Microchurch Conference: Morgan Greer

Written By Brian Johnson

Episode Summary

In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian sits down with Morgan Greer during the recent Microchurch Conference to reflect on what stood out while gathering with microchurch leaders and networks from across the country and around the world. Morgan shares how hearing diverse stories of disciple-making, welcoming the stranger, and experimenting with new expressions of mission reminded him of the freedom and beauty of following Jesus in creative, contextual ways.

He also reflects on moving through fear and hostility toward genuine hospitality, what it means to stay present to the work of the Holy Spirit, and how ordinary faithfulness in places like juvenile detention centers can become a meaningful witness to the kingdom. Morgan encourages listeners to keep listening to Jesus, keep experimenting, and keep taking simple steps of obedience toward the people and places God is putting on their hearts.

Key Themes & Takeaways

1. The Beauty of Diverse Expressions

  • The conference gathered hundreds of leaders from different cities, cultures, and approaches.

  • A key realization: not everyone uses the same language—but many are doing meaningful kingdom work.

  • Encouragement: there is no single model—God is moving through diverse expressions of disciple-making.

2. From Fear to Love of the Stranger

  • A powerful contrast:

    • Xenophobia → fear

    • Philoxenia → love

  • Following Henri Nouwen, the journey is:

    • Hostility → Hospice → Hospitality

  • Loving the stranger requires moving through discomfort, not avoiding it.

3. A Story of Transformation Through Obedience

  • A panelist shared how a moment of hostility (being insulted as a child) became an opportunity for relationship.

  • Choosing to respond with love led to:

    • A long-term relationship

    • Mutual care and connection

    • A life-shaping outcome

  • Key takeaway: small acts of obedience can radically change trajectories.

4. Learning to Love Across Difference

  • Morgan reflects on his work in a youth detention center:

    • It often feels cross-cultural and unfamiliar

    • He still feels like a “stranger” at times

  • Challenges include:

    • Uncertainty (“Does this matter?”)

    • Emotional resistance or fear

  • Yet, showing up consistently has formed deeper compassion and faithfulness.

5. The Struggle (and Gift) of Being Present

  • A personal challenge: distraction and lack of presence—even in meaningful spaces.

  • A breakthrough moment during worship:

    • Fully present with God

    • Aware of His work in real time

  • Insight: learning to be present with God is a critical part of disciple-making.

6. You Don’t Have to Get It Right

  • Story from the conference:

    • Someone shared a prophetic word… and it didn’t land at all

    • Response: “I’m just not very good at this yet.”

  • This creates freedom:

    • To try

    • To fail

    • To grow

7. A Call to Experiment

  • Strong takeaway:

    • Don’t stay stuck in systems or formulas

    • Follow what God is putting on your heart

  • Experimentation is part of obedience:

    • Try things

    • Learn through experience

    • Trust God in the process

8. The Opportunity in Every City

  • Kansas City (and every city) is filled with:

    • Diverse people groups

    • Untouched spaces

  • The need:

    • Faithful disciple-makers willing to go

    • Presence, not perfection

  • Vision: more people stepping into everyday mission where they already are.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a reminder that disciple-making isn’t about mastering a method—it’s about moving toward people with love, even when it’s uncomfortable. Whether it’s loving the stranger, staying present with God, or trying something new, the invitation is simple: take the next step and trust Him with the outcome.

Brian Johnson
Next

Microchurch Conference: Bre Wiebe