Formed in Mission with Sam Leichty
Episode Summary
In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, we interview Sam Leichty about how she has been formed in the ways of Jesus as she has joined Him on mission. Sam shares her story of moving from a life of uncertainty to one filled with purpose and connection, as she embraces her mission to see her family redeemed, restored and reconciled. Along the way, the Spirit has formed her character in greater surrender and faithfulness and brought healing in her identity.
Key Themes & Takeaways
1. Meeting Jesus: From Distance to Daughterhood
Sam grew up around religion but experienced God as distant and impersonal.
A friend introduced her to Jesus as near, loving, and personal—seeing her as a daughter, not her past.
This revelation marked the beginning of a deep pursuit of Jesus and ongoing encounters with Him.
2. A New City, A New Family
Sam moved from California to Kansas City as a teenager to escape destructive circumstances.
Through a host family, a coffee shop job, and new friendships, she encountered healthy community and spiritual family.
These relationships became the soil where her faith took root and where KC Underground entered her story.
3. A Word for Her Family: Redeem, Reconcile, Restore
God gave Sam a clear word for her extended family: redemption, reconciliation, and restoration.
Despite fear and broken relationships, Sam obeyed—reaching out to her grandmother after years of silence.
That single act of faith opened the door to spiritual conversations and a growing family discipleship rhythm.
4. A Family Microchurch Emerges
What began as coffee and serving turned into an organic Discovery Bible Study.
Over time, four generations began gathering regularly—reading Scripture, sharing meals, worshiping, and growing together.
Sam’s grandmother became a clear “person of peace,” welcoming Jesus and opening her relational network.
5. Mission in Weakness, Not Strength
For much of this journey, Sam was walking through deep grief, betrayal, and emotional pain.
She showed up to gatherings feeling empty, weak, and unprepared. Yet God moved powerfully in those moments.
Sam learned that fruit often comes not through strength, but through faithful presence and surrender.
6. Formation Through Suffering
Living on mission shaped Sam’s identity more than the visible outcomes.
God formed faithfulness, surrender, discernment of His voice, and deeper dependence on Him.
Her family witnessed a lived faith—watching her suffer, cling to Jesus, and continue to follow Him.
7. Healing Happens While We Go
Sam shares a key realization: you don’t have to be fully healed to go on mission.
Obedience itself became a place of healing, especially as God restored her through family relationships.
Mission was not a distraction from healing, it was part of how healing happened.
Final Thoughts
This episode reminds us that mission is not about having it all together—it’s about showing up surrendered. As Sam’s story reveals, God often forms us most deeply in the places where obedience feels heavy and strength runs out. Living on mission shapes our identity when we cling to Jesus in weakness. Faithfulness, not perfection, becomes the pathway through which God brings healing, transformation, and lasting fruit.
