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.
What’s Formed in You: Multiplication
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.
Formed in Mission with Rick and Alice
In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Cory and Brian interview Rick and Alice as they share their journey of disciple-making from Street Church to the Nursing Home, and how God transforms lives through simple acts of love and faith. Rick and Alice share their learning on engaging communities, building family-like relationships, and stepping out in obedience to join Jesus where He is working.
What is Formed in You as the Church Emerges
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.
Formed in Mission with Casey Olinger
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.
Formed in Mission with Riley Griggs
In this episode of the Kansas City Underground podcast, Brian and Cory welcome Riley Griggs, who shares his journey from a small town in Kansas to living on mission in North Africa and back to Manhattan, Kansas. Riley discusses his experiences with the Ichthus campus ministry and how it shaped his understanding of disciple-making and community. He reflects on the importance of identity in Christ and how it influences his approach to evangelism and mission work, emphasizing the need for patience and discernment in sharing the gospel.
Formed by the Gospel
In this episode, Cory and Brian move into the next phase of the disciple-maker pathway and explore Planting the Gospel. Again, in this series, we looking at how we’re formed in each phase of the disciple-maker pathway, rather than tools we use on mission. We highlight the challenges of communicating the Gospel and making disciples, emphasizing the need for humility, patience, and a deep-rooted identity in Jesus.
Formed in Mission with James Mays
In this episode of KC Underground, we welcome back regular contributor James Mays, who shares his transformative journey from a life of addiction to becoming a beacon of hope. James opens up about his past struggles and how finding faith has led him to a path of recovery and ministry. James discusses the power of art, community, and the profound impact of living on mission. Join us as we explore themes of identity, resilience, and the transformative power of faith in action.
Formed in Mission with Ashlyn Griffin
In this episode of the Kansas City Underground Podcast, we interview Ashlyn Griffin, a younger leader who has been developing a new team among young adults in Kansas City. From her early days in a traditional church setting to her "come to Jesus" moment, Ashlyn shares her path of faith, mission, and the challenges of disciple-making. Join us as we explore the messy yet rewarding process of living on mission, the importance of community, and the refining fire that shapes our identity in Christ.
Formed in Mission with Sam Leichty
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.
Formed in Mission with Chris Renshaw
In this episode of the Kansas City Underground podcast, we continue in our series of interviewing everyday disciple-makers about how they have become more like Jesus as they have joined him on mission. Join us as we interview Chris Renshaw and hear how his work with City Union Mission has been consistently forming his character. Chris shares how embracing vulnerability and genuine connection can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper relationship with Jesus. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges us to live out our faith authentically and intentionally.
Formed in Mission with Zephan and Taylar
Join us on the Kansas City Underground Podcast as we interview Zephan and Taylar Allenbrand and explore how they’ve personally been formed as they join Jesus on mission. In this episode, they share their personal stories of faith, their current missional context, and the profound impact of serving within the intellectual and developmental disabilities community. This episode is all about embracing vulnerability, finding purpose, and being formed in mission.
Formed in Living Missionally
In this episode of the Kansas City Underground podcast, we dive into the second phase of the Disciple Maker Pathway, focusing on living on mission. Join us as we explore the importance of identity formation, the role of 'Bless Rhythms,' and how embracing our identity as God's people transforms our mission. We talk about how these rhythms shape us to become interruptible, generous, curious, and patient like Jesus, and how that propels us to live on our mission.