In part one of this two-part episode, Cory and Brian interview Nadim Costa who shares his profound journey from Lebanon's civil war to a dynamic faith in Christ. He discusses the paradoxes of leadership in the context of the Upside Down Kingdom, emphasizing that God often chooses the unlikely over the powerful. Through transformative stories and encounters, Nadim illustrates how God is moving in unexpected ways, particularly in the Middle East, and challenges listeners to embrace a faith that is...
Jul 08, 2025•29 min
In this episode, we interview Rob Wegner and talk about the contrasting paradigms of leadership as exemplified by Jesus and the prevalent models in American churches. We explore everything from the dangers of volunteerism that leads to a domesticated version of mission, the temptation of leadership roles, and the importance of choosing obscurity over fame. We also highlight the significance of being rooted in community and the transformative power of ordinary people in the mission of the church....
Jul 01, 2025•44 min
In this opening episode, Brian and Cory cast vision for this new series on where we will explore the radical invitation of Jesus to lead in a way that flips everything upside-down. While Western models of leadership often chase platform, power, and personality, Jesus modeled something entirely different: surrender, service, and spiritual authority rooted in love. We explore key biblical passages—Mark 10, Philippians 2, and John 13—and show how this isn’t just theory. It’s how movements are act...
Jun 24, 2025•42 min
In this episode of the Kansas City Underground podcast, Brian and Cory interview Justin Nkundabagenzi from Rwanda, discussing his journey from experiencing the Rwandan genocide to becoming a mobilizer of disciple makers. The conversation explores the importance of prayer, the transition from traditional church models to disciple-making movements, and the current state of the movement in Rwanda, highlighting the significant growth and impact of ordinary people spreading the gospel. Justin emphasi...
Jun 17, 2025•47 min
In this episode, Brian and Cory explore the mDNA element of Organic Systems. Organic systems are all about adaptation and reproducibility in cultivating movements. As you think about organic systems, you will discover a need for decentralized decision-making, a permission-giving culture, and the significance of leadership multiplication. This has been the challenge faced in traditional church structures. We advocate for a more flexible, organic approach to disciple-making and community building....
Jun 10, 2025•35 min
In this episode, Brian and Cory explore the mDNA element of apostolic environments and APEST. This element is all about the importance of creating environments that equip and send individuals for mission, the role of APEST (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, Teachers) in church movements, and the significance of safeguarding the mission while fostering innovation and experimentation. You’ve heard us say it before, but we emphasize the need again for a culture that embraces all five gift...
Jun 03, 2025•43 min
In this episode, Cory and Brian explore the mDNA: liminality-commuinitas, two words that definitely sound made up, but aren’t. These two sociological terms describe the work that happens in disciple-making movements when we “leave what we’ve known, enter a difficult knew reality in order to arrive in a new space” (liminality) and the deep family bonds we form as we go through these difficult spaces with others (communitas). We emphasize the importance of embracing discomfort, rather than waiting...
May 27, 2025•30 min
In this episode, Brian and Cory discuss the third element of movement DNA (mDNA): Disciple-making. This is nothing new for us to talk about, but in this context, we’re focusing on how disciple-making is the engine of movement, so we emphasize the importance of making disciples who can replicate themselves, contrasting this with traditional Western approaches to discipleship that often focus on conversions rather than ongoing relationships. We also spend a good bit of time exploring the balance b...
May 20, 2025•33 min
In this episode, Cory and Brian explore the mDNA (Movement DNA) of missional-incarnational impulse. This mDNA has been a missing component in the Western Church for too long. We have been called not to missional activity, but to live on mission, embodying the teachings of Jesus in our communities. We include practical examples of missional living, the significance of personal calling, and the practices that shape a missional lifestyle, such as building relationships and creating spaces for commu...
May 13, 2025•46 min
In this episode, Cory and Brian explore the profound implications of the phrase 'Jesus is Lord' within the context of faith and daily living. We emphasize the importance of understanding this concept not just as a belief but as a guiding principle that informs every aspect of life. We look at the significance of surrender, the practice of repentance, and the embodiment of faith in everyday actions. We also leave you with a few questions to begin to consider how you can embody this “Three-word-wo...
