• ​​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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Brian Johnson and Corey dive into the B.L.E.S.S. rhythms, a practical and intentional framework for living on mission. Rooted in Genesis 12 and the life of Jesus, these rhythms help everyday people join God in blessing their neighborhoods and relationships through intentional prayer, listening, eating, serving, and sharing stories.

In this episode, Brian and Corey break down the importance of identifying Persons of Peace—those spiritually open and relationally connected individuals who are key to multiplying the good news of Jesus. Rooted in Luke 10, this concept is essential for disciple-makers who want to see gospel movements spread in their neighborhoods, workplaces, and beyond.