Jesus in the Upper Left

Multiply PDX
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"Jesus in the Upper Left" is a Portland-based, thought-provoking podcast that explores the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry, church planting and Gospel multiplication in the Pacific Northwest. Packed with inspiration, ideas, and connections, each episode delves into topics like racism, the history of movements and renewal, mistakes made, lessons learned, creative ideas and more.  With a focus on personal stories and honest conversations, "Jesus in the Upper Left" offers a fresh look at what it's going to take to saturate our region with the love and community of Jesus. Whether you're a leader, a learner or a skeptic, this podcast will challenge you to engage with the culture around you in a more intentional and compassionate way.BONUS CONTENT: Don't miss the behind-the-scenes, raw comments & extras at https://www.togetherpdx.org/multiplypdx.

  1. Portland Is More Open to Jesus Than Anyone Expected | Ed Stetzer

    2D AGO

    Portland Is More Open to Jesus Than Anyone Expected | Ed Stetzer

    Send a text New 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-fractured Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and visit https://www.upperleftshow.com for bonus content, resources, and ways to connect.

    43 min
  2. Brotherhood That Builds Men (Ending Isolation) | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 4

    FEB 21

    Brotherhood That Builds Men (Ending Isolation) | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 4

    Send a text What 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.com Learn more + connect: UpperLeftShow.com Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and share this with a man who needs community, purpose, and a next step.

    52 min
  3. Why Men Avoid Spiritual Leadership | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 3

    FEB 16

    Why Men Avoid Spiritual Leadership | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 3

    Send a text Why 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: ncasteel@edsol.com Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and visit UpperLeftShow.com for bonus content, resources, and ways to connect.

    46 min
  4. Rebuilding Biblical Manhood | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 2

    FEB 7

    Rebuilding Biblical Manhood | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 2

    Send a text What 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

    46 min
  5. What’s the Deal with Dudes? | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 1

    JAN 17

    What’s the Deal with Dudes? | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 1

    Send a text In 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 #GospelMultiplication Welcome 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.

    41 min
  6. How Portland Churches Can Partner With the City | Nicole Larson

    JAN 10

    How Portland Churches Can Partner With the City | Nicole Larson

    Send a text In 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 nicole@togetherpdx.org Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and visit UpperLeftShow.com to connect with others pursuing gospel multiplication in the Pacific Northwest.

    46 min
  7. God Is Still Moving in Portland: 4 Encouraging Signs Every Church Leader Needs to See

    JAN 2

    God Is Still Moving in Portland: 4 Encouraging Signs Every Church Leader Needs to See

    Send a text It’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 pastors This 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 multiplypdx@gmail.com 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

    27 min
  8. Funding the Mission in Portland Oregon

    2025-12-13

    Funding the Mission in Portland Oregon

    Send a text Money 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.

    57 min
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About

"Jesus in the Upper Left" is a Portland-based, thought-provoking podcast that explores the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry, church planting and Gospel multiplication in the Pacific Northwest. Packed with inspiration, ideas, and connections, each episode delves into topics like racism, the history of movements and renewal, mistakes made, lessons learned, creative ideas and more.  With a focus on personal stories and honest conversations, "Jesus in the Upper Left" offers a fresh look at what it's going to take to saturate our region with the love and community of Jesus. Whether you're a leader, a learner or a skeptic, this podcast will challenge you to engage with the culture around you in a more intentional and compassionate way.BONUS CONTENT: Don't miss the behind-the-scenes, raw comments & extras at https://www.togetherpdx.org/multiplypdx.

Information

  • Creator
    Multiply PDX
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jesus in the Upper Left
  • Show Website
    Jesus in the Upper Left

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