Our Team
This is the space to introduce the team and what makes it special. Describe the team culture and work philosophy. To help site visitors connect with the team, add details about team members’ experience and skills.
About The Block KC
The Block began 5 years ago with a singular purpose: challenge Young Adults to know Jesus and live radically for Him. Since then, we’ve seen lives transformed, relationships built, and friendships forged. It doesn’t matter if you are new to Christianity, have never read your Bible, or you are currently living your life for God’s glory: we want to help. Each Thursday we have engaging messages from God’s Word that have life-changing truths. The Block is a front door to Lenexa Baptist and Journey Bible if you are seeking authentic community with other young adults.
There are opportunities to investigate Jesus, be trained as a spiritual leader, connect with other young adults, and also have some fun. We have regular events such as pickleball tournaments, barn parties, and other great outings where you can hang out with 200 of your new closest friends. If you’re looking for a smaller group, we would love to connect you to a community group through one of our two churches to help you grow in your faith.
FAQs
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What age is the Block KC for?Every young adult ages 22-35. Most people are single, but there are a number of married couples who come regularly. College students (ages 18-22) are also very welcome to attend, and will find the messages practical but geared specifically to the post-collegiate life. That being said, we want you to come so you can see what lies ahead! If you’re a parent, we don’t have childcare, but we would love to point you to one of our two churches’ great children’s ministries.
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What should I expect on a Thursday night?We meet in one of the auditoriums at Lenexa Baptist. Starting at 7 p.m., a typical Block night is a little over an hour, and will include worship and a message, with time to hang out before and after. There will be young adults who serve as leaders ready to welcome new faces if you are coming for the first time or coming alone. Most people get there between 6:45-6:55 and hang out until we start.
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When and where does the Block meet in Kansas City?The Block meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at Lenexa Baptist, 15320 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219.
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Is the Block part of a church?Yes! The Block KC is the young adults ministry of both Journey Bible Church and Lenexa Baptist Church. If you don’t have a church home, we would love to get you connected.
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Can I get involved at the Block?There are a couple ways you can get involved, the first way would be to come and make it apart of your life. There are opportunities for community through both churches. If you're a member of LBC or JBC, and are interested in serving as a Block leader, we have an application process and training course that we’d love to show you.
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What if I’m coming alone?We’ll have young adults ready to greet you, just look for anyone with a leader’s lanyard or stop by our connect center. We get feedback that it’s a highly welcoming environment to all.
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Do I need to register, pay, or rsvp?Nope! Every Thursday night is open and free, our treat. We even have regular social events that are free to you. There might occasionally be an event or conference that might need a registration and payment, but we try to keep it available and affordable to all young adults.
Nick Swearingen is the Young Adults Pastor at Lenexa Baptist Church and a co-founder of the Block KC. He turned to Christ at 18 years old during his freshman year at K-State. After graduation, Nick spent 5 years working in overseas missions before going into young adult ministry. He values cultivating intimacy with God in young adults and is passionate about making disciples who make disciples. Nick loves the Chiefs, working out, and meeting with young adults. He and his wife Madisyn have been married since October of 2023.
Nick Swearingen
Luke Hougland is the Young Adults Minister at Journey Bible Church and a co-founder of the Block KC. He began following Jesus at 16, attended Kansas State University, and worked in the home mortgage industry for several years before going into full-time ministry. Luke is passionate about helping young adults walk with God and values authenticity and excellence in ministry. He loves to play golf, cheer on the Chiefs, and have meaningful conversations. Luke and his wife Bailey have been married since January of 2022 and have one son, Levi.
Luke Hougland
Ministry Partners
We are privileged to partner with two local churches from our community
While we may only have bios for our two staffed positions, it wouldn’t be complete without mentioning The Block KC Leadership Team. The Block is entirely led by young adults who are seeking to “be a pastor to their peers”, to steal one of our favorite quotes. There are different teams that fulfill different functions to make ministry happen. Each team is led by a Team Lead guy and girl, who in turn report to our Directors who provide staffed support. Our leaders really are the main movers in our ministry, and each Leader and Team Lead gives sacrificially of their time, on and off Thursdays, to plan, pray, and implement Thursday nights and other events.
Leadership Team
