The KC Underground Podcast

In this conversation, Brian and Cory discuss observation number 10 from twofoureight.org. In this episode we talk about building simple and agile structures and tools in urban disciple making movements. We explore the idea of creating light, flexible organizational structures and teams that reflect together, innovate, and apply emergent practices. We emphasize the importance of adaptability and the need to iterate and adjust strategies based on the context and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We also discuss the significance of fostering a team environment that encourages creativity, freedom, and obedience to the Lord.

Cory and Brian hang with Gui Fadlalla and discuss the importance of finding the few who can reach the many in disciple-making. They share personal stories and experiences, highlighting the need for depth and soul care in the process. Gui talks about his work in using soccer as a tool for ministry and equipping coaches to be disciple-makers. The conversation emphasizes the shift from a fast-paced approach to a more intentional and focused investment in a few individuals.

Cory and Brian introduce the topic of focusing on the few to reach the many in the context of urban movements and everyday life. It emphasizes the importance of thinking strategically in urban contexts due to their complexity and the need to find the few who can replicate and reach others. The conversation also highlights the role of catalyzers and disciple-makers in the process, and the need to balance the desire for impact with personal capacity. The main takeaway is to know and invest in the few who can make a difference in their specific contexts.

Takeaways

• In urban contexts, it is important to think strategically and focus on the few who can replicate and reach others.
• Catalyzers and disciple makers play different roles in the process of reaching the few to reach the many.
• It is crucial to balance the desire for impact with personal capacity and avoid taking on too much.
• The key takeaway is to know and invest in the few who can make a difference in their specific contexts.

Summary

This conversation explores the topic of urban disciple-making movements and how to mobilize the local church. The guest, Pete Kirwan, shares his role at New City, a church in Kansas City, and how they have adapted traditional church models to focus on decentralized, full-week adaptable gathering place disciple-making structures. The conversation highlights the vision of New City for gospel saturation and the importance of integrating different church expressions. Pete also shares stories of microchurch expressions at New City, such as throwing parties for atheist friends and hosting equipping Zoom calls. The main takeaways include the need for integration and the presence of God in the church.
Takeaways

• Adapting existing church models towards decentralized, adaptable structures is key for urban disciple-making movements.
• Integration and the presence of God are essential in mobilizing the local church.
• Microchurch expressions can involve throwing parties for non-believing friends and hosting equipping Zoom calls.
• The focus should be on the holistic approach of mind, body, and spirit integration within the church.

In this conversation, Roy Moran discusses the topic of mobilizing the existing church to make disciples. He is described as a disruptor who helps people think differently and disrupts their practices. The concept of hybrid church is introduced, which involves inviting friends to discover the Bible together and create biblically flourishing communities. Moran emphasizes the importance of understanding one's context and creating pathways for exploration. He also encourages leaders to become permission-giving and to use language that focuses on sending and mission. The conversation concludes with the idea of re-gospeling and helping people understand the true nature of the gospel.

• Mobilizing the existing church requires a mindset shift and a willingness to disrupt traditional practices.
• Creating hybrid church models can involve inviting friends to discover the Bible together and forming biblically flourishing communities.
• Understanding one's context and creating pathways for exploration are crucial in mobilizing the local church.
• Leaders should become permission-giving and use language that focuses on sending and mission.
• Re-gospeling efforts involve helping people understand the true nature of the gospel and their role in the family business.
  

In this episode, Brian and Cory interview Marko Pretorius. Marko is on staff at a predominant model church in South Africa, but has been given the freedom to explore disciple-making principles within that structure that would lead to movement. He brings up some important points that lead pastors within the predominant system might consider as they seek to empower all of God's people into their masterpiece mission. 

In this episode, Brian and Cory interview Suz Ozbun. Suz is a local family doctor and perhaps more importantly, puts up with Cory. Suz shares her own journey and how she is currently putting into practice disciple-making principles in her context. 

• "I wasn't the professional or the pastor, but I see my role as a missionary now."

