Unity on the World Stage: A Conversation with Kwan Porter
Courageous Conversations from UniteKC
Release Date: 02/25/2026
Not Blaming. Not Shaming. Naming. A Conversation with Lexi Lang
Courageous Conversations from UniteKC
Lexi Lang joins Courageous Conversations to talk about the Dividing Lines Tour, racially restrictive deed covenants in Kansas City's neighborhoods, and what it looks like to love your neighbor through knowing your city's history.
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Origins of Racism
Courageous Conversations from UniteKC
In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Ray and Gary wade into deep waters—exploring the origins of racism in the church, the power of silence, and what it means to take responsibility without assigning guilt. Drawing from history, Scripture, and lived experience, they unpack concepts like “inherited head starts,” complicity, and blind spots, while inviting listeners into a hopeful vision of unity rooted in truth. This conversation challenges the Church to listen honestly, speak courageously, and love neighbors in ways that lead to real flourishing.
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Business Leaders for City Flourishing
Courageous Conversations from UniteKC
What happens when business leaders stop “supporting ministry” from a distance—and start using their gifts, networks, and wisdom to help the city flourish? In this episode, Ray and Gary sit down with George (The Barnabas Group Kansas City) to explore how business leaders can strengthen ministries and nonprofits through practical insight, strategic coaching, and collaborative problem-solving. George shares Barnabas’ model—connecting ministry passion with business expertise—plus a powerful story of justice work helping survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives through...
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Foundations: Why We Entered this Work
Courageous Conversations from UniteKC
In this Foundations episode of Courageous Conversations, hosts Ray and Gary step back to share the personal stories that shaped their commitment to racial healing, justice, and unity. From childhood memories during the civil rights era to painful experiences in Christian school, cross-cultural friendships, moments of fear, courage, and unexpected leadership opportunities, this conversation traces how God uses lived experience to form conviction. Rather than offering a program or solution, Ray and Gary reflect on what it looks like to show up humbly, stay engaged through adversity, and take...
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Unity on the World Stage: A Conversation with Kwan Porter
Courageous Conversations from UniteKC
As Kansas City prepares to host the World Cup, Kwan Porter (Life Mission KCK) shares why this moment is bigger than logistics—it’s a Kingdom opportunity. From job fairs that honor people with dignity to a citywide vision for worship and unity, Kwan challenges the Church to lead with hospitality, courage, and love. What happens if thousands of believers simply choose to “do one good thing” at the same time?
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Caring for Kids Is Caring for the City
Courageous Conversations from UniteKC
In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Ray Jarrett and Gary Kendall sit down with Porsche Seals, Executive Director of Caring for Kids, for a powerful conversation about advocacy, education, and what it really takes to show up for children in Kansas City. Porsche shares her unexpected journey from stay-at-home mom and PTA leader to city-wide advocate, leading a growing network of schools, churches, and community partners. Together, they explore why history still matters, how inequity shows up in education, and why mentoring, literacy, and everyday involvement can change a child’s...
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Hope Center: Building a Neighborhood Where the Vulnerable Flourish
Courageous Conversations from UniteKC
In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Ray Jarrett and Gary Kendall sit down with Marvin Daniels, Director of The Hope Center, to explore what it looks like to pursue long-term transformation in Kansas City’s urban core. Marvin shares his journey from Brooklyn to Chicago to Kansas City—and how God shaped a vision not just for a single building, but for an entire neighborhood to experience hope and flourishing. The conversation covers a comprehensive approach to youth development and community development: engaging families, launching a neighborhood health center, opening a school,...
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Go Underground
Courageous Conversations from UniteKC
Jeremiah reveals why he and his wife, Mona, wrote the story of the underground and turned it into an award-winning theatrical performance with 20 years of history in KC. Hear some wins and some heartache. Take notes of what we learned. Most of all we talk about why these kind of offerings are important today.
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Unoffendable
Courageous Conversations from UniteKC
We live in a cancel culture where if we disagree, it is treated with offense. What if we were determined to be unoffendable—where we sought first to understand and then valued friendship over disagreement?
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Beyond the Comfort Zone: Music, Multiethnic Church, and the Courage to Lead
Courageous Conversations from UniteKC
Ray Jarrett and Gary Kendall sit down with worship leader and marketplace executive Lester Estelle, Sr. to talk about leading in a predominantly white church, building truly multiethnic worship, and staying courageous when resistance shows up. From police-at-the-door misunderstandings to introducing Spanish verses and hymns, Lester shares practical wisdom for creating spaces that look a little more like heaven—on Sunday and beyond.
info_outlineAs Kansas City prepares to host the World Cup, Kwan Porter (Life Mission KCK) shares why this moment is bigger than logistics—it’s a Kingdom opportunity. From job fairs that honor people with dignity to a citywide vision for worship and unity, Kwan challenges the Church to lead with hospitality, courage, and love. What happens if thousands of believers simply choose to “do one good thing” at the same time?