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.

Prayer & Spiritual Formation Brian Johnson Prayer & Spiritual Formation Brian Johnson

Teach Us to Pray with Todd Kangas

In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian and Cory are joined by Todd Kangas, disciple-maker and prayer practitioner, for a conversation about healing prayer, hearing God's voice, and the courage to step into the mission of Jesus. As part of the Teach Us to Pray series, Todd reflects on a lifetime of learning to pray with expectancy, from his own conversion during the Jesus Movement to decades of praying for healing in workplaces, gyms, neighborhoods, and everyday conversations. Along the way, he shares stories of God's faithfulness while honestly wrestling with the mystery of unanswered prayers and the reality of suffering. This episode explores how prayer flows from a deep confidence in God's love and an identity rooted in Christ. Todd, Brian, and Cory discuss listening prayer, overcoming the fear of man, and the simple obedience of joining the Holy Spirit wherever He is already at work.

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Disciple-Making Practices Brian Johnson Disciple-Making Practices Brian Johnson

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.

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Disciple-Making Practices Brian Johnson Disciple-Making Practices Brian Johnson

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.

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Disciple-Making Practices Brian Johnson Disciple-Making Practices Brian Johnson

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.

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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.

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