Summary:
How do you introduce AI into your congregation thoughtfully and transparently? In this episode, we share real-life experiences, challenges, and lessons learned about navigating conversations, addressing concerns, and building trust as church leaders using AI.

Show Notes:

• Topics covered:
  
  
  • Mercedes’s step-by-step approach to introducing AI at All Saints’ Episcopal Church.
    Transparency about AI use, including from the pulpit and in vestry discussions.
  • Managing expectations with a Responsible Use Policy.
  • Building trust by sharing examples and demonstrating how AI supports ministry work.
  • Addressing ethical concerns: privacy, protecting human creatives, and environmental impact.
  • Practical advice for other leaders feeling cautious about starting these conversations.

Homework:

• Reflect on how you currently use AI and how you communicate that use to your congregation.
• Consider if your church needs a Responsible Use Policy or clearer communication strategies.
• If you're planning to introduce AI tools, prepare concrete examples to show how they support, not replace, human ministry.

  
  

Resources:

• https://aichurchtoolkit.com/
• https://www.livingstoriessermons.org/
• https://www.backstorypreaching.com/
  
  

Episode 5: Relating to AI

Summary:
Can we have a relationship with AI? In this episode, we explore the human tendency to anthropomorphize AI, the risks of treating it like a person, and how to stay grounded in using it as a tool that supports ministry, without replacing authentic relationships.

Show Notes:

Topics covered:

• Why AI is not a relational being and should be treated as a tool.
• Real-world examples of people forming unhealthy attachments to chatbots.
• The dangers of anthropomorphizing AI, especially for youth and vulnerable users.
• How to engage AI intentionally and avoid theological or emotional confusion.
• Strategies for using AI in ministry while maintaining emotional and relational boundaries.

Homework:

• Reflect on how you currently use AI.
• Ask: “Does this enhance relationships or replace them?”
• Identify boundaries you may need to set around emotional or theological engagement with AI.

Resources:

• She Is in Love With ChatGPT
• Andy Masley’s article on AI’s environmental impact
• Antiqua et Nova – Catholic Church, Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence
• OpenAI & MIT Media Lab study on AI and loneliness
• https://aichurchtoolkit.com/
• “AI Technology Panic—is AI Dependence Bad for Mental Health? A Cross-Lagged Panel Model and the Mediating Roles of Motivations for AI Use Among Adolescents”
• "Anthropomorphism in AI"
• "AI anthropomorphism and its effect on users' self-congruence and continuance intention"
• “Anthropomorphism in AI: hype and fallacy”
• Teddy Ruxpin
• Max Headroom