Formed in Mission with Casey Olinger

Feb 24

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Kansas City Underground podcast, Brian, Cory, and Casey Olinger discuss Casey's journey of faith, his involvement in special needs ministry at Life Centers, and his transition to a house church community. Casey shares how God has been working in his life, shaping his identity and confidence as he serves others. The conversation highlights the importance of community, discipleship, and the unique experiences of those in the special needs community.

Key Themes & Takeaways

1. Casey’s Story: From VBS Faith to a Life in the City

Casey grew up in Lenexa, Kansas and still lives there today.
He met Jesus as a child (around age 5–6) at VBS at Colonial Church.
Cory jokes about being Casey’s youth pastor “back in the day,” reinforcing Casey’s long-rooted faith and connection to the local church community.

2. A Calling Clarified: “What About Special Needs People?”

During a lunch with Cory, Casey shared his desire to step into more of the KC Underground disciple-making journey.
Cory asked: “Is there a group of people God has put on your heart?”
After a long pause, Casey named his older brother—and that opened the door to Life Centers.
Because Casey already had relational credibility and trust through his brother’s connection, he had a unique “favor” to enter and build something sustainable there.

3. Life Centers: Discovery Bible Study Becoming Microchurch

Casey’s context at Life Centers includes adults with special needs across a wide range (nonverbal to verbal).
Staff sometimes join the DBS, widening relational impact beyond just participants.
What started as a “go with a teammate” rhythm became something Casey began owning more fully as a leader.
The group is not just “a Bible study”—it’s taken on the feel of full microchurch life:
- Scripture discovery
- Community and belonging
- Encouragement
- Worship (including “TobyMac bumping” moments)
- Family-like relationships

4. Teammates and Training: The Missionary Pathway Connection

Casey joined a Missionary Pathway group (connected through Andrew Spellman, Trent, and Mitch).
They learned tools like missional maps and practiced consistent rhythms of prayer and mission during and after the COVID season.
Casey’s story highlights the power of teammates—especially how relationships and movement training often converge at the right time.

5. What God Has Formed in Casey Through Mission

Casey describes what has changed in him as he’s joined God on mission at Life Centers:

Eyes opened: Recognizing how deeply the special needs community desires the love of Christ
Honor and curiosity: Seeing the insight and “amazing thoughts” participants bring during DBS
Faithfulness: Showing up consistently over years, not just for a season
Ownership and leadership: Moving from “only going if someone else goes” to stepping in as the primary leader when needed
A Jesus-shaped instinct: Sensing that this overlooked community is exactly where Jesus would be

6. A Defining Moment: Washing Hands Instead of Feet

During a DBS centered on Jesus washing feet, the group adapted the practice due to needs in the room and washed hands instead.
Casey shared a powerful moment: his brother typically doesn’t like being touched, but he let Casey wash his hands in the tub of water.
It was a simple act—but it carried deep meaning: trust, love, dignity, and embodied gospel.

7. A New Spiritual Family: Abide House Church

Casey also shares a recent shift into a microchurch context led by Grant and Allie Ford (connected to the Underground network).
He first attended through a friend from high school and initially did both Colonial and house church.
When Abide moved to Sundays, Casey prayed for about a month before sensing God’s leading to commit fully.
Casey describes a growing sense of belonging and “spiritual family” in this new community—while still honoring Colonial’s lasting impact.

Final Thoughts

Casey’s story is a reminder that disciple-making doesn’t require a platform—just obedience, love, and presence. When we pay attention to who God has already placed in our lives, calling often becomes clear. And when we keep showing up, God forms courage, confidence, and deep compassion in us—especially among people the world tends to overlook. The kingdom moves through faithful “yeses,” and sometimes it looks as ordinary (and as holy) as washing someone’s hands.