In this episode, we interview Rob Wegner and talk about the contrasting paradigms of leadership as exemplified by Jesus and the prevalent models in American churches. We explore everything from the dangers of volunteerism that leads to a domesticated version of mission, the temptation of leadership roles, and the importance of choosing obscurity over fame. We also highlight the significance of being rooted in community and the transformative power of ordinary people in the mission of the church.

​​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.

In this episode of the Kansas City Underground podcast, Brian and Cory interview Justin Nkundabagenzi from Rwanda, discussing his journey from experiencing the Rwandan genocide to becoming a mobilizer of disciple makers. The conversation explores the importance of prayer, the transition from traditional church models to disciple-making movements, and the current state of the movement in Rwanda, highlighting the significant growth and impact of ordinary people spreading the gospel. Justin emphasizes the need for dependence on the Holy Spirit and the importance of leadership development in sustaining the movement.

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, Cory and Brian explore the mDNA: liminality-commuinitas, two words that definitely sound made up, but aren’t. These two sociological terms describe the work that happens in disciple-making movements when we “leave what we’ve known, enter a difficult new reality in order to arrive in a new space” (liminality) and the deep family bonds we form as we go through these difficult spaces with others (communitas). We emphasize the importance of embracing discomfort, rather than waiting on it and offer a simple practice for disciple-makers and microchurches to consider engaging to more fully embrace liminal spaces in order to receive the great joy of communitas.

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, Cory and Brian explore the mDNA (Movement DNA) of missional-incarnational impulse. This mDNA has been a missing component in the Western Church for too long. We have been called not to missional activity, but to live on mission, embodying the teachings of Jesus in our communities. We include practical examples of missional living, the significance of personal calling, and the practices that shape a missional lifestyle, such as building relationships and creating spaces for community engagement. All of this conversation is rooted in a desire to see gospel flourishing in all aspects of life.

In this episode, Cory and Brian explore the profound implications of the phrase 'Jesus is Lord' within the context of faith and daily living. We emphasize the importance of understanding this concept not just as a belief but as a guiding principle that informs every aspect of life. We look at the significance of surrender, the practice of repentance, and the embodiment of faith in everyday actions. We also leave you with a few questions to begin to consider how you can embody this “Three-word-worldview” in your life.

​​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 Johnson and Rich Robinson explore the themes of church transformation and unlocking Kingdom potential through Rich's book 'All Change'. We discuss the importance of recognizing and embracing disruption, the four phases of transformation (dream, discover, design, deploy), and the practical steps for disciple makers. Rich shares his journey and insights on how to navigate change within church communities, emphasizing the need for everyday faithfulness and the significance of individual contributions to a larger movement.

In this episode Brian and Cory explore the last of the paradigm shifts needed in a disciple-making movement. This one is about thinking primarily through the lens of extended spiritual family, not thinking first about church as we have always known it. We start by examining the historical impact of Constantine on church identity, the grassroots nature of early church movements, and the need for a shift in language and understanding to foster healthy families that reproduce disciples. We hope this continues to help us reimagine the church as movement over institution.

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, Brian and Cory interview Brandon Kelly, one of the directors of the Glass House Hub. Brandon shares the history of this group of disciple-makers and microchurches that are primarily in Independence, MO, but also how their Hub is now coaching leaders well beyond that one geographic area. They are truly embodying the principles from Jeremiah 29 that tell us to build houses, plant gardens, and seek the shalom of the city in which you live. Brandon also shares the challenges faced in their mission, the impact of the disciple-maker pathway, and the future aspirations for the hub.

In this episode, the Western Edge Hub team shares their story from the early days of the Underground to the current dynamics. We highlight the unique contributions of this Hub, and reflect on the challenges and growth experienced over the years. We also emphasize the importance of community, collaboration, and the shared mission of disciple-making in the city.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Brian and Cory explore the paradigm shifts in disciple-making movements that we call “Send the Ordinary and Willing,” as we think about the primary way to see the Kingdom expand. We talk about the historical context of the Gospel's spread, the characteristics of expert culture versus the ordinary and willing approach, and the fears that hinder individuals from becoming disciple-makers. We also share a few stories that highlight the potential of ordinary individuals to create significant impact in their communities and the necessity of faith in the process of disciple-making.

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.