Summary

This conversation explores the topic of mobilizing the existing church for disciple-making. We delve into the observation that urban churches must refocus on disciple-making and engaging the lost. The conversation explores the definition of disciple-making and the need for paradigm shifts in existing church structures. We emphasize the importance of partnerships with existing churches and the mobilization of ordinary people. They also discuss the significance of unity and collaboration within the church and the potential for all believers to become disciple-makers.
Takeaways

Urban churches must refocus on disciple-making and engaging the lost.

Existing church structures may need paradigm shifts to prioritize disciple-making.

Partnerships with existing churches are crucial for mobilizing the church for disciple-making.

Ordinary people can play a significant role in mobilizing the existing church.

Unity and collaboration within the church are essential for effective disciple-making.

All believers have the potential to become disciple-makers.

• Tyler Dipprey shares his journey of transitioning from a mega church to a decentralized network of house churches focused on disciple making movements. He emphasizes the importance of inside leadership and the difference between conversion and disciple making. Tyler also discusses the challenges and rewards of long-term disciple making and the quality of disciples that emerge from this approach.

• Inside leadership is crucial in disciple making movements, as insiders have credibility and trust within their communities.
• Conversion is a part of disciple making, but it is not the fullness of the gospel. Disciple makers are committed to following Jesus and helping others do the same.
• Disciple making can be a long and challenging journey, but the quality of disciples that emerge from this approach is worth it.
• Each context requires a unique approach to disciple making, whether it's in a jail, neighborhood, or workplace.
• Ordinary people can be disciple makers wherever they go, and they should seek out inside leaders and empower them in their communities.

Takeaways

Inside leadership is crucial in disciple-making movements, as insiders have credibility and trust within their communities.

In this conversation, Brian, Cory, and Gary Kendall discuss the importance of collaboration and unity within the church to reach and impact a city. We highlight the need for a citywide vision and the role of prayer, compassion, evangelism, Bible engagement, and multiplication in achieving gospel saturation.

We also discuss the collaborative response of the Church of Kansas City to the recent tragedy after the Super Bowl, emphasizing the importance of unity and the unique role the church can play in providing support and care.

We also communicate the practical ways to give at thechurchloveskansascity.com

Takeaways:

• Collaboration and unity within the church are essential for reaching and impacting a city.
• A citywide vision should include prayer, compassion, evangelism, Bible engagement, and multiplication.
• The church has a unique role to play in providing support and care in times of tragedy.
• Cultivating relationships and friendships on mission is crucial for effective collaboration.

In this conversation, Brian and Norris Williams discuss the importance of empowering insider leaders in disciple making movements. Norris shares his background and how he got involved in disciple making movement principles. He emphasizes the need to listen to God and have a posture of humility when entering new places. Norris also highlights the importance of identity and pruning in bearing fruit. These principles are transferable to urban environments and can help individuals discover their true identity and purpose in the kingdom of God.

Takeaways

These principles can be applied in urban environments to help individuals find their true identity and purpose in the kingdom of God.

In this conversation, Brian and Cory discuss the importance of prioritizing inside leaders in urban disciple making movements. They highlight the complexity of cities, which are made up of millions of cultures and subcultures. They emphasize the need to find and raise up leaders who belong to these various subcultures and can effectively reach their own people. The conversation explores the role of outside leaders in supporting and empowering inside leaders, as well as the importance of mobilizing believers in the city. The discussion concludes with reflections on leadership and the need to redefine traditional notions of leadership.

In this conversation, Zach Duke shares his journey of faith and leadership development. He emphasizes the importance of modeling servant-hearted leadership and passing on the ministry to others. Zach highlights the need for leaders to prioritize intimacy with Jesus and trust in His goodness. He also discusses the tension between organic and intentional growth in leadership development. Zach encourages listeners to have faith in a mighty God and to obey Jesus in all things.
Takeaways

• Leadership development starts with modeling servant-hearted leadership and passing on the ministry to others.
• Leaders should prioritize intimacy with Jesus and trust in His goodness.
• There is a tension between organic and intentional growth in leadership development.
• Faith in a mighty God is essential for overcoming challenges and obstacles in leadership.

