In this episode of AI & the Church, host Michael Whittle sits down with Pastor Charles Metcalf (Transformation Church, Tulsa, OK) and Pastor Filmore Bouldes (One Church, Seattle, WA) to talk honestly about how AI fits into church life — both in creative work and in the pulpit.

The conversation covers two main areas: AI and creativity — where the pastors draw a clear line between using AI as a workflow assistant for admin, systems, and design production versus outsourcing the actual creative or artistic vision — and AI and preaching — where both pastors walk through their personal sermon-prep processes, including how they use AI as a research assistant to gather theological perspectives, stress-test arguments, and refine language, while insisting the core thesis, conviction, and voice of a sermon must come from the preacher's own study and walk with God.

Key themes include the idea that "you have to think first, prompt second," why AI can accelerate research but should never replace theological judgment or personal accountability, and why the hardest part of preaching in the AI era isn't writing faster — it's a young preacher finding their own voice. The episode closes with both pastors sharing why they're hopeful, not fearful, about the future of the church in an AI-saturated culture.

Nona Jones—author, preacher, and business leader—joins us to share her passion for bringing the mission of the Church into digital spaces. Plus, Nona offers insight to pastors feeling the tension between participation on Sundays and ongoing engagement throughout the week.

Learn more about Nona Jones: https://www.nonajones.com/

In the final part of our interview, Carey Nieuwhof describes how technology—along with strategy—can have a big impact on the effectiveness of ministry. Plus, Carey offers insight into the key components churches should keep in mind when developing their own theology of technology.

Download The Finish Strong Challenge ebook: https://bit.ly/3P9ws1b

Learn more about Carey Nieuwhof: https://careynieuwhof.com/

Carey Nieuwhof—leadership expert and founding pastor—is back on Equip & Engage to discuss personal well-being, church health, and how to maximize resources beyond Sunday. Plus, Carey offers insight into effective church volunteer recruitment.

Download The Finish Strong Challenge ebook: https://engage.subsplash.com/finish-strong-challenge-p

Learn more about Carey Nieuwhof: https://careynieuwhof.com/

Chris Larson—president and CEO of Ligonier Ministries—joins us to discuss Ligonier’s 50+ year history of investing in technology to make the gospel more accessible. Plus, Chris dives into the 500-year legacy of the Reformation.

Learn more about Ligonier: https://www.ligonier.org/

Download the Ligonier app: https://subsplash.com/ligonier/app

Check out the State of Theology report: https://thestateoftheology.com/

In the final part of our interview, Nicole Smithee describes the challenges of being a church leader in today’s climate and the opportunity of using this season to bring positive change to the Church. Plus, Nicole shares a note of encouragement for women in ministry.

Learn more about Iridescent Women: https://iridescentwomen.com/

Nicole Smithee—CEO and cofounder of Iridescent Women—joins us to discuss the opportunities and challenges of using digital spaces for spiritual formation and discipleship. Plus, Nicole shares her background in ministry and her heart for equipping and connecting women.

Learn more about Iridescent Women: https://iridescentwomen.com/

In the final part of our interview, Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra describes the effects of social media on younger generations. Plus, we dive into the best ways forward for the Church’s digital presence.

Learn more about Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/profile/sarah-eekhoff-zylstra/