Introducing AI in Your Church
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:
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.
- Mercedes’s step-by-step approach to introducing AI at All Saints’ Episcopal Church.
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/
- (00:06) - Think about your own organization, where you work. Do you need to have some transparent conversations about using generative AI
- (00:07) - You went on a trip to discuss AI with clergy about sermon writing
- (00:07) - How do you build trust with your parishioners around something as unfamiliar as AI
- (00:14) - Tesla full self driving mode requires you to keep hands on the wheel
- (00:17) - Church uses AI to process SWOT analysis from strategic planning
- (00:19) - Does AI written prayer count as prayer? Well, I have used it
- (00:22) - We tend to focus on the sermon writing, but policies are a red herring
- (00:23) - How did you introduce the idea of using AI to your parish
- (00:27) - If you're working with AI, we recommend starting to communicate early and often
- (00:34) - One parishioner maintained that AI shouldn't be used at all
- (00:35) - Mercedes: Bringing AI up with your congregation requires some preparation
- (00:40) - You have to navigate this transition transparently and pastorally
- (00:44) - Have you ever had to adjust course based on feedback from your congregation
- (00:47) - Mercedes uses AI to help write sermons and revise them
- (00:51) - Is using AI cheating? How would you respond to that question
- (00:53) - How do you decide how frequently to disclose AI use
- (00:57) - I think helping people navigate AI helps them throughout their lives
- (00:59) - There are many ethical and moral questions about using generative AI
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.
