Understanding Movement DNA (mDNA)

May 1

Episode Summary

Brian and Cory launch a brand new series exploring the six foundational elements of movement DNA (MDNA), originally shaped by Alan Hirsch. These six elements aren’t just organizational values—they’re deeply embedded truths that shape everyday disciple-makers and microchurches across Kansas City. In this kickoff episode, they reflect on KC Underground’s recent structural shifts and lay the groundwork for how movements are sustained by a shared paradigm, platform, and practices.

Key Themes & Takeaways

1. Why This New Series?

KC Underground has entered a new season—adding hub teams, forming new leadership tables, and solidifying shared DNA.
As more disciple-makers rise up, the network needs shared language and values that sustain momentum and multiplication.
These MDNA elements are more than theory; they are lived expressions of movement happening in neighborhoods and networks.

2. The Framework: Paradigm → Platform → Practices

Paradigm = the seed (core beliefs and convictions).
Platform = the trunk (structures and frameworks).
Practices = the fruit (what shows up in everyday life and mission).
You can’t skip the root or the framework and expect long-term fruit.

3. Why MDNA Matters

The six MDNA elements provide a foundation for reproducing healthy disciple-makers and microchurches.
They help prevent the temptation to “bolt on” movement practices to old paradigms.
KC Underground lives into these values both organizationally and at the grassroots level.

4. Quick Overview: The 6 MDNA Elements
The team will explore these six in-depth over the coming weeks. Here's a preview:

Jesus is Lord
- KC Underground Expression: “We return to Jesus in everything, in every way.”
- The foundational confession of the early church and the catalytic engine of movement.
Missional-Incarnational Impulse
- KC Underground Expression: We’re sent to a people and place to plant the gospel and join Jesus in the everyday.
- It's about going out and going deep, not waiting for people to come to us.
Disciple-Making Ecosystems
- KC Underground Expression: “We are all disciple-makers, becoming like Jesus and joining him on mission.”
- Movement requires obedience-based, relational, and reproducible disciple-making.
Liminality and Communitas
- KC Underground Expression: Movements emerge in discomfort and deepen through shared mission.
- Community is forged in tension and risk, not comfort. (Ephesians 2 & 3)
Apostolic Environments (APEST)
- KC Underground Expression: “We equip with five functions because all are called and empowered to overcome evil and bring life.”
- Flattened leadership structure that equips and releases the full fivefold gifts (Ephesians 4).
Organic Systems
- KC Underground Expression: “We are a living organism that multiplies the fully alive life of Jesus in every place and every way.”
- Movements grow when we release control, embrace simplicity, and build reproducible frameworks.

Final Thoughts

This series is for both everyday disciple-makers and movement leaders. These six elements shape the core identity and practical outworking of KC Underground. In the coming episodes, each MDNA element will be unpacked through scripture, stories, and local examples. Movement is about people, not programs—and this series will help you embody the DNA of multiplication in your own context.