Engaging City Leaders

Send us a text"God told me, 'Not this one. He has a plan for you.'" Join Gabe Kolstad as he welcomes Lance Orton, a leader at City Team Portland, and Elise Galis, program director of Together PDX for an incredible conversation about making friends, engaging city leaders, and seeing God's redemptive work. Lance shares his raw, vulnerable testimony: from a privileged youth to a decade-long battle with addiction and homelessness, culminating in a miraculous encounter that led him to City Team. Discover how his unique life experience and "gifting for making friends" are now invaluable in bridging divides between the church, the city, and people experiencing homelessness. Hear how Lance is collaborating with Mayor Keith Wilson to address Portland's most pressing issues and how City Team is making a tangible difference.Key Topics Discussed:Lance's personal journeyThe "Crazy Cameron" storyTransition to City TeamEngaging city leadersRedefining successThe power of collaborationPortland's challenges & opportunitiesThe "make friends" mentalityCity Team's impactGod's redemptive workWant to get involved? Join City Team for Night Strike every Thursday under the Burnside Bridge! Learn more at cityteam.org/give-help/portland and togetherpdx.org.

Send us a textJoin Gabe Kolstad as he talks with his good friend Sean Thomé, a leader with Expand Network and Multiply PDX. Sean shares his incredible journey from growing up overseas and competitive surfing to a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Hear how his youth pastor's hands-on discipleship shaped his philosophy: pursue Jesus first, make reproducing disciples, and then trust Jesus to build His church. Sean transparently discusses the pivotal moments and paradigm shifts in his ministry, including a powerful "repentance from church planting" to prioritize disciple making and pastoral encouragement. Discover practical insights on intentional prayer strategies and how local churches can join God's kingdom movement by taking "mustard seed steps" of obedience in community.Key Topics DiscussedSean's personal journey: From Tokyo and Iran to competitive surfing and a life-changing encounter with the Gospel.Youth pastor's influence: The intentional discipleship model that shaped Shawn's early faith and ministry.Repenting from church planting: The pivotal realization that prioritizing discipleship over church planting leads to healthy church growth.The "backwards" model: Pursuing Jesus first, then making disciples, then trusting Jesus to build the church.Shift in Expand Network's values: Moving from asking for support to "washing feet" and serving local churches.Recognizing personal giftedness: How Shawn's apostolic wiring led him to step into a network leadership role.The "both/and" of ministry: Emphasizing both building up the local church and starting new work for kingdom expansion.The story of Restore Hillsboro: An example of a church planting with a multiplication mindset from the start.Strategic prayer: Developing an intentional prayer strategy for ministry, moving beyond just "praying about strategy."Mustard seed obedience: The importance of radically faithful, small steps and doing ministry in community.

Send us a textThis week on Jesus in the Upper Left we have a compilation of highlights from several of our top episodes! First, we hear from Jake and Madison Nagy about the unique opportunities for ministry they have found through their house church network Kainos Church! Then, Kirk Petersen shares about his work with Alpha and how to capitalize on the shifting culture of the Pacific Northwest to share the Gospel in new ways. Finally, Micah Dodson provides nuggets of wisdom on how to avoid burnout and build a ministry life that is effective for the long haul. We hope you find their stories both encouraging and practical! Thank you for listening to Jesus in the Upper Left! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to support the podcast.

Send us a textJoin Tim Osborn and Pete Armstrong as they welcome Derrill Corbin, the senior pastor of Mannahouse, for an insightful conversation about leadership, multiplication, and loving the city of Portland. Derrill shares his personal journey, from a childhood connection to the church to unexpectedly stepping into senior leadership. He unpacks the core DNA of a multiplying church, emphasizing that every individual is made to move and has the potential to multiply God's kingdom. Discover the importance of loving the city, leading with the individual in mind, and fostering a movement where everyone is empowered to scatter the seed. Derrill also touches on the unique context of ministry in Portland and the power of unity among churches.Learn more about Mannahouse at mannahouse.church and check out Derrill's book, "Made to Move"!Key Topics Discussed:Derrill's unexpected journey to becoming the senior pastor of Mannahouse.The history and DNA of Mannahouse as a multiplying church movement.The importance of loving the city and its people.Leading with the individual in mind and empowering everyone for ministry.The concept of "Made to Move" and everyone's potential to multiply.Lessons learned from pastoring and church planting experiences.The significance of unity and collaboration among churches in Portland.The unique challenges and opportunities of ministry in the Portland context.The power of prophetic words and pivotal moments in leadership.The importance of developing leaders and giving away authority.

Send us a textJoin Pete Armstrong and Gabe Kolstad as they welcome Pete and Christy, a new church planting couple in the Portland area. In this inspiring conversation, Pete and Christy share their journey of stepping back from past ministry, learning to listen to God's leading, and their intentional approach of coming to Portland as learners. Discover their experiences of finding community, partnering with existing ministries, and their vision for demonstrating God's love in tangible ways. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on church planting rooted in humility, collaboration, and a deep reliance on Jesus.Connect with Restoration Church PDX at restorationchurchpdx.com.Key Topics Discussed:The importance of coming to a new ministry context as learners.Pete and Christy's journey of stepping back and discerning God's call.The role of humility and dependence on Jesus in ministry.Finding community and building relationships in a new city.Partnering with existing churches and ministries in Portland.The vision for Restoration Church PDX and their community-focused approach.The concept of joining God in His ongoing work and harvest.Experiencing God's movement and openness in the Portland community.The significance of prayer and seeking God's heart in ministry.Encouragement for those considering serving Jesus in the Upper Left.

