The Underground Network is thrilled to announce a new chapter in our shared life and mission: Joel Repic has been named our next Executive Director. He will officially begin this role on August 16, 2025.

Joel has been a longtime friend of the Underground—someone who has shared our heart for decentralized mission, church at the margins, and Spirit-led imagination. His journey resonates with ours as expressed in our Manifesto - a life shaped by faithful risk, creative obedience, and a relentless pursuit of Jesus and His cause. Our mutual friendship has allowed us to get to know Joel as a faithful and missional leader who will serve the Underground as we discover this next season of our collective experience. We believe he’s the right person to serve us and guide us into what God has for us next.

Before this appointment, Joel served for 20 years in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, a low-income community near Pittsburgh.  Here, he served as co-director of The Greenhouse Network and served efforts in church multiplication with The Christian and Missionary Alliance. His leadership in Western Pennsylvania focused on serving the poor, empowering new leaders, planting diverse and decentralized expressions of church, and fostering a culture of prayer and the Spirit-led life.

Joel is not arriving with formed answers or a fixed agenda. He comes eager to listen—to learn from the stories, people, and places that make up this beautiful, complex network. He brings with him experience that is aligned with a network like ours, a love for the church in all its forms, and a deep belief that ordinary people, surrendered to Jesus, can change the world.  Additionally, he comes with courage to take new risks and build the new things God is calling us toward.

“I’ve long admired the Underground, personally learned from its story and leaders, and resonated with its Manifesto,” Joel shared. “To be called into this role feels both humbling and hopeful. This is a movement I believe in deeply, and I’m excited to walk with, serve, and champion the leaders who make it what it is.”

This transition follows a season of discernment, prayer, and dialogue within the Underground board, governing elders, and staff. We’re deeply grateful for the Spirit's voice among our leaders and the way we will now journey together moving forward.

Joel will arrive in Tampa with his wife, Chelsea, who is a licensed therapist, and their three kids - Levi (16), Jade (14), and Isla (8).  They are eager to call Tampa home and get to know this special city where God is continually working.

Please join us in praying for Joel, his family, and our Network as we step into this new season together—with openness, expectation, and a continued commitment to live lives surrendered to Jesus.

With hope and joy,
The Underground Team