podcast
details
.com
Print
Share
Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Search
Showing episodes and shows of
The Rev. Peter Levenstrong
Shows
AI Church Toolkit
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 AIWhy relational ministry can’t be automatedThe emotional effects of AI vs. social mediaReasoning models and context engineering in ChatGPTWhat AI can and can’t do for church communications and pl...
2025-07-28
1h 05
AI Church Toolkit
Sr. Ilia Delio on AI, Evolution, and Who We’re Becoming
Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF, joins Peter and Mercedes for a conversation that weaves theology, science, and technology into a hopeful and challenging vision for the future. Drawing on Teilhard de Chardin’s evolutionary theology, she invites us to see AI not merely as a tool but as part of the unfolding of creation itself. Together, they explore what it means to become more whole, more relational, and more deeply rooted in divine love in an age shaped by artificial intelligence.Topics Covered:AI as human augmentation and biological extensionThe theology of Teilhard de Ch...
2025-07-14
51 min
AI Church Toolkit
AI, Agency, and the Church: A Crossroads Crossover
In this special crossover episode with the Crossroads podcast, Peter and Mercedes are joined by The Rev. Jo Nygard Owens and Dr. Sonia Coman of Washington National Cathedral. Together, they explore what it means to engage AI thoughtfully and faithfully—from theological reflection to digital strategy, from ethical caution to spiritual curiosity.The conversation invites listeners to embrace imagination, resist fear, and reclaim human agency in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.Topics CoveredDefining intelligence, agency, and the Imago Dei in a world of machine decision-makingWhat “authenticity” means in the...
2025-06-30
59 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - June 29, 2025 - Where are you Going?
2025-06-29
15 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - June 22, 2025 - Living Stories Sermon
2025-06-23
30 min
AI Church Toolkit
AI, Ethics, and Empathy: A Conversation with Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas
In this episode, Peter speaks with the Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas, founding vicar of Holy Companion Episcopal Church and creator of A Soulful Revolution. Together, they explore the ethical and pastoral complexities of generative AI—its creative potential, its risks, and how the church can faithfully engage with this rapidly evolving technology.Lauren draws on insights from Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower, shares stories from her ministry, and reflects on how spiritual formation, agency, and justice intersect with digital tools. From AI’s inherent bias to the dangers of false intimacy, this episod...
2025-06-16
55 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - June 8, 2025 - Another Peace
2025-06-09
17 min
AI Church Toolkit
Meaning, Intention, and AI — A Conversation with Kyle Oliver
Priest, educator, and digital ministry expert Kyle Oliver joins Peter to explore the possibilities and perils of AI in content creation, Christian formation, and online communication. They reflect on the tension between productivity and presence, and what faithful engagement might look like.Topics CoveredKyle’s cautious experimentation with generative AI in content creation.The struggle for creative control and the limits of “black box” tools.What happens when beauty is decoupled from intention in digital art and music.AI’s impact on church communications and how to maintain a human voice.Concerns...
2025-06-02
47 min
AI Church Toolkit
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, fait...
2025-05-19
58 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - May 11, 2025 - Belonging
2025-05-12
14 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - May 11, 2025 - Belonging
2025-05-12
14 min
AI Church Toolkit
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 impa...
2025-05-05
49 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - April 20, 2025 - Easter Day
2025-04-22
15 min
AI Church Toolkit
How to relate to AI - Part 2
Episode 5: Relating to AISummary:Can we have a relationship with AI? In this episode, we explore the human tendency to anthropomorphize AI, the risks of treating it like a person, and how to stay grounded in using it as a tool that supports ministry, without replacing authentic relationships.Topics covered:Why AI is not a relational being and should be treated as a tool.Real-world examples of people forming unhealthy attachments to chatbots.The dangers of anthropomorphizing AI, especially for youth and vulnerable users.How to engage AI intentionally and...
2025-04-21
26 min
AI Church Toolkit
How to relate to AI - Part 1
Episode 5: Relating to AISummary:Can we have a relationship with AI? In this episode, we explore the human tendency to anthropomorphize AI, the risks of treating it like a person, and how to stay grounded in using it as a tool that supports ministry, without replacing authentic relationships.Topics covered:Why AI is not a relational being and should be treated as a tool.Real-world examples of people forming unhealthy attachments to chatbots.The dangers of anthropomorphizing AI, especially for youth and vulnerable users.How to engage AI intentionally and...