Send us a textJoin Tim Osborn and Pete Armstrong as they explore the winding path that led guest Matt Boyd to plant Sojourn Church in Northeast Portland. From a youth spent in traditional church settings to a life-altering mission trip to Argentina, and then serving in India, Matt shares the formative experiences that shaped his understanding of ministry and prepared him for the unique challenges and unexpected blessings of planting a church in the Upper Left. Discover the importance of a missionary heart, the lessons learned from both successes and "fallen soldiers," and the collaborative spirit Matt is fostering in the Portland church planting landscape.Learn more about Sojourn Church at https://www.sojournpdx.org/Key Topics Discussed:Matt's upbringing and early faith journey.The pivotal mission trip to Argentina and meeting his wife.Serving in India and the lessons learned in a highly unreached area.The challenging transition back to the US and the call to Portland.The experience of planting Sojourn Church in Northeast Portland.The importance of a missionary mindset in church planting.Reflections on church planting in Portland: successes, challenges, and "fallen soldiers."The significance of collaboration and networking among Portland churches.Matt's role with GC2 in supporting church planters in the Northwest.

Send us a textJoin Gabe Kolstad and Ryan O'Malley as they delve into the vital role of residencies in developing the next generation of church leaders. Ryan shares his experience in establishing a residency program, addressing the leadership gap in churches, and cultivating a gospel-centered culture. Discover practical insights on identifying potential leaders, structuring a residency program, and overcoming challenges in training future pastors and church planters. This episode offers valuable perspectives for church leaders, planters, and anyone passionate about equipping individuals for effective ministry.Key Topics Discussed:Ryan's journey into ministry and pastoringThe need for residency programs in addressing the leadership gapCultivating a gospel-centered culture in the churchIdentifying and developing potential leaders within the churchStructuring a one-year residency programBalancing practical experience with theological trainingThe importance of mentorship in residency programsNavigating challenges and failures in residencyThe long-term impact of residencies on church planting and growth

Send us a textJoin Gabe Kolstad in a dynamic conversation with Lisa Garin as they explore the crucial topic of multiplying disciples and churches. Lisa shares her personal journey into ministry, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and the transformative power of using our experiences to serve others. Dive into a discussion about the correlation between spiritual disciplines and outreach engagement, and discover practical insights on overcoming challenges to church growth, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Lisa also highlights the significance of collaboration among churches and the need for innovative approaches to ministry. This episode is packed with wisdom for church leaders, pastors, and anyone passionate about seeing the church thrive.Key Topics Discussed:Lisa and Robert's journey into ministryThe importance of vulnerability and healing in ministryThe connection between business principles and church multiplicationThe correlation between spiritual disciplines and outreach engagementChallenges to church multiplication, including cultural factorsThe value of collaboration among churchesThe need for new and creative expressions of churchResources and recommendations for those interested in multiplicationThe significance of understanding personality profiles in ministryTo learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit LisaGaron.com and friendsmultiply.org. Subscribe for more insightful conversations!

Send us a textJoin Toney Salva, leader of the Evergreen Network, as he shares insights on church planting in the Pacific Northwest. With years of experience in both the Northeast and the Northwest, Toney discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry in this region. He emphasizes the importance of context, humility, and empowering the next generation of church leaders. Discover how the Evergreen Network is fostering healthy church plants by prioritizing the well-being of its leaders and adapting to the changing cultural landscape. Toney also shares his perspective on the differences between post-Christian and pre-Christian cultures, and the surprising realities of living in Seattle. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in church planting, leadership, and the work of God in the Upper Left.Key Topics Discussed:Differences between church planting in the Northeast and the NorthwestThe importance of contextualization in ministryPrioritizing leader health and well-being over metricsEmpowering the next generation of church plantersThe role of humility and self-awareness in leadershipThe shift away from personality-driven church plantingThe value of community and mentoring in ministryThe Evergreen Network's approach to church plantingThe realities of living in Seattle.

Send us a textJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Jason and Tara Hood from Hannah Grace Ministry and Faith Rock Community Church. Discover how their unique approach to ministry is making a profound impact on families in the Portland metro area. From fostering and family support to music programs and church community, Jason and Tara share their journey of faith, vulnerability, and practical love. Learn how they balance their demanding work, the importance of community, and their vision for revival in their city. This episode is filled with stories of hope, transformation, and the power of God's grace in action.Key Topics Discussed:The origins and mission of Hannah Grace MinistrySupporting and mentoring birth parents and their childrenThe importance of relational ministry and removing the "scarlet letter"Jason and Tara's personal transformation and growth in their faithThe impact of the music program (Ascend Music) on children's self-esteemThe challenges and blessings of ministry in the Pacific NorthwestBalancing ministry work with family life and SabbathThe intertwined relationship between Hannah Grace and Faith Rock Community ChurchThe vision for revival and giving God the glory