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.
Formed in Mission with Rick and Alice
In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Cory and Brian interview Rick and Alice as they share their journey of disciple-making from Street Church to the Nursing Home, and how God transforms lives through simple acts of love and faith. Rick and Alice share their learning on engaging communities, building family-like relationships, and stepping out in obedience to join Jesus where He is working.
Formed in Mission with Chris Renshaw
In this episode of the Kansas City Underground podcast, we continue in our series of interviewing everyday disciple-makers about how they have become more like Jesus as they have joined him on mission. Join us as we interview Chris Renshaw and hear how his work with City Union Mission has been consistently forming his character. Chris shares how embracing vulnerability and genuine connection can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper relationship with Jesus. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges us to live out our faith authentically and intentionally.
Embracing the Second Conversion
In this episode of the KC Underground Podcast, we explore the concept of the "second conversion," highlighting how it moves believers from passive faith to active discipleship. Join us as we discuss the journey of becoming more like Jesus, the role of holy discontentment, and the call to action that leads to a life of mission and purpose.
Disciple-making in Community
In this episode, Brian and BrianJames McMahon talk about the complexities of pain, suffering, and community within the context of disciple-making. We discuss the need to reimagine our relationship with pain, the importance of attachment in community, and the challenges posed by individualism. We emphasize the significance of practicing confession and lament as tools for building trust and fostering healthy relationships. Ultimately, we advocate for a deeper understanding of communal formation and the practical steps necessary to cultivate meaningful connections.
Which Jesus Did You Meet
In this episode, Brian and BrianJames McMahon, founder of Church Well Co., explore the complexities of discipleship, community, and the human experience of pain and suffering. We discuss the importance of human connection in spiritual growth, the different ways individuals experience Jesus, and the necessity of vulnerability and attachment in relationships. Our conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to faith that includes both divine and human elements, ultimately aiming to foster a deeper understanding of God through community engagement.
Simplicity Over Complexity
In this episode, Cory and Brian explore the profound impact of simplicity in disciple-making. Join us as we discuss how returning to the basics can enhance the effectiveness of disciple-making efforts. Discover practical insights and tools, like the "eight and a half by 11" exercise, that help streamline and focus our mission. Whether you're leading a microchurch or engaging in personal discipleship, learn how simplicity can be a powerful catalyst for growth and multiplication.
Planting the Gospel - Discovery Bible Study
In this episode, Dori Yuen offers a short training on Discovery Bible Studies (DBS), emphasizing its collaborative nature where participants learn from each other rather than having a single expert. The DBS method encourages accountability and practical application of biblical teachings through a structured format known as the 'Three Thirds' approach. Dori also shares valuable tips for facilitators to enhance group discussions and foster a supportive learning environment.
Planting the Gospel - Five Thresholds of Conversion
In this episode, Tomy Wilkerson shares insights on evangelism, particularly in the context of engaging with skeptics and those who are anti-Christian. He discusses the importance of understanding the different stages of a person's spiritual journey. He introduces the Five Thresholds of Conversion framework, which outlines the steps a skeptic may take towards faith, emphasizing the need for curiosity and genuine connection in evangelism. The conversation highlights the role of every believer in sharing their faith and the importance of building trust and rapport with seekers.
Rwandan Disciple-making Movement
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.
mDNA: Disciple-making
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.
Shift 7: Think Disciple To and Through Conversion, Don’t Think Evangelism then Discipleship
In this episode, Brian 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 our understanding on the nature of conversion and the importance of creating environments where individuals can encounter God and grow in their faith.
Shift 6: Think Disciple Groups of People, Don’t Think Only One-on-One Disciple-making
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.
Shift 5: Think Send the Ordinary and Willing vs Sending the Gifted Experts
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 significant impact in their communities and the necessity of faith in the process of disciple-making.
Shift 4: Think Discovery-Based Learning vs Lecture-Based Teaching
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 heresy and shallowness. Our encouragement to you, if you’re longing to see movement, is to embrace a discovery-based paradigm.
Shift 3: Think Obedience-Based Disciple-Making
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 what He called them to do as they ushered in the Kingdom of God.
Discovery Bible Study and DBSGroups.com
In this conversation, Brian and Cory explore the tool of Discovery Bible Studies and talk about the significance of DBS in disciple-making movements. We cannot overemphasize the simplicity and reproducibility of this tool as we think about movement. We also highlight dbsgroups.com as a valuable tool for facilitating DBS. This site is easy to access and can be used to facilitate discovery groups or used by microchurches to facilitate their gatherings. We'll show you how to use the site and coach you through a general overview of discovery Bible studies. "DBS is simple, reproducible, and does not require an expert. The goal is to help people discover Jesus through scripture."