In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian and Cory wrap up their series on the Disciple-Maker Pathway by exploring what is formed in us in the phase of multiplication. They reflect on the surprising mix of joy, loss, and resilience that comes with releasing others, and how multiplication forces a deeper surrender, letting go of control, pride, and the need to be “the one.” Drawing from personal stories, Scripture, and the lived reality of pursuing an audacious vision for citywide gospel flourishing, we highlight how this phase forms a deeper dependence on Jesus, a renewed imagination for what God is doing, and a commitment to keep pressing forward even when growth feels slow or unseen. This conversation invites you to embrace the tension and beauty of multiplication, trusting that as we release, God is forming something far greater than we could build on our own.

In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian sits down with Jerry from the E-2 Hub to continue reflecting on the recent Microchurch Conference and what God is doing through disciple-makers in diverse and often transient contexts. Jerry shares his story of encountering Jesus through the ordinary faithfulness of his uncle, and how that moment reshaped his understanding of calling and ministry. As a military chaplain, Jerry reflects on the shift from trying to force ministry into familiar forms to embracing a simpler, relational way of joining Jesus, leading to multiplying communities in unexpected places. He also shares how the KC Underground family has provided grounding across constant change, and encourages listeners to stay attentive to the Holy Spirit, trusting that simple obedience can have far-reaching impact.

In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian and Cory explore the biblical foundation and practical aspects of church as family, emphasizing the importance of relational, spiritual, and mission-driven community in disciple-making and movement growth. It highlights how family dynamics shape our understanding of church, leadership, and multiplication in the Western context.

In this episode, Brian and Cory explore the power of prayer and worship in global movements to ignite mission and multiplication in local contexts. They discuss how God speaks to send, how radical environments of prayer ignite divine action, and why the Western church needs a fresh encounter with God's holiness to unleash multiplication.

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.

In this episode, Brian and Cory wrap up this series around the Upside Down Kingdom and share insights from the past several episodes. We discuss the concept of greatness in the kingdom of God, emphasizing that true leadership is rooted in servanthood and familial relationships. The conversation explores the challenges of multiplication and the importance of identity in leadership, as well as practical examples of how to develop leaders in a way that reflects the values of the kingdom.

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, 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 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 and Cory discuss the shift from addition to multiplication in disciple-making movements. We emphasize the importance of decentralized leadership, rapid mobilization, and low control with high accountability to be able to make this shift effectively. We get into the biblical foundation for this paradigm shift and we explore practical steps for ordinary disciple makers to create a multiplicative ecosystem. We also highlight how important it is to be patient and trust in the process of multiplication, don’t manufacture it. All of this starts, though, by embracing your unique calling in disciple-making.

In this episode, Cory and Brian walk through a tool called "Moving from a Discovery Group to a Microchurch." This has been a helpful tool for groups of people as they identify and affirm themselves as a church based on the activities and characteristics described in Acts 2:36-47. We want to emphasize that church is not a program, but an identity, and that this tool helps groups understand what it means to live into that identity. We also discuss how this tool can be used with different group sizes and contexts, and how it can help groups think through multiplication as well.