Cory and Brian introduce observation number six: Develop Servant Hearted Leaders Who Replicate. The strategy that Two Four Eight suggests in light of this observation is that urban disciple-makers should prioritize developing leaders like Jesus. While this seems obvious, we often miss the target on how we actually develop leaders.

In this episode, Cory interviews Cynthia Anderson. Cynthia has been a global catalyst for disciple-making movements for multiple decades. She is a deep well of wisdom for those pursuing movements of disciple-making. We dig a little deeper in the idea of investing in one-on-one disciple-making relationships that multiply by exploring the question of who we should mentor. To learn more from Cynthia, check out The Multipliers Mindset book or her podcast called Dare to Multiply. www.multipliersmindset.com

Cory and Brian interview Michael Sherwin of Two Four Eight. Michael was a primary driver behind the study of global movements and the process of discerning the common insights among these disciple-making networks in urban contexts. We wanted to have Michael back to explore more deeply this particular topic of "one-on-one vs. group disciple-making." We explore how our western individualism affects the way we see this insight, and how movement leaders celebrate this truth. 

Cory and Brian introduce Observation #5 from Two Four Eight's research on disciple-making in urban contexts: Invest, One-On-One in Disciple-making Relationships That Multiply. This is an interesting topic as we are strong proponents of group disciple-making and coaching. We explore this observation and what it can teach us as we seek to make disciples in the everyday stuff of life.

Cory and Brian interview Lee Wood, a global disciple-making catalyst. Lee has been committed to launching and sustaining disciple-making movements since 2013. He's done this in the context of Tampa, Florida, and in many global cities as well. Lee shares insights he's discovered in these diverse contexts and how they support the everyday leader. 

Cory and Brian interview Danielle Best, a disciple-making leader in New York City. In the previous episode, we began to explore the observation made by Two Four Eight that in urban movements, a potential strategy is to invest heavily, intentionally, and long-term into those they disciple. Danielle and her family have leaned into the realities and complexities of this observation in one of the world's largest cities. In this episode, we'll get her unique insight on disciple-making in the highly urban context. 

"To be spiritual family, you actually have to go through some stuff together!" - Danielle Best

Cory and Brian set up the fourth observation from the Two Four Eight research on disciple-making movements in Urban Contexts. The fourth observation states that "Urban disciple-makers should seek to invest heavily, intentionally, and long-term into those that they disciple."

"Let's not equate disciple-making with conversion. 

Today we wanted to invite you to consider financially partnering with the Kansas City Underground. This is not something that we have made a practice with this podcast, nor will we regularly do this into the future. We did want to take this moment, this year, to invite you to consider a one-time or recurring gift to the KC Underground on Giving Tuesday. Thanks for your continued support for the work we're doing to multiply disciples in this city and beyond. 

Cory and Rick Bush continue with our interviews with leaders engaging the broken, poor, and marginalized. This interview will specifically exore how and why God is moving among the homeless/houseless population in Kansas City. 

"If you think you are going to reach someone for Christ, you are mistaken. The Holy Spirit is already at work ahead of you." -Rick Bush

Cory and Brian interview Chris Conrad. Chris is one of the key leaders in Share the Hope, but he also actively serves the homeless communities in Kansas City. Chris knows what it's like to be an outsider and an insider among both of these networks. He brings a unique and important perspective to the posture we should take as we "go" among the broken, marginalized and poor. 

Cory and Brian set up the third observation from the Two Four Eight research on disciple-making movements in urban contexts. The third observation states that the most significant momentum in urban spaces appears to be among the broken, marginalized, and poor. These are tough words that often end up creating labels and categories that dismiss people. We want to fight against that. We also want to recognize that the observation is that "the most significant momentum" is among these networks of those that are considered insignificant. We'll get around both of these ideas and how we can appropriately consider this in our observation in our context.  

Cory and Brian welcome back Rob Wegner to wrap up our conversations around focusing on affinity groups in disciple-making movements in urban contexts. In this episode, we'll revisit why we should focus on affinity groups, stories that demonstrate how this plays out practically within the Underground, and how we can begin to discover our calling.

