The KC Underground Podcast

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 knew 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.