Portland's Biggest Challenge (and How the Church Can Respond)

Send us Fan MailNew research on Portland reveals something most church leaders wouldn't guess — the city is far more spiritually open than its reputation suggests. Missiologist Ed Stetzer joins Tim Osborne and Gabe Colstatt to unpack major findings from a mixed-method study of the Portland-Vancouver metro area conducted in partnership with Come Near and 7 Cents. The data shows striking curiosity about meaning, the supernatural, and even Jesus himself — alongside deep distrust of institutions and an uncertain civic mood after 2020.Ed breaks down what he calls a "chastened city," why neighborhoods and proximity matter more than ever for gospel work here, and why church planters need sober expectations — not conference hype — to stay faithful for the long haul. The conversation also covers Talbot School of Theology's upcoming Portland extension site launching in fall, with 50% scholarships for the inaugural cohort.Whether you're a pastor, church planter, or someone trying to understand what God is doing in the Pacific Northwest, this episode will reframe how you see Portland.The full 200+ page Portland research report is available here: https://willamette.cc/un-fracturedSubscribe, share this episode with a friend, and visit https://www.upperleftshow.com for bonus content, resources, and ways to connect.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when men stop sitting on the bench and start showing up for each other?In this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Tim sits down with three Men’s Alliance leaders from Westside Community Church (Aloha, Oregon): Steve Barker (“Scout”), Brady Cook (“Blueprint”), and Devin Masak (“Mr. Ratchet”). They talk about why so many men drift into isolation, how brotherhood builds real spiritual leadership, and why the “tribal, rugged, real” environment of Men’s Alliance is producing healthier husbands, fathers, and leaders.You’ll hear how it works (workout + devotion + fire), why it’s not “toxic masculinity,” and why doing hard things together—surrounded by brothers who want you to win—creates the kind of growth most men are starving for.Find a tribe (or start one): MensAllianceTribe.comLearn more + connect: UpperLeftShow.comSubscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and share this with a man who needs community, purpose, and a next step.

Send us Fan MailWhy do so many men hesitate to step into spiritual leadership, even when they want to? In Part 3 of our Men & the Gospel in the PNW series, we sit down with psychologist and coach Nancy Castile to talk about the internal barriers men face, including unworthiness, emotional shutdown, shame, performance pressure, and isolation.We also unpack practical “unlocks” like building real community, creating space for awareness, and learning to name what’s actually happening under the surface so men can lead with health, humility, and wholeness.Connect with Nancy: [email protected], share this episode with a friend, and visit UpperLeftShow.com for bonus content, resources, and ways to connect.

Send us Fan MailWhat does it actually mean to be a man who follows Jesus in the Pacific Northwest?In this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, we continue a multi-part conversation on men, masculinity, and the gospel. Drawing from Scripture, cultural observation, and decades of pastoral experience, we explore why confusion around masculinity matters for discipleship, families, and gospel multiplication in our region.This conversation introduces four biblical guardrails for manhood and why recovering a Jesus-centered vision of masculinity is essential for the health of churches and cities like Portland.Subscribe for the rest of this series as we continue unpacking men, leadership, and spiritual formation in the PNW.Find bonus content + ways to connect: UpperLeftShow.com#JesusInTheUpperLeft #PortlandChurch #BiblicalMasculinity #Fatherhood #GospelMultiplication