This week, Cory wraps up a two-part interview with Michael Rojas. This week, Cory and Michael dive deeper into his miraculous story and further discuss how God is using him to reach others like himself. This on-the-ground testimony highlights the 2nd observation of urban movements: emphasize affinity group engagement in cities.

This week, Cory begins a two-part interview with Michael Rojas, a local leader in Kansas City. Michael spends his time ministering to those with similar backgrounds and experiences as himself. Check out Michael's incredible journey from gang life and incarceration to disciple-making and ministry among people in those same communities.

Cory and Brian interview Stacy Gaskins of the Tampa Underground. Stacy is the Director of Translocal Movements for Tampa Underground. She has been a part of that network of missionaries and microchurches from the early days and regularly coaches missionaries who are engaged in unique contexts across her city. Stacy will share how Tampa supports helping leaders discover their own calling and begin to engage their own context.  

Cory and Brian set up the second observation from the Two Four Eight research on disciple-making movements in urban contexts: Emphasize Affinity Group Engagement in Cities. This is a topic we are passionate about in the Kansas City Underground. Our focus comes primarily through an emphasis on discovering your masterpiece mission. We always ask, "To whom have you already been sent?" and "Where do you have a reason to exist?"

Cory and Brian interview Zephan Allenbrand, a Hub Leader resident with the Serve Hub of the KC Underground. Zephan is also a committed missionary leader in Gardiner, along with his wife Taylar. Together, they seek to make disciples and see a microchurch emerge and, by God's grace, a Hub for that part of the city as well. Zephan shares how he made the paradigm shift to a discovery and obedience-based approach, how that has affected the way he points people's hearts toward Jesus, and the freedom he experiences in disciple-making because of this shift.

"We're not trying to determine what people need to hear now. We're here to learn from God and then respond to what he says."

Cory and Brian interview Breanna Wiebe, the ongoing coaching director of the KC Underground, about obedience and discovery-based disciple-making. This interview will explore Breanna's experience in her network of relationships and her experience developing coaching teams. The principles of discovery and obedience are important at the micro and macro levels. 

"Complacency is not our friend." - Bre

For the next few weeks, we interview different leaders, both locally and globally, on how they've leaned into discovery-based learning and obedience-based disciple-making in their context. This week we get some time with a global leader, Steven Steinhaus (name changed for protection). Steven and his family have been planting the gospel with unreached people groups for decades.

"It feels forced when you tell people what to do and what to believe."    

We're back to our series on exploring the 15 common insights among urban disciple-making movements. These insights were discovered through a series of interviews by a global organization called Two Four Eight. This week, Cory and Brian introduce the first insight, "Foster Obedient Lifestyles through Discovery Learning." This won't be something brand new for listeners of the podcast. However, we try to highlight some important points that were discovered by the Two Four Eight team as a reminder of the new paradigm in which we exist. We're not here to share more content but to encourage obedience to the truths we're hearing as we learn to listen to the voice of the Spirit and join Jesus in disciple-making in the everyday stuff of life. 

"Discovery-based learning is a pattern interrupt!"     

Cory and Brian interview Frank Viola on his book Insurgence. This book is a robust exploration of the gospel of the Kingdom of God. The Gospel message communicated within this work is one that works against a cultural understanding that is primarily legalistic or libertine. Frank Viola is a conference speaker, blogger, and bestselling author. He helps serious followers of Jesus know their Lord more deeply so they can experience real transformation and make a lasting impact. 

Cory and Brian get one more angle on the beginning of the KC Underground with Breanna and Ryan Wiebe. As with the previous stories, they have their own unique part in the birth of this network and discuss what was important for their family. We also try to pull out some of the pillar DNA components that have shaped us like our commitment to disciple-making tools, constant equipping, and relationships first. 

"The seeds of movement were planted years before. It just took a few years for them to emerge."  

