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.
Microchurch Conference: Morgan Greer
In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian sits down with Morgan Greer during the recent Microchurch Conference to reflect on what stood out while gathering with microchurch leaders and networks from across the country and around the world. Morgan shares how hearing diverse stories of disciple-making, welcoming the stranger, and experimenting with new expressions of mission reminded him of the freedom and beauty of following Jesus in creative, contextual ways. He also reflects on moving through fear and hostility toward genuine hospitality, what it means to stay present to the work of the Holy Spirit, and how ordinary faithfulness in places like juvenile detention centers can become a meaningful witness to the kingdom. Morgan encourages listeners to keep listening to Jesus, keep experimenting, and keep taking simple steps of obedience toward the people and places God is putting on their hearts.
Equipping Disciple-makers: The Hub Team
In this episode, Peter "Pheaney" Lindell from the On The Road podcast sits down with Cory and Brian from KC Underground to explore the concept of "hubs" in disciple-making movements. We discuss the importance of creating local networks that equip everyday people to become disciple makers in their networks of relationships. The conversation dives into the balance between organic growth and structured support, sharing insights on how to foster a movement that thrives both locally and citywide.
The Upside-Down Kingdom - Leadership and Movement in the Way of Jesus
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.
Understanding Movement DNA (mDNA)
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.
Shift 6: Think Disciple Groups of People, Don’t Think Only One-on-One Disciple-making
In this episode, Brian and Cory discuss the paradigm shift from one-on-one discipleship to group discipleship. We emphasize the importance of community and relational networks in fostering spiritual growth. We explore the dynamics of movement in discipleship, the barriers faced in Western contexts, and strategies for effective group engagement. We also highlight the need for diverse perspectives and the role of community in creating a supportive environment for discipleship.
The Story of Fount Hub
In this episode, Cory and Brian interview three directors of the Fount Hub, Lori Roy, Amber Jackson, and Jay Cull. We’re continuing on in our series of introducing the different Hubs of the Kansas City Underground, hearing their personal stories, the emergence of their Hub identity, and a few personal stories of what’s happening within their part of the network. Amber, Jay, and Lori share about the importance of prayer and prophetic guidance within their Hub, and the distinctive way their microchurches have emerged and multiplied. They also highlight the rhythms and structures that support their Hub, emphasizing the importance of persons of peace relationships and shared experiences in their journey.
Healing & Wholeness for Disciple-Makers: Thrive Hub's Unique Contribution
In this episode, Brian and Cory interview Chris Caputo, and Michael Miller, two of the directors of the Thrive Hub. We invite both of these guys to share their story, how this Hub emerged as one of the current Hubs of the KC Underground network, and the unique part Thrive plays in equipping the network toward relational and emotional flourishing, not only through training, but also through modeling it for the network. Chris and Michael emphasize the need for healthy attachments as we present a holistic Gospel narrative and share stories of how this is transforming lives in lasting ways.
Shift 2: Think Disciple-Making Within Existing Networks
In this episode, Cory and Brian explore the concept of planting the gospel within existing networks of relationships rather than extracting individuals to “bring them to church.” Jesus gives us the model for this way of making disciples and the rest of the New Testament follows his pattern. We share a few practical strategies for engaging in disciple-making in this way and talk about some of the challenges to this way of living. If movement is what we’re longing for, we have to think about making disciples within already existing relational networks.
Continuing the Missionary Pathway Journey
In this episode, Cory and Brian walk through next steps after the Missionary Pathway. We primarily focus on the building teams, but we also mention the importance of reproducing the Pathway with other leaders, joining a network, and engaging ongoing coaching. We also share some real-life stories of what we've seen as leaders take these steps. Ready to facilitate a huddle? Head to missionarypathway.com and register. Or, join our next training huddle. "Commitment to the mission requires ongoing engagement and support."