The KC Underground Podcast

In this episode, Rob Wegner discusses the significance of clear and reproducible gospel language within the context of microchurches. He emphasizes the centrality of the gospel in the life of believers, illustrating how it serves as a transformative power and a new operating system for engaging with life. Wegner introduces the concept of fractals in faith, suggesting that simplicity in the gospel can lead to profound understanding and disciple-making. He also shares insights on the 'saved wholes gospel' and the importance of integrating the gospel into all aspects of life.

In this episode, we’re revisiting a video series we originally released with Exponential on how microchurches plant the gospel incarnationally in their context. We’ll walk through the heart of the gospel, why it’s the power of God for salvation, and how ordinary people can embody, demonstrate, and share it in everyday life. This series is framed by the Missionary Pathway—a five-phase framework for making disciples and seeing microchurches emerge—and focuses on the third phase: planting the gospel. You’ll also hear practical tools for sharing the good news in real conversations and everyday rhythms.

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.

Tim Jore, a writer and researcher at Unfolding Word, and Jesse Griffin, a software developer with a focus on biblical texts, dive into transformative concepts of leadership in the church. They challenge conventional views, advocating for a familial approach to church structure. The discussion emphasizes leveraging technology for Bible translation, the need for non-hierarchical leadership, and the importance of collaboration in ministry. Their insights foster a deeper understanding of the church as a living network, urging listeners to rethink traditional practices.

In this episode, Brian and Cory interview Neil Cole and delve into the themes of leadership, church movements, and the importance of relationships over hierarchical structures. They discuss the fear of chaos in leadership, the need for authenticity and vulnerability, and the transformative power of love in the Kingdom of God. Neil shares his personal journey of faith and the lessons learned through years of silence and dependence on Christ. The conversation emphasizes the need for a decentralized approach to church leadership that empowers individuals and fosters genuine community.

In this episode, Brian and Cory interview Roy Moran and explore the paradoxes of leadership in the context of Jesus' teachings. We discuss the shift from celebrity culture to a more humble, servant-oriented leadership style, emphasizing the importance of empowering ordinary people to lead and make disciples. The conversation highlights global perspectives on discipleship, the role of humility in leadership, and the vision for future leadership that prioritizes community and collaboration over status.

In this episode, Cory and Brian interview Alan Hirsch and explore the dynamics of kingdom movements, emphasizing the importance of decentralized leadership and the dangers of centralized power structures. We discuss the significance of metaphors in understanding movements, the cultural implications of fame in leadership, and practical insights for ordinary disciple makers. We also highlight the need for a shift from consumer-driven church models to organic, community-focused movements that prioritize discipleship and service.

In part two of this two-part episode, Nadim Costa shares his insights on leadership, cultural differences, and the importance of personal faith in ministry. He discusses the challenges of applying Western leadership models in different cultural contexts, the role of theology in ministry, and the transformative power of serving marginalized communities, particularly the disabled in the Middle East. Nadim emphasizes the need for a personal relationship with God and encourages listeners to make themselves available to serve others without limitations.

In part one of this two-part episode, Cory and Brian interview Nadim Costa who shares his profound journey from Lebanon's civil war to a dynamic faith in Christ. He discusses the paradoxes of leadership in the context of the Upside Down Kingdom, emphasizing that God often chooses the unlikely over the powerful. Through transformative stories and encounters, Nadim illustrates how God is moving in unexpected ways, particularly in the Middle East, and challenges listeners to embrace a faith that is interactive and alive.

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.