Send us Fan MailIn this new-year episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Gabe, Tim, and Ahshuwah unpack a pattern Brilliant Labs keeps seeing across Portland: the majority of ministries serving “downstream” needs are serving at-risk women and children.So what’s upstream?They talk honestly about the crisis of masculinity, fatherlessness, and what changes when men actually walk with Jesus—learning sacrifice, purpose, servant leadership, and healthy responsibility in marriage and fatherhood. The conversation also touches on Portland’s spiritual history, why “flourishing” is the goal, and how the church can respond with both conviction and compassion.Resources mentioned:The Toxic War on Masculinity (Nancy Pearcey)Raising a Modern-Day Knight (Robert Lewis)Upstream (book illustration referenced)If this encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend—and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.Find bonus content + ways to connect: UpperLeftShow.com#JesusInTheUpperLeft #PortlandChurch #BiblicalMasculinity #Fatherhood #GospelMultiplicationWelcome to Jesus in the Upper Left, where we're talking about gospel multiplication in the Pacific Northwest. This episode focuses on the importance of finding fulfilling work and maintaining a joyful family life, offering a new perspective on balancing these crucial aspects. Our discussion provides practical career advice for those seeking to integrate their faith into their daily vocations, ultimately encouraging making disciples in all areas of life.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Gabe and Tim sit down with Nicole Larson from Together PDX to talk about how churches in Portland can partner with the city in meaningful, practical ways.Nicole shares what’s actually happening on the ground around homelessness, why collaboration matters more than ever, and how churches and individuals can step in without trying to solve everything at once. From simple entry points like prayer and supplies to deeper partnerships with city leaders and nonprofits, this conversation brings clarity, hope, and realistic next steps.If you care about Portland and want to serve wisely, this episode is for you.Want to get involved or learn more?Email [email protected] so you don’t miss future episodes, and visit UpperLeftShow.com to connect with others pursuing gospel multiplication in the Pacific Northwest.

Send us Fan MailIt’s easy to feel discouraged leading a church or ministry in the Pacific Northwest. The season is long, the headlines are heavy, and the challenges are real.But in this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, we pause to do something intentional: name where God is clearly at work in Portland right now.Hosts Gabe Kolstad and Tim Osborn share real, on-the-ground stories of gospel movement they are seeing across the Portland–Vancouver metro area. From student-led faith movements in public schools to patient church planters taking root for the long haul, this conversation is meant to bring perspective, courage, and hope.In this episode, we cover:A surprising resurgence of Christian high school and middle school clubs and student-led evangelismHow unconventional leadership training is emerging across churches and networksWhy church mergers are becoming a healthy, kingdom-minded strategy instead of a failure storyThe rise of patient, long-term church planters who are learning the city before launchingWhat these trends reveal about unity, trust, and collaboration among Portland pastorsThis episode is especially for:Church planters and pastors in urban or post-Christian contextsMinistry leaders feeling weary or discouragedAnyone asking, “Is God still moving here?”We’d love to hear what you are seeing.Leave a comment on YouTube or email [email protected] and share your own God sightings in the Pacific Northwest.Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and share this with someone who needs encouragement today.Visit UpperLeftShow.com for bonus content, resources, and ways to connect with others pursuing gospel multiplication in our region.#JesusInTheUpperLeft #ChurchLeadership #PortlandChurch #GospelMultiplication #ChurchPlanting #FaithInThePNW #MinistryEncouragement

Send us Fan MailMoney is one of the biggest realities every ministry leader faces, especially in the Portland metro and the Pacific Northwest. In this episode, Tim and Gabe welcome Ahshuwah back to the show, then jump into a practical conversation about fundraising, church planting models, generosity discipleship, and what it looks like to build sustainable ministry without letting money drive the mission.You will hear the team talk through vocational vs. co-vocational approaches, right-sizing ministry expectations, how culture affects giving, and why some planters may actually raise too much money upfront. They also explore creative funding ideas, including nonprofit partnerships, business income streams, and even a brief (and spicy) Bitcoin conversation.Subscribe so you do not miss a single episode, and share this with someone who is leading, planting, or praying about ministry in the PNW. For bonus content and resources, head to UpperLeftShow.com.

