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:
- (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
