Interview with the Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Lebrija – Ask Cathy, AI, and Faithful Innovation

In our first interview episode, we sit down with Fr. Lorenzo Lebrija, Executive Director of the TryTank Research Institute, to discuss faithful innovation, the creation of Ask Cathy, the challenges and promises of AI, and how the church can thoughtfully engage this rapidly changing landscape.

Topics covered:

• Introduction to Ask Cathy: An AI resource trained in the Episcopal tradition to assist congregations, especially small ones.
• Plans for future Cathy updates, including liturgy support, pastoral resources, and administrative help.
• Using AI to strengthen—not replace—human relationships in ministry.
• How AI can support spiritual growth through journaling, faith coaching, and pastoral care prompts.
• Discerning faithful innovation: How Tri-Tank evaluates which ideas to pursue.
• The polarization of attitudes toward AI and why thoughtful church engagement matters.
• Ethical considerations: bias in AI training, capitalism’s impact, and the church’s role in shaping AI ethically.
• Practical advice for using AI tools to support inclusion, learning, and community life.

Homework:

• Reflect: How could AI tools like Ask Cathy support your ministry or your congregation’s pastoral care needs?
• Explore: Visit askcathy.ai to see how Cathy works.
• Experiment: Try prompting your AI tool to offer more inclusive or diverse perspectives and reflect on the results.
• Prepare: Think about ways you can frame AI conversations with your congregation if you haven’t already started.

Resources:

• Ask Cathy – Churchy Answers That Help You
• TryTank Research Institute
• AI Church Conference Information
• How to Try by Lorenzo Lebrija (Book on faithful experimentation in ministry)
• Mission Canvas – TryTank’s tool for evaluating new ministry ideas
• Harvard Business Review: How People Are Really Using Gen AI in 2025
• Episcopal Church Task Force on AI and Intellectual Property (ongoing work)
• Living Stories Sermons - Project of Rev. Peter Levenstrong
• Backstory Preaching - Timely & practical support thriving while accomplishing the daily work of preaching