Send us Fan MailRising Back Up in Rockwood: The Story of As Is Church with Pastor Scott BradleyIn this powerful episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Gabe and Tim sit down with Scott Bradley, pastor of As Is Church and founder of the Underground PDX youth program. Scott shares the raw, hopeful story of what God is doing in one of the most overlooked and challenged neighborhoods in Oregon — Rockwood, the most diverse and densely populated community in the state.From planting a church in his living room…To serving gang-impacted youth seven days a week…To facing the sudden loss of nearly $50,000/month in grant funding…To watching God transform lives like Mario’s…Scott’s story is a testimony of grit, calling, restoration, and rising back up through the challenges.Whether you’re a pastor, a church planter, or someone who cares deeply about the most vulnerable communities — this episode will stretch you, inspire you, and give you a real look at how the gospel is moving in East Portland.Discover in This Episode:The hilarious story behind the name As Is ChurchWhat makes Rockwood one of the most strategic mission fields in OregonWhy 88+ languages within one mile creates both opportunity and challengeHow Underground PDX reaches gang-impacted youth through fitness, mentorship, and relationshipMario’s emotional transformation after 10 years in the programWhat happens when all grant funding disappears overnightWhy Scott is shifting from a Sunday-centric model to a 7-day-a-week ministryHow churches and individuals can partner with As Is Church to bring hope to RockwoodSupport As Is Church & Underground PDXIf your heart is stirred by this conversation and you want to directly support the work happening in Rockwood, here’s how you can get involved:Church Website: https://asis.churchUnderground PDX (Youth Program): https://undergroundpdx.orgWays to partner:Monthly giving ($25, $50, $100)One-time year-end or Christmas givingChurch missions partnershipsHosting Scott to share the story with your congregationPurchasing Underground PDX gear to support the workSupporting the CrossFit membership model that sponsors youthEmail Scott directly:📩 [email protected] (He shared “bart@westside…” in transcript context but the guest-specific info is Scott. If incorrect, replace with provided address.)📩 Church general email: [email protected](If Scott provided alternative contact info in context, use that.)Reflection & EngagementThis episode challenges all of us to consider:Where is God calling you to stand — and who is He calling you to stand with?👉 Comment below: What impacted you most from Scott’s story?👉 Like the video if you believe the gospel belongs in the hardest places.👉 Subscribe for more powerful conversations of faith + mission in the Pacific Northwest.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when two pastors from the Pacific Northwest take a trip to the UK and accidentally walk straight into worship at Westminster Abbey, visit thriving churches in Liverpool, Bristol, and London, and learn from global leaders working toward gospel collaboration and city transformation?In this episode, Pastor Gabe Kolstad and Pastor Tim Osborn unpack the biggest lessons they brought home — and why they matter for the Portland Metro and the Pacific Northwest.Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, ministry volunteer, or someone passionate about seeing revival in secular places, this conversation will encourage, challenge, and inspire you.🔎 In This EpisodeThe surprising vitality of the church in the UKWorship in ancient buildings + modern ministry methodsThe quiet revival happening across EnglandWhy collaboration across theological tribes is essentialGospel saturation and the need for geographic ownershipWhat the UK can teach us about leadership pipelinesDiscerning healthy theology in a confusing timeModels of training leaders inside the local churchThe innovative WTC (Westminster Theological Centre) approachWhat Portland can learn from Bristol, Liverpool & LondonThe future of pastoral and theological training for the Northwest🌍 Mentioned in This Episode• Multiply PDX — a collaborative network for gospel movement in the Portland Metro• WTC Theology (Westminster Theological Centre) — a UK-based, church-embedded theological training model• Various city-reaching networks, leaders, and ministries across the UK💬 Join the ConversationDrop a comment and share:What do you think is the biggest barrier to gospel saturation in your city?What’s ONE thing your church or ministry could take ownership of in your neighborhood?Have you seen collaboration work across tribes? What made it effective?Your voice helps strengthen the movement happening here in the Pacific Northwest.👍 Enjoying the Podcast?If today’s conversation encouraged you, help us reach more people:👉 Subscribe👉 Like the video👉 Share this with a pastor or leader in your networkTogether, we can fuel gospel movement in the Northwest.#JesusInTheUpperLeft #UKChurch #GospelSaturation #CityReaching #MultiplyPDX #PortlandChurch #ChurchLeadership