#49 - Revolutionizing Church Multiplication: Unleashing Local Leaders with Craig Whitney

Send us a textWhat lies at the heart of addiction? Join Pete Armstrong and Peter Shoptrova as they delve into the complexities of addiction and recovery with licensed professional counselor, Rhys Passimio. Rhys shares his personal journey, professional insights, and the often-misunderstood aspects of addiction, particularly within the context of faith.In this episode, you'll discover:The root of addiction: Exploring the underlying pain and intimacy disordersActing in vs. acting out: Understanding the spectrum of addictive behaviorsThe role of fasting: How this spiritual discipline can aid in recoveryMisconceptions about sex addiction: Addressing common myths and harmful beliefsPartnering for healing: How pastors and counselors can work together to support those struggling with addictionTune in for a compassionate and insightful conversation that sheds light on the path to healing and wholeness. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to help break the stigma around addiction and support those in recovery!

Send us a textWhat does real-life discipleship look like in the midst of busy schedules, suburban life, and cultural distractions? Join Pete Armstrong and Stephen Collins as they explore discipleship beyond programs and structures. Discover the power of head, heart, and hands in fostering spiritual growth, and learn how suffering can become a surprising catalyst for deeper faith. Stephen shares his unique perspective on ministry in the Pacific Northwest and challenges us to create "greenhouses" where genuine discipleship can flourish.Key takeaways from this episode:Head, Heart, & Hands: A holistic approach to discipleshipThe Power of Suffering: How trials can deepen our faithCreating Greenhouses: Fostering an environment for growthBeyond Programs: Rethinking discipleship in everyday lifeMinistry in the PNW: Unique challenges & opportunitiesTune in for an authentic conversation that will challenge and inspire you on your journey of faith. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to help others discover the transforming power of discipleship!

Send us a textIn this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Ahshuwah Hawthorne talks with John Garrick about the importance of soul care, rest, and intentional friendships in ministry.Discover insights on:The hidden struggles of ministry leaders and the loneliness that can accompany even the most successful ministriesThe dangers of measuring success solely by outcomes and neglecting the "being" aspect of ministryThe transformative power of retreats and intentional time away for rest and renewalThe importance of cultivating deep, non-dual relationships with other ministry leadersPractical tips for prioritizing soul care and building a healthy rhythm of life in ministryDon't miss this essential conversation! Like, subscribe, and share this video to support those in ministry and encourage a culture of soul care.For more information and to connect with Multiply PDX, visit upperleftshow.com.

Send us a textIn this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Pete Armstrong and Ahshuwah Hawthorne continue their series on mental health in the church with Dr. Bart Fowler, a licensed psychologist from Charis Counseling Associates.Together, they delve into:The growing mental health crisis, particularly among adolescents and young adultsThe role of social media and other factors contributing to this crisisThe importance of facing our struggles head-on and taking responsibility for our own choicesDr. Fowler's unique "tic-tac-toe" model for understanding and navigating life's challengesHow faith and a biblical worldview can inform our approach to mental and emotional healthDon't miss this insightful conversation! Like, subscribe, and share this video to support mental health awareness in the church and beyond.For more information and to connect with Multiply PDX, visit upperleftshow.com.

Send us a textIn this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Pete Armstrong and Oshawa Hawthorne continue their series on mental health in the church with Micah Dodson from Thrive Church Planting (web: thrivechurchplanting.org / email: [email protected]) and Abe Figueroa from CARES Counseling.They delve into the unique challenges faced by church planters and pastors, discussing:The pressure to succeed and the dangers of work-life imbalanceThe isolation and blind spots that can develop in leadershipThe importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking helpStrategies for building a healthy, sustainable ministryDon't miss this important conversation! Like, subscribe, and share this video to support mental health awareness in ministry.For more information and to connect with Multiply PDX, visit https://www.upperleftshow.com

Send us a textIn this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Pete Armstrong and Ahshuwah Hawthorne dive into the crucial topic of mental health in the church with Jamie Califf, a licensed mental health counselor and executive director at CARES Counseling.Discover insights on:The interplay between mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical healthThe unique challenges faced by church leaders and their familiesHow Christian counseling can provide a safe space for healing and growthThe importance of seeking help before reaching a crisis pointDon't miss this vital conversation! Like, subscribe, and share this video to support mental health awareness in the church.For more information and to connect with Multiply PDX, visit https://upperleftshow.com.