May 06, 2025•35 min
In this episode, Brian and Cory discuss the evolution of the Kansas City Underground, focusing on the six elements of movement DNA (mDNA) that were developed by Alan Hirsch. The mDNA has shaped and guided who we are as a network, though it’s not something we always talk about. We explore the importance of paradigm shifts, the role of community, and the necessity of embodying the principles of disciple-making in everyday life. We take time to give you a high level introduction of (1) Jesus as L...
Apr 29, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Brian Johnson and Rich Robinson explore the themes of church transformation and unlocking Kingdom potential through Rich's book 'All Change'. We discuss the importance of recognizing and embracing disruption, the four phases of transformation (dream, discover, design, deploy), and the practical steps for disciple makers. Rich shares his journey and insights on how to navigate change within church communities, emphasizing the need for everyday faithfulness and the significance of...
Apr 22, 2025•32 min
In this episode Brian and Cory explore the last of the paradigm shifts needed in a disciple-making movement. This one is about thinking primarily through the lens of extended spiritual family, not thinking first about church as we have always known it. We start by examining the historical impact of Constantine on church identity, the grassroots nature of early church movements, and the need for a shift in language and understanding to foster healthy families that reproduce disciples. We hope thi...
Apr 15, 2025•32 min
In this episode, Brian and Cory discuss the shift from addition to multiplication in disciple-making movements. We emphasize the importance of decentralized leadership, rapid mobilization, and low control with high accountability to be able to make this shift effectively. We get into the biblical foundation for this paradigm shift and we explore practical steps for ordinary disciple makers to create a multiplicative ecosystem. We also highlight how important it is to be patient and trust in the ...
Apr 08, 2025•38 min
In this episode, Brian and Cory interview Brandon Kelly one of the directors of the Glass House Hub. Brandon shares the history of this group of disciple-makers and microchurches that are primarily in Independence, MO, but also how their Hub is now coaching leaders well beyond that one geographic area. They are truly embodying the principles from Jeremiah 29 that tell us to build houses, plant gardens, and seek the shalom of the city in which you live. Brandon also shares the challenges faced in...
Apr 01, 2025•31 min
In this episode, the Western Edge Hub team shares their story from the early days of the Underground to the current dynamics. We highlight the unique contributions of this Hub, and reflect on the challenges and growth experienced over the years. We also emphasize the importance of community, collaboration, and the shared mission of disciple-making in the city.
Mar 25, 2025•34 min
In this episode, Brian Johnson and Cory continue on in the series where we discuss the paradigm shifts necessary for catalyzing disciple-making movements. This week we emphasize the importance of viewing discipleship as an ongoing process that begins before conversion. We do critique traditional evangelism strategies that separate conversion from discipleship and highlight the need for a more integrated approach that focuses on community, obedience, and transformation. We also explore a bit of o...
Mar 18, 2025•36 min
In this episode, Brian and Cory discuss the paradigm shift from one-on-one discipleship to group discipleship. We emphasize the importance of community and relational networks in fostering spiritual growth. We explore the dynamics of movement in discipleship, the barriers faced in Western contexts, and strategies for effective group engagement. We also highlight the need for diverse perspectives and the role of community in creating a supportive environment for discipleship.
Mar 11, 2025•32 min
In this episode, Cory and Brian interview three directors from the Zero Hour Hub. Zero Hour focuses on equipping high school students to become disciple-makers in their schools. We get to hear the story of Cory McElvain, Upashaker Gurung, and Joshua O’Keith, as well as how Zero Hour emerged as a Hub in the KCU network. Cory, Upas, and Josh share the importance of changing the paradigm for students from just hanging to equipping and sending through the transformative experiences students have thr...
Mar 04, 2025•52 min
In this episode, Cory and Brian interview three directors of the Fount Hub, Lori Roy, Amber Jackson, and Jay Cull. We’re continuing on in our series of introducing the different Hubs of the Kansas City Underground, hearing their personal stories, the emergence of their Hub identity, and a few personal stories of what’s happening within their part of the network. Amber, Jay, and Lori share about the importance of prayer and prophetic guidance within their Hub, and the distinctive way their microc...
