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. From a 50-Year Sentence to Pastor | Clifford Jones’ Story of Redemption

    11 APR

    From a 50-Year Sentence to Pastor | Clifford Jones’ Story of Redemption

    Send us Fan Mail Pastor Clifford Jones shares an unforgettable testimony of meeting Jesus while serving a 50-year sentence in Louisiana State Penitentiary, one of the most violent prisons in America. What followed was a radical transformation, seminary training behind bars, pastoral ministry in prison, and eventually a calling that brought him all the way to the Pacific Northwest. In this episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Clifford tells the story of how God changed his life, opened prison doors he never expected to walk out of, and led him to Oregon to serve men and women impacted by incarceration, homelessness, and brokenness through Light My Way Ministry. We talk about redemption, mentoring men, real discipleship, prison ministry, reentry, and what it means to be the church for people that many others overlook. If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, share it with someone, and help more people hear what God is doing in the Pacific Northwest. Discover: Prison testimony and radical conversionHow Clifford met Jesus in Louisiana State PenitentiaryFrom a 50-year sentence to pastoral ministryWhy prison ministry and reentry work matter so muchHow Light My Way serves people before, during, and after incarcerationWhat it looks like to disciple men with truth, respect, and relationshipSubscribe, share this episode with a friend, and visit https://www.upperleftshow.com for bonus content, resources, and ways to connect.

    43 min
  2. Church Planting, COVID Shutdown, Pastoral Isolation & the Cost of Multiplication with Cameron Heger

    28 MAR

    Church Planting, COVID Shutdown, Pastoral Isolation & the Cost of Multiplication with Cameron Heger

    Send us Fan Mail Cameron Heger moved from Arkansas to Portland with no ministry plan — just a seminary enrollment and a love for the city. After years embedded at Door of Hope, he felt called to plant a new church. Door of Hope sent him with a core team of 100 adults, a building, and a spirit of generosity. Door of Hope Northeast held its first gathering on March 1, 2020. Its second on March 8. There was no third — the world shut down. In this conversation, Cameron shares what it was like to lead a brand-new church through a global crisis, the season of painful fallout that followed, and the moment his wife told him nobody actually knew him anymore. He talks honestly about pastoral isolation, the temptation to perform strength while falling apart inside, and what it looked like to finally open up. He also shares practical wisdom for anyone considering church planting in Portland — why embedding in the city matters more than launching fast, what it means to experience church as a family and not just a project, and why the cost of multiplication is always worth it. Themes covered: church planting through multiplication, launching into crisis, pastoral vulnerability and isolation, the Door of Hope family-of-churches model, embedding before planting, small church identity, and the cost of sending. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and visit https://www.upperleftshow.com for bonus content, resources, and ways to connect. Welcome to Jesus in the Upper Left, where we're talking about gospel multiplication in the Pacific Northwest. We've been praying for a spiritual climate change in Portland, Oregon for decades, and we're excited to see it happening. This episode offers a new perspective on engaging in gospel conversation within our communities. 🙏

    45 min
  3. Portland Is More Open to Jesus Than Anyone Expected | Ed Stetzer

    12 MAR

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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. For those interested in pursuing the Portland Talbot cohort visit this site: https://go.biola.edu/register/?id=1dbf4894-ba85-4c21-8f09-f9ed47c1cd5e&_gl=1*oof8le*_gcl_au*MjAzMTM3MzkxNC4xNzY3NjMxNjIxLjEzMjc3NjIzNjIuMTc3MDc1NDg0Ni4xNzcwNzU0ODg5*_ga*MTc4Njg5ODA0MC4xNzExNTU1ODIz*_ga_YFBWBXLQJ7*czE3NzM4NDU4NzQkbzc2NyRnMSR0MTc3Mzg0NjA3NyRqNjAkbDAkaDA 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
  4. Brotherhood That Builds Men (Ending Isolation) | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 4

    21 FEB

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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
  5. Why Men Avoid Spiritual Leadership | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 3

    16 FEB

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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
  6. Rebuilding Biblical Manhood | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 2

    7 FEB

    Rebuilding Biblical Manhood | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail 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
  7. What’s the Deal with Dudes? | Biblical Manhood Series: Part 1

    17 JAN

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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
  8. How Portland Churches Can Partner With the City | Nicole Larson

    10 JAN

    How Portland Churches Can Partner With the City | Nicole Larson

    Send us Fan Mail 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
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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
    102
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jesus in the Upper Left
  • Show Website
    Jesus in the Upper Left

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