In this episode exploring the beginnings of the KC Underground with Michelle and Rob Wegner, we get more focused on the details of what happened between 2019 - 2020. We focus more on the practical insights we gained as this microchurch network formalized. 

In this episode of the Origin Story of the KC Underground, we get to hear from Michelle and Rob Wegner. This turned into two episodes, actually. As with Cory and Brian, there's a story behind the story. In this first episode with the Wegners, we hear more about what formed them as people and as a family, which in turn shaped the KCU. We try to identify a few important parts of their ministry that have been a part of our founding DNA. 

Most of the episodes this year have aimed at being very practical for the everyday leader. We will continue to do that with this podcast. We also have realized we haven't told the story of the Underground much or very directly on our podcast. We share bits and pieces through the last three years, but not one focused telling. We felt like it was time to do that. However, there are multiple versions of this story. Everyone has an angle to it. In the coming months, we'll interview several of the early leaders to hear what they experienced as this little movement was birthed. In this episode, you'll hear the backstory of how the Underground emerged from Brian and Cory. We'll also share some practical insights for leaders in Kansas City and those who are seeking to see a movement emerge in their own city. 

This week, Cory and Brian interview Joshua Brown, a.k.a. The Pressure Washing Pastor. Joshua was a vocational pastor for over 20 years before transitioning completely to the marketplace. He now uses his business to create kingdom economics and foster disciple-making in the everyday stuff of life. His hope is to see a multiplication of kingdom-minded businesses that think about how to bring the beauty of the Kingdom to every city. 

• "The Church should be a sending organization for disciple-making for the Kingdom of God."

This is the final week of our miniseries with Darryl Answer, one of the directors of New Community, a Hub of the Kansas City Underground. This miniseries focuses on the 4Ps of spiritual family. These practices help us live with greater incarnational intentionality. In this final episode, we'll focus on People. The question we ask with People is, "Who will go with you?" This episode not only explores how we build teams, but we'll also look at how all of these Ps can inform the way we live at a micro and macro level.

• "Jesus never wanted us to do life in isolation."

We are in week three of a miniseries with Darryl Answer, one of the directors of New Community, a Hub of the Kansas City Underground. This miniseries focuses on the 4Ps of spiritual family. These practices help us live with greater incarnational intentionality. In this third episode, we'll focus on Place. The question we ask with Place is, "Where has God placed you?"

We are in week two of a miniseries with Darryl Answer, one of the directors of New Community, a Hub of the Kansas City Underground. This miniseries focuses on the 4Ps of spiritual family. These practices help us live with greater incarnational intentionality. In this second episode, we'll focus on Purpose. The question we ask with Purpose is, "What has God given you?"   

• "Every person has been created in the image of God, so every person has a purpose."

This week begins a four-part interview with Darryl Answer, one of the directors of New Community, a Hub of the Kansas City Underground. The 4Ps are practices that help us live with greater incarnational intentionality. In this first episode, we'll do a high-level overview of the 4Ps and get into Prayer. The question we ask with Prayer is, "What is God saying to you?" Darryl will share how this framework has influenced their larger spiritual family and guides the way they live in and love well the East Side of Kansas City.  

• "Prayer is the activity to go to that feeds every other thing we do." 

In this week's episode we will follow up to other topics on timing in disciple-making. While knowing when to invite people into a DBS or when to introduce prayer is important, there are a host of other topics that we're probably always asking ourselves about. When do we baptize? When do we reproduce leaders? And, so many more. While we can't answer all the questions, we'll begin to explore a few of those questions.

We've got a new nugget in disciple-making this week. This week, we address the topic of timing. How do you know when to introduce prayer? How do you know when to invite people into a discovery Bible Study? We've all got questions on timing because we all have expectations about how fast or slow a group should go. That's what we begin to address with this disciple-making nugget.   

Cory and Brian take some time this week to respond to the last two weeks of interviews with Alan Hirsch. While Alan's words have deeply shaped our movement, we recognize that sometimes interviews like the last two weeks might feel more theoretical than practical for the everyday leader. This is what we want to address this week. How do the seven marks of movement impact the ordinary disciple-maker?