Feb 25, 2025•38 min
In this episode, Brian and Cory explore the paradigm shifts in disciple-making movements that we call “Send the Ordinary and Willing,” as we think about the primary way to see the Kingdom expand. We talk about the historical context of the Gospel's spread, the characteristics of expert culture versus the ordinary and willing approach, and the fears that hinder individuals from becoming disciple-makers. We also share a few stories that highlight the potential of ordinary individuals to create sig...
Feb 18, 2025•41 min
In this episode, Brian and Cory interview Chris Caputo, and Michael Miller, two of the directors of the Thrive Hub. We invite both of these guys to share their story, how this Hub emerged as one of the current Hubs of the KC Underground network, and the unique part Thrive plays in equipping the network toward relational and emotional flourishing, not only through training, but also through modeling it for the network. Chris and Michael emphasize the need for healthy attachments as we present a h...
Feb 11, 2025•32 min
In this episode, Cory and Brian explore the paradigm shift of embracing discovery-based learning in the context of disciple-making instead of the traditional lecture-based teaching of the Western Church. Jesus is of course the model for this, but our own experiences in disciple-making are a testament to the necessity of this way of thinking. We will also explore the challenges and pushback faced when implementing discovery-based methods and address some of the concerns we regularly hear about he...
Feb 04, 2025•30 min
In this episode, Brian and Cory explore the paradigm shift of thinking about obedience over knowledge in disciple-making. It’s not that we want to ignore knowledge. We just want to emphasize that transformation does not come from knowledge alone. True maturity in Jesus involves not only knowing about Jesus, but doing as Jesus did. We’ve rooted so much of our disciple-making in the West in classroom environments. Jesus rooted disciple-making in lived experiences where his followers learned to do ...
Jan 28, 2025•31 min
In this episode, Cory and Brian explore the concept of planting the gospel within existing networks of relationships rather than extracting individuals to “bring them to church.” Jesus gives us the model for this way of making disciples and the rest of the New Testament follows his pattern. We share a few practical strategies for engaging in disciple-making in this way and talk about some of the challenges to this way of living. If movement is what we’re longing for, we have to think about makin...
Jan 21, 2025•31 min
In this episode Brian and Cory intervew two of the directors of the Serve Hub, Sara Jackaway and Morgan Greer. This is the second interview featuring one of the ten Hubs that currently make up the Kansas City Underground. Sara and Morgan discuss their roles in disciple-making and community-building in Kansas City. They share personal stories, their transition from a predominant model church plant to becoming a Hub in the Underground, and the importance of collaboration and relationships in their...
Jan 14, 2025•43 min
In this episode, Brian interviews Alex Sons, one of the leaders of the Rock Island Hub. We’ve done a lot of work around telling individual stories, but we want to include some more storytelling around the equipping teams that support every day disciple-makers in Kansas City. You’ll hear a bit of Alex’s personal journey in ministry, but you’ll also hear the unique mission of the Rock Island Hub as he shares stories of transformation within the community, the importance of family and entrepreneurs...
Jan 07, 2025•31 min
In this episode, Brian and Cory explore the significance of shift number one in moving toward a disciple-making culture: extraordinary prayer. We discuss the importance of frequency, focus, and fervor in prayer and how these elements can transform ordinary prayer into extraordinary experiences. We talk about a few of the tools that have helped us and consider some of the barriers that work against us as we lean into extraordinary prayer.
Dec 31, 2024•35 min
In this episode, Cory, Cayden, Sam, and Hannah, focus on the disciple-making movements they observed on a recent trip to East Africa. They each share key takeaways, including the importance of going low and slow in ministry, the concept of radical generosity, and how these lessons can be applied in Kansas City. The conversation emphasizes the power of ordinary people in making disciples and the significance of community engagement.
Dec 24, 2024•26 min
In this episode, Cory and Brian walk through next steps after the Missionary Pathway. We primarily focus on the building teams, but we also mention the importance of reproducing the Pathway with other leaders, joining a network, and engaging ongoing coaching. We also share some real-life stories of what we've seen as leaders take these steps. Ready to facilitate a huddle? Head to missionarypathway.com and register. Or, join our next training huddle. "Commitment to the mission requires ongoing en...
Dec 17, 2024•30 min•Ep. 242
