Episode 12 - Reflections and Future Directions: Wrapping Up Season One
In this final episode of Season One, Mercedes and Peter reflect on what they’ve learned over six months of exploring AI and ministry. From shifting use patterns to theological concerns, from project workflows to mental health implications, they chart both practical strategies and faithful commitments for churches navigating an AI-shaped world.
Topics Covered:
- Sci-fi stories as mirrors for our hopes and fears about AI
- Why relational ministry can’t be automated
- The emotional effects of AI vs. social media
- Reasoning models and context engineering in ChatGPT
- What AI can and can’t do for church communications and planning
- Human oversight, authenticity, and theological discernment
- How AI is accelerating—and why that matters for churches
- AI agents, multimodal tools, and upcoming tech like GPT-5
- Mental health concerns and potential risks of AI use
- The enduring value of community and the spoken word
- Personal updates and what’s next for Peter and Mercedes
Resources Mentioned:
- Living Stories Sermons: livingstoriessermons.org
- Spike Jonze’s Her (film)
- Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward series (featuring the AI “M-Bot”)
- Murderbot Diaries (TV adaptation mentioned by Peter)
- The Murder Bot Diaries (book series by Martha Wells)
- Neil Stephenson’s Fall or, Dodge in Hell
Homework:
- Try building a ChatGPT Project Folder for a current ministry task—use it for planning, then test it again for communications.
- Reflect on your values: What parts of your work are deeply relational and should never be automated?
- Watch a sci-fi film or read a story that features AI. What values does it reflect? What fears or hopes does it raise?
- (00:08) - GPT5 from OpenAI is expected to come out very soon
- (00:11) - Moore's Law says computing power doubles every two years
- (00:29) - Authenticity in the church using artificial intelligence
- (00:36) - Using AI to help write more fluently and more quickly
- (00:54) - The usefulness of reasoning models
- (00:56) - Closing Thoughts
Creators and Guests
Host
The Rev. Mercedes Clements
With a unique blend of expertise in technology and ministry, Mercedes Clements brings a forward-thinking approach to her work in the Church. Before entering ordained ministry, Mercedes built a successful career in IT management, strategic systems design, and compliance. Now serving as an Episcopal priest, she draws on her technical background to explore innovative ways technology, including AI, can support and enhance ministry. As the co-host of the AI Church Toolkit Podcast, Mercedes combines her passion for faith, systems thinking, and collaboration to equip church leaders with practical tools for navigating the evolving digital landscape while staying rooted in the mission of the Church.
Host
The Rev. Peter Levenstrong
Peter Levenstrong is the Associate Rector at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, a vibrant congregation known for its liturgical creativity, intergenerational worship, and radical hospitality. With a passion for blending ancient traditions with innovative practices, Peter is dedicated to helping church leaders navigate the complexities of ministry in the digital age. As a co-host of the AI Church Toolkit Podcast, Peter believes in the opportunities created by AI to deepen, not replace, human relationships. His other projects include Living Stories Sermons, a participatory preaching model that is all about human connection and communion; yet much of the content is made possible by the use of AI. Grounded in his commitment to community and inclusion, Peter believes that when thoughtfully applied, technology can deepen relationships and expand the Church’s mission in transformative ways.