Send us a textJoin Pete Armstrong and Gabe Kolstad as they sit down with Ben Sand, founder of the Contingent, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering leaders and mobilizing communities.In this thought-provoking episode, you'll discover:- The unique challenges and opportunities of living out faith in a post-Christian, libertarian city like Portland- How the church can step up and address pressing social issues like foster care, homelessness, and racial injustice- Ben's insights on creating sustainable, community-driven solutions that truly make a difference- Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Like, subscribe, and share this video to spread the message of faith-fueled transformation.For more information and to connect with Multiply PDX, visit https://www.upperleftshow.com.

Send us a textGet ready for a power-packed mashup episode on the Jesus in the Upper Left podcast! Gabe Kolstad brings together wisdom from three ministry giants – Rick McKinley, Renee Boucher, and Tony Kriz – as they unpack the vital role of context in ministry.In this episode, you'll uncover:Why understanding your specific context is essential for effective ministryHow to discern and engage with the unique cultural, social, and spiritual landscape of your communityPractical insights and strategies for contextualizing your ministry approach to make a lasting impactDon't miss this insightful conversation! Like, subscribe, and share this video to help others discover the importance of context in ministry.For more information and to connect with Multiply PDX, visit upperleftshow.com.

Send us a textJoin Pete Armstrong and Gabe Kolstad as they sit down with Tim Osborne, a seasoned pastor and leader now serving at Western Seminary. Tim shares his incredible journey from a sun-soaked upbringing in Southern California to planting churches in the heart of Portland.In this episode, you'll discover:- How a missions conference (that Tim didn't even want to attend!) changed the trajectory of his life- The challenges and triumphs of planting and developing churches in the unique cultural landscape of Portland- Tim's insights on leadership development, the importance of multiplication, and Western Seminary's innovative approach to training the next generation of church leadersShare your thoughts and questions in the comments below! Have you experienced a similar "unexpected" call to ministry? How has your church embraced the idea of multiplication?👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights and stories from the Upper Left!CONNECT TO MULTIPLY PDX: Get more info, subscribe for news and connect to events at http://www.upperleftshow.com/#JesusInTheUpperLeft #MultiplyPDX #ChurchPlanting #LeadershipDevelopment #PortlandMinistry #WesternSeminary #PastorsJourney #RaviZacharias #ChurchLeadership #ChristianPodcast

Send us a textWelcome back to the Jesus in the Upper Left podcast! In this episode, Gabe Kolstad from Westside Community Church in Aloha is joined by his great friend and executive pastor, Steve Barker. Together, they delve into the unique challenges and rewards of leading from the second chair in the Pacific Northwest.🔹 Key Topics:Introduction to Steve Barker and his background in ministry.The importance of execution in church leadership.The role of an executive pastor in supporting vision and strategy.The significance of leadership development and creating effective systems.Unique challenges of church leadership in the Pacific Northwest.Practical advice for aspiring church planters and leaders.Steve shares his journey from reluctant churchgoer to essential team member at Westside Community Church. Learn how his background in sales, finance, and training at Netflix prepared him for his current role. Discover the critical balance between vision and execution, and how the right team can make all the difference in reaching people for Jesus and multiplying the gospel in this region.🌟 About Our Guest:Steve Barker is the executive pastor at Westside Community Church. With a rich background in ministry and corporate roles, Steve brings a unique perspective on leadership and church management. He is passionate about developing leaders and creating systems that support church growth and multiplication.📌 Connect with Steve:Website: stevenjbarker.com👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights and stories from the Upper Left!#JesusInTheUpperLeft #ChurchLeadership #ExecutivePastor #PacificNorthwest #LeadershipDevelopment #ChurchGrowth #GabeKolstad #SteveBarker #WestSideCommunityChurch