LNP 47 | Microchurches for the Next Generation

September 19, 2023

Older paradigms of student ministry were focused on centralized expressions that required the next generation to be good inviters. Gen Z believers are hungry for more. They recognize they’re living in a fully post-Christian world and longing for equipping that will empower them to be effective disciplemakers in their schools and within their friend groups. Zero Hour Ministries is discovering and leaning into this in Kansas City. With a vision to see all 88 metro high schools saturated with the gospel, Zero Hour is creatively exploring new ways to support students as they are sent on mission to bring beauty, justice, and the Good News of Jesus to their school. Rob Wegner and Brian Johnson interview Cory to dig deeper into the strategies of Zero Hour to understand how they are disciplemaking among the next generation and empowering student leaders to see microchurches emerge in their context. This podcast accompanies an article written by Cory McElvain that you can find at leadnet.org.

GUEST: Cory McElvain, Pioneering Director of Zero Hour Ministries

HOSTS: Rob Wegner and Brian Johnson, Directors of Microchurch NEXT 

Cory McElvain

Cory McElvain

Cory McElvain is a Kansas City and started planting microchurches in high school, driven by his passion for the global Church. He continued this work with REACH from 2007 to 2012. Later, in Lawrence, Kansas, he focused on planting collegiate microchurches alongside his CrossFit gym. Despite feeling a calling to reach students, he began working at a gym in Overland Park in 2019. Cory and Celicia prayed for their next calling. Cory and his wife Celicia launched Zero Hour Ministries under Kansas City Underground in summer 2020. Their vision: mobilize students to make disciples, forming student-led teams in schools within a 30-mile radius of Kansas City. Goal: enable every student to encounter, hear, and respond to the Gospel!
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