Building a Movement: How Alex and Cassie Ferren are Bringing New Hope to Kansas City through Church Planting
Troy McMahon
Kansas City Movement Leader
In 2020, amidst a year that reshaped the world, Alex and Cassie Ferren moved to Kansas City with a calling and a vision: to plant a church that could reproduce and multiply, bringing the message of hope to the heart of Kansas City. Their journey led them to join the KC NewThing network, which focuses on creating reproducing churches that actively connect people back to God. Through powerful relationships, intentional apprenticeships, and the support of the East network leader, Jake Taylor, Alex and Cassie completed the NewThing Reproducing Network Catalyst (RNC) program. It was the beginning of something transformative for both the Ferrens and Kansas City.
NewThing’s Vision: Building a Movement of Reproducing Churches
NewThing operates with a clear purpose: to ignite a movement of reproducing churches through four core pillars—Reproducing, Residencies, Resources, and Relationships. This framework is rooted in the biblical call to multiplication found in 2 Timothy 2:2 and equips leaders to plant churches that plant more churches, expanding the reach of the Gospel through multiplying networks. NewThing's intentional focus on reproduction aims to make a lasting impact by developing disciples, leaders, and church communities that will continue to grow.
Launching the City Center Network: A Year of Growth
After completing their RNC training, Alex and Cassie took on the role of network leaders, launching the NewThing City Center network in Kansas City in September 2023. Since then, six churches have joined the City Center network, creating a supportive community that sponsors and encourages new church plants across the city. Over the past year alone, the network has supported the launch of four new churches, each playing a vital role in bringing the Gospel to different neighborhoods in Kansas City. Among these new church plants are Neighbor’s Church, One City Church, Vine Hill Church, and Hope Chapel – Downtown.
At a recent KC NewThing Movement gathering, One City Church, led by Howard Penate, was chosen to receive a $5,000 gift to support its launch. This moment became a powerful testament to the network's generosity and sense of community as other churches, both within and beyond the City Center network, spontaneously contributed an additional $6,000 to support Howard’s ministry. These acts of support demonstrate NewThing's commitment to fostering Kingdom-minded relationships and empowering church leaders to make a difference in their communities.
Cassie Ferren
NewThing | Kansas City Leaders Gathering
Reflections from New Church Planters
Two recently launched churches, Vine Hill Church and Hope Chapel – Downtown, offer a glimpse into how NewThing is impacting Kansas City at a personal level. Alex from Vine Hill Church shared how NewThing has provided a network of encouragement and guidance, saying, “Being a part of NewThing has helped me build community with brothers and sisters in Christ walking through similar seasons. It has given me people to talk to about situations and issues that not many others can fully comprehend.”
Similarly, Jamie from Hope Chapel shared her family’s experience: “We’re a new church plant in the heart of Downtown KCMO. Our family moved here a year ago without any connections or established relationships. As soon as we arrived, a friend connected us with NewThing, and it has been a game-changer for us. Doing Kingdom work with Kingdom-minded friends in a new city has made all the difference. We wouldn’t be where we are without this amazing community.”
Empowering Kansas City through Relationship and Reproduction
Through relationships, apprenticeship, and shared resources, leaders like Alex and Cassie are cultivating a multiplication movement that brings life and hope to Kansas City. The City Center network continues to create a ripple effect, empowering leaders to plant more churches and serve in neighborhoods that need God’s love.
In a city that welcomed them as newcomers just a few years ago, Alex and Cassie are now vital leaders in a movement that’s renewing Kansas City one church at a time. It’s an example of how intentional investment in people and relationships can build a thriving, God-centered community. As the City Center network continues to grow, so too does its impact, bringing new life to Kansas City through the power of faith and community.
