• ​​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 actually growing today, from underground networks in the Global South to ordinary disciple-makers in places like Kansas City.

• 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 emphasizes the need for dependence on the Holy Spirit and the importance of leadership development in sustaining the movement.

• 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.

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 gifts of APEST to ensure healthy growth and multiplication in the church.

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 on it and offer a simple practice for disciple-makers and microchurches to consider engaging to more fully embrace liminal spaces in order to receive the great joy of communitas.

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 between rapid multiplication and deep, meaningful engagement in the lives of new believers.

In this episode, Brian and Cory explore the second core element of Movement DNA (MDNA): Missional-Incarnational Impulse. This isn’t just about activity—it’s about posture, presence, and proximity. From defining what it means to be sent to practical rhythms for living it out, the guys share stories, practices, and paradigm shifts that help reframe mission as a spiritual reflex, not just a strategy.

​​In this episode, Brian and Cory kick off the deep dive into the six core elements of Movement DNA (MDNA), starting with the foundational confession: Jesus is Lord. They explore how this worldview reshapes every part of life and leadership, from personal rhythms of repentance to practical team practices and missional embodiment.

​​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 Lord, (2) the missional incarnational impulse, (3) disciple-making ecosystems, (4) liminality and communitas (5) apostolic environments and (6) the need for organic systems that allow for growth and multiplication within the church.

In this episode, Brian Johnson sits down with global movement leader Rich Robinson to talk about his new book All Change: Unlocking Kingdom Potential in a World We Weren’t Prepared For. Together, they explore the importance of reimagining church, embracing disruption, and following Jesus' model of growth through four key phases: Dream, Discover, Design, and Deploy. Rich shares wisdom from two decades of coaching disciple-making movements across the globe—and why this message matters now more than ever.

In the final episode of this nine-part paradigm shift series, Brian and Cory explore one of the most foundational—and often most misunderstood—concepts in disciple-making movements: reimagining church as extended spiritual family. Rather than starting with forms, buildings, or programs, they challenge us to begin with identity—who we are as the people of God—and to build spiritual families that multiply and transform neighborhoods and networks.

In this episode of the KC Underground Podcast, Corey and Brian explore the eighth paradigm shift in disciple-making: moving from a mindset of addition to one of multiplication. They unpack what it means to build ecosystems and movements that embrace exponential growth, where everyday people are empowered, rapidly mobilized, and sent out to make disciples who make disciples.

In this episode, Brian Johnson and Cory sit down with Brandon Kelly, co-leader of the Glasshouse Hub in Kansas City Underground. Brandon shares the journey of transitioning from traditional church leadership into a disciple-making movement. They discuss spiritual renewal, healing from church trauma, and reimagining what it means to plant the gospel in a city. From running a business as a missional outpost to guiding others through soul care and disciple-making, Brandon and his wife, Courtney, are leading a movement of deep healing and multiplication.

In this episode, Brian, Cory, and the Western Edge team (Timmy Vieth, Rob & Michelle Wagner) reflect on the origin, growth, and current heartbeat of KC Underground’s first microchurch hub—The Western Edge. From launching the original 72 disciple-makers to experimenting with catalytic initiatives, this team has been foundational in shaping the DNA of the citywide network. The conversation flows with humor, humility, and deep love for Jesus and their community, showcasing the spirit of multiplication and movement.

In this episode, Corey and Brian dive into another key paradigm shift for disciple-making movements: multiplying disciples in groups rather than focusing solely on one-on-one discipleship.

Cory and Brian sit down with Lori, Jay, and Amber from Fount Hub, one of the earliest hubs in the Kansas City Underground network. Fount is a tight-knit, multigenerational community with a deep commitment to prayer, prophetic leadership, disciple-making, and raising families on mission. In this episode, they share their journey, rhythms, and powerful stories of everyday people experiencing transformation through Jesus.

Brian and Cory continue the Nine Paradigm Shifts for Disciple-Making Movements, focusing on the shift from "Send the Expert" to "Send the Ordinary and Willing." Throughout history, the Gospel has spread through ordinary people, not just trained leaders. This episode explores how embracing the "idiot" approach (yes, really) fuels movement and multiplication.

In this episode, Brian and Corey interview Chris Caputo & Michael Miller from Thrive Hub, one of the Kansas City Underground’s catalytic teams. Thrive Hub exists to help disciple-makers heal, grow, and thrive as they pursue mission. With a unique focus on emotional health, attachment, and identity in Christ, Thrive provides a crucial piece of the disciple-making ecosystem.

Shift from lecture-based teaching to discovery-based disciple-making! Learn how Jesus led through questions, experience, and real-life mission.

Shift to obedience-based disciple making! Explore how responding to Jesus with your life, not just knowledge, creates movement-minded disciples.