simple framework that can shape your decisions, growth, and faith throughout the entire year.

If you’re tired of resolutions that don’t stick and ready for a more intentional, God-led way forward, this episode is for you.

Discover

• Why New Year’s resolutions often fail to create lasting change
• What a “Word of the Year” is and why it works
• How worship and prayer bring clarity and alignment
• How to reflect on the past year with honesty and purpose
• Questions to help discern God’s direction for the year ahead
• Why focus and alignment matter more than task lists

Reflection

God isn’t asking us to sprint into the future on our own strength. He invites us to walk with Him, step by step. When we pause, reflect, and align our plans with His leading, transformation often follows in ways we didn’t expect.

Key Takeaways

• Alignment with God comes before planning
• Reflection reveals growth, lessons, and God’s faithfulness
• A single, prayerfully chosen focus can shape an entire year
• Growth is sustained through surrender, not striving
• God is already at work in the season ahead

Question for You

If God were inviting you to focus on one thing this year, what might that be?

Calls to Action

• Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes
• Share this episode with someone preparing for a new season
• Join us for a service at Westside Community Church

Find out more at westsidecommunitychurch.com

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

Merry Christmas Eve! Join us as Gabe Kolstad brings us a message about Hope for Everyone.

#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/westsidecommu...
To support this ministry and help us o reach people all around the world click here: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.c...

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

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

Join us as Gabe Kolstad brings us a message about When Hope Starts to Build.

#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

What happens when you are the one who needs to change in your marriage?

In part two of this Marriage Monthly mini-series, we shift the conversation to the spouse who knows something needs to change—and isn’t sure where to start. This episode offers encouragement, clarity, and practical next steps rooted in biblical truth, personal responsibility, and hope for the future.

Marriage is one of God’s greatest tools for growth, and even the hardest seasons can lead to restoration, deeper connection, and renewed trust.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why daily recommitment is the foundation of real change
• How to stop fixating on the problem and start seeing the future
• What it looks like to move from good intentions to real action
• Why accountability matters—and how to choose it wisely
• How celebrating small wins can rebuild trust and joy over time

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• James 1:2–4
• Luke 9:23
• Song of Solomon 8:6–7
• James 1:22
• Genesis 2:24
• Ecclesiastes 9:9

If you’re feeling discouraged, ashamed, or overwhelmed by the work ahead, this episode is a reminder that change is possible—and worth it. God is not finished with you or your marriage.

💬 Question for you:

What is one small step you can take this week to move toward change?

👉 Call to Action:

Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

Leave a comment and tell us what step you’re committing to next.

#MarriageMonthly #ChristianMarriage #MarriageGrowth #FaithBasedMarriage #BiblicalMarriage #MarriageHelp #MarriageAdvice #HealthyMarriage #Commitment #ChristmasReflection

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Does it feel like you’re waiting… and waiting… for your spouse to make a change?

Maybe it’s a job decision, a health issue, an addiction, or something you’ve talked about a hundred times. This month’s episode is all about your side of that frustration—what to do, how to stay grounded, and how to walk through this season with faith, patience, and strength.

In Part 1, we speak directly to the spouse who is watching, waiting, and hurting… but still wants to honor God, love their spouse well, and approach this season with wisdom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to recommit your heart and remember your marriage vows
• Why praying until your heart softens is essential
• How to reassure your spouse without enabling unhealthy patterns
• How to have the hard conversation the right way (not the angry way)
• Why you should champion your spouse, not control them
• The role boundaries and consequences must play in real change
• How spiritual growth can create a gap—and how God bridges it

Key Scriptures Mentioned

• Ephesians 4:2 – Be humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love
• Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 – Fulfill the vows you’ve made before God
• Matthew 19:6 – What God has joined together, let no one separate
• 1 John 4:18 – Perfect love drives out fear
• Song of Solomon 8:6 – Love is as strong as death
• Philippians 4:6–7 – Present your requests to God with thanksgiving
• Ephesians 4:15 – Speak the truth in love
• Proverbs 27:6 – Wounds from a friend can be trusted
• James 1:19 – Quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger
• Galatians 6:1 – Restore gently
• Philippians 2:3–4 – Value others above yourselves
• Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart

Discussion Question for You

What’s one step you can take this week to champion—not control—your spouse as they work through something difficult?

Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

Call to Action

👍 Like this episode

💬 Comment below with how this encouraged you

🔔 Subscribe for next month’s Part 2

❤️ Share this with another couple who could use the encouragement

#MarriageMonthly #ChristianMarriage #FaithBasedMarriage #MarriageAdvice #MarriageHelp #SpiritualGrowth #HealthyMarriage #ChristianPodcast #MarriageTips #RelationshipWisdom #WaitingOnSpouse #MarriageStruggles

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The holidays can be full of joy, but they can also magnify grief, loss, stress, and exhaustion. In this episode of Midweek Motivation, Jess sits down with psychologist and coach Nancy Castile to talk honestly about finding light in the darkness, especially during the Christmas season.

Together, they explore why darkness feels so heavy this time of year, how our minds naturally drift toward negativity, and what it actually looks like to look for light when life feels overwhelming. From grief and financial stress to unmet expectations and emotional exhaustion, this conversation offers practical wisdom, faith-filled perspective, and tangible tools for navigating hard seasons with hope.

If you’re feeling weary, discouraged, or just carrying more than usual, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Discover

• Why darkness and light often rise at the same time
• How grief, loss, and stress show up during the holidays
• The role our mindset and focus play in shaping our experience
• Why rejoicing is a powerful spiritual and mental shift
• How to limit darkness without ignoring real pain
• Practical ways to “look behind” unhealthy patterns and habits
• Why community, movement, and rest matter more than we think

Reflection

Darkness doesn’t mean you’re failing, and it doesn’t mean hope is gone. Often, light arrives quietly through people, practices, and moments we don’t expect. This episode reminds us that while pain is real, it doesn’t have to define the season we’re in.

Key Takeaways

• Darkness is part of life, but it doesn’t get full control
• What we focus on shapes what we experience
• Giving pain a time and place can keep it from ruling the day
• Community is often one of God’s primary ways of bringing light
• Peace doesn’t always come with answers, but it is available

Question for You

Where might God be offering light in your life right now, even if it looks different than you expected?

Calls to Action

• Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes
• Share this episode with someone who may need encouragement
• Join us for a service at Westside Community Church

Find out more at westsidecommunitychurch.com

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 Light in the Darkness.

#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/