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Jesus in the Upper Left
"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.
Jesus in the Upper Left
The Bar Pastor: How Matt Bowen Stopped Hiding Behind the Pulpit | Matt Bowen Pt. 2
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What does it look like to actually live the mission you preach — not just talk about it from a stage?
In part two of our conversation with Matt Bowen, lead pastor of Emmaus Church in Beaverton, we get into the real work of building something healthy from the ground up — the elder formation process, the search for a building, and the moment Matt realized he didn't have a single consistent friendship with someone outside the faith on his calendar. Not aspirationally. Actually.
What he did about it became one of the most honest and compelling parts of his story.
In This Episode You'll Discover
- How Matt built an intentional elder formation cohort — and why only 1 of 9 made it through the first round
- What books and practices shaped Emmaus's elder culture from the beginning
- Why Matt worked hard to de-center himself as the go-to voice for everything at the church
- How Emmaus ended up in their current building — and the prayer God answered on day two of painting
- What it actually looks like to be incarnationally present in a neighborhood as a pastor
- Why Matt started pouring beer at Wildwood Taphouse two days a week — and what it's done for his preaching
- How the Emmaus Road story continues to shape everything the church does
- What healthy church building really looks like when no one's watching
If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe for more honest conversations about church planting, leadership, and following Jesus in the Pacific Northwest.
Resources
🏠 Emmaus Church — https://www.emmauspdx.org/
🤝 Multiply PDX — https://www.togetherpdx.org/multiplypdx
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