Our Team
The Block KC is a ministry of Lenexa Baptist Church and Journey Bible Church. All staff are employed by one of these two churches. In addition to the three staff leaders, the Block couldn't happen without a volunteer team of young adult leaders who serve each Thursday night.
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
Frequently asked questions
Emily Greene is the Young Adult Women's Coordinator at LBC. She started following Jesus at 19 years older during her sophomore year at KU. After graduating, Emily spent 4 years working for Student Mobilization, doing graphic design and media. She enjoys helping women read their Bible and has a heart to train women in sharing their faith. Emily loves hosting people at elaborate dinners, working out at the gym and going to the lake or mountains.
Emily Greene
While we may only have bios for our three staffed positions, it wouldn’t be complete without mentioning The Block KC Leadership Team. The Block is led by young adults who are seeking to “be pastors 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.
Young Adult Leaders
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
Ryan Goetzmann is the Young Adults Minister at Journey Bible Church. Jesus grabbed his heart at the end of high school and he started to walk with God in college. After his time at K-State, Ryan worked in the agriculture industry for one year and has been in full time ministry for 7 years. Ryan is passionate about helping young adults walk deeply with Jesus and see how they can walk faithfully with Him in the everyday parts of life. He is a big outdoorsman, loves K-State sports, a good cup of coffee and talking life with others. Ryan and his wife Lindy have been married since March of 2025.
Ryan Goetzmann
Parent Churches
We are privileged to a ministry of two local churches, Lenexa Baptist Church and Journey Bible Church. If you don't have a church home, we'd love to see you at either church on Sundays!
