The KC Underground Podcast

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 Johnson 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.

Upashaker Gurung, the Prayer Director at Zero Hour, and Joshua O’Keith, a leader and former student participant, join the conversation to discuss their passion for empowering high school students as disciple-makers. They explore transformative experiences through prayer and camps, emphasizing the shift from mere participation to equipping students for leadership. Their insights highlight the significance of relational evangelism in community building and the emotional connections formed during outreach, demonstrating the profound impact of youth engagement in faith.

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.

In this episode, Cory and Brian explore the paradigm shift of embracing discovery-based learning in the context of disciple-making instead of the traditional lecture-based teaching of the Western Church. Jesus is of course the model for this, but our own experiences in disciple-making are a testament to the necessity of this way of thinking. We will also explore the challenges and pushback faced when implementing discovery-based methods and address some of the concerns we regularly hear about heresy and shallowness. Our encouragement to you, if you’re longing to see movement, is to embrace a discovery-based paradigm.