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:

• 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/
  
  

• (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