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In this new-year episode of Jesus in the Upper Left, Gabe, Tim, and Oshawa 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

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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.

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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.

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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 evangelism
• How unconventional leadership training is emerging across churches and networks
• Why church mergers are becoming a healthy, kingdom-minded strategy instead of a failure story
• The rise of patient, long-term church planters who are learning the city before launching
• What 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 contexts
• Ministry leaders feeling weary or discouraged
• Anyone 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