2025-04-21
23 min
Try Tank Podcast
On the Power of Living Stories
In this episode, Fr. Lorenzo Lebrija welcomes the Rev. Peter Levenstrong, Associate Rector at St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco, to discuss the transformative power of Living Stories. This innovative preaching model shifts the sermon from a monologue to a communal act of storytelling and reflection, inviting congregations to co-create meaning through shared experiences. Peter shares insights into how this method fosters deeper connections within worship, enhances participation, and allows for a multisensory approach to scripture. They explore the practicalities of implementing Living Stories in diverse congregations, including the resources available for those looking to engage more fully...
2025-04-15
40 min
AI Church Toolkit
Impact of Using AI
AI’s environmental impact is a growing concern, but how much energy does it really use? In this episode, we break down common claims about AI’s carbon footprint, explore how it compares to other technologies, and discuss how church leaders can make informed decisions about its use.Topics covered:Common claims about AI’s environmental impact.Breaking down AI’s electricity and water usage.Comparisons between AI, streaming services, and other digital technologies.The difference between AI training and inference.How AI efficiency is improving over time.Homework:Research the environmental impact o...
2025-04-07
21 min
AI Church Toolkit
Transition in Posting Schedule
In this short update, Mercedes and Peter announce a shift to a biweekly release schedule for the AI Church Toolkit Podcast. They share their commitment to delivering thoughtful, faith-rooted conversations about AI in ministry—and tease next week’s episode on AI’s real-world impacts, from environmental costs to ministry applications. A big shoutout goes to Tritank for supporting the show. Hit follow, leave a review, and stay tuned for more tools for faithful innovation!Resources:AI Church Toolkit website
2025-03-31
03 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - March 30, 2025 - Eating With Sinners
2025-03-31
11 min
AI Church Toolkit
Sermon Writing with AI
AI can be a valuable tool for sermon preparation, but how can preachers use it responsibly? This episode explores how AI can assist with research, outlining, and revision while ensuring sermons remain authentic, faithful, and pastorally grounded.Topics covered:AI as a sermon-writing assistant, not a replacement.Common concerns: plagiarism, theological integrity, and authenticity.Practical AI uses:Researching scripture and historical context.Brainstorming sermon themes and outlines.Revising for clarity and flow.Ethical considerations: Citing sources, maintaining a preacher’s voice, and avoiding biases.Homework:Experiment with ChatGPT to brainstorm se...
2025-03-24
37 min
AI Church Toolkit
Discernment of AI Use in Ministry
What exactly is AI, and how can it be useful in church ministry? This episode explains AI in simple terms, explores its applications for church leaders, and discusses how to use it effectively while maintaining authenticity and discernment.Topics covered:What is AI? A quick history and key definitions.AI vs. search engines: How generative AI works differently.How AI can assist ministry: Sermons, outreach, lesson planning, and more.The role of discernment: AI as a brainstorming tool, not a replacement for human creativity.Homework:Try using ChatGPT to answer a common...
2025-03-17
32 min
AI Church Toolkit
Current State of AI & Church Responses
AI is rapidly evolving, and church leaders need to understand how it can impact ministry. This episode covers the current AI landscape, key definitions, ethical concerns, and why the Baptismal Covenant provides a helpful framework for engagement.Topics covered:Why AI matters for ministry today.Key definitions: AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI.Current AI trends (LLMs, image generation, voice tools, and upcoming AI "agents").Ethical concerns: AI bias, copyright, and the role of human creativity.Homework:Try using AI for a small task in your ministry this week.Resources:AI Church Toolkit...
2025-03-10
35 min
AI Church Toolkit
Teaser
Welcome to AI Church Toolkit, a podcast for church leaders exploring how AI can support ministry in practical ways. Hosts Mercedes Clements and Peter Levenstrong introduce themselves, their goals for the podcast, and why AI matters for the Church today.Topics CoveredHosts: The Rev. Mercedes Clements (All Saints’ Episcopal, Russellville, AR) & The Rev. Peter Levenstrong (St. Gregory’s of Nyssa, San Francisco, CA).Podcast focus: Practical