KCU Podcast

Discover how to live as everyday disciple-makers in Kansas City and beyond. Through real stories, practical tools, and inspiring conversations, we equip you to Get to Know KCU, Train as Missionaries, and Multiply Disciple-Makers. Join us as we explore what it means to bring the beauty, justice, and Good News of Jesus to where you live, work, learn, and play.

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All Change: Unlocking Kingdom Potential. A Conversation With Rich Robinson

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 globeβ€”and why this message matters now more than ever.

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Think Extended Spiritual Family, Don’t think β€œChurch”

In the final episode of this nine-part paradigm shift series, Brian and Cory explore one of the most foundationalβ€”and often most misunderstoodβ€”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 identityβ€”who we are as the people of Godβ€”and to build spiritual families that multiply and transform neighborhoods and networks.

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Think Viral Multiplication, Don’t Think Only Addition

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.

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Healing, Disciple-Making, and the Glasshouse Hub

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.

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Introducing the Western Edge Hub – KC Underground's OG Microchurch Family

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 hubβ€”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.

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The Story of Fount Hub

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.

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Ordinary People are the Primary Workers

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.

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Healing & Wholeness for Disciple-Makers: Thrive Hub's Unique Contribution

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.

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Meet the Serve Hub: Discipling Families and Partnering with Organizations Across KC

Join Sarah Jackway and Morgan Greer as they share the story of the Serve Hub, a unique team within the Kansas City Underground. From transforming a traditional church plant into a disciple-making hub to partnering with organizations and families for gospel impact, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical insights for equipping ordinary disciple-makers.

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Meet the Rock Island Hub: Restoring Families and Launching Ventures in Raytown

This episode features Alex Sons, leader of the Rock Island Hub in Raytown, MO. Alex shares his journey from traditional church planting to embracing a disciple-making movement. Learn about Rock Island's mission to see every home fully alive with the good news of Jesus, their focus on restoring families, and their creative, intentional weekly gatherings. Alex also shares inspiring stories of lives transformed through simple gospel conversations.

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Continuing the Missionary Pathway Journey

Corey and Brian wrap up the Missionary Pathway series with the final tool: What’s Next? Whether you've completed a Missionary Pathway training or are simply looking to continue growing as a disciple maker, this episode explores practical steps for ongoing fruitfulness in mission.

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Navigating Gospel Conversations

In this episode, Corey Ozbun and Corey McElvain (Corey squared!) dive into one of the most critical tools for disciple-makers: Gospel Conversations. How do you move conversations from casual to meaningful to spiritual? The Coreys introduce the F.R.O.G. framework (Friends, Recreation, Occupation, Goals) to help you intentionally navigate relational evangelism without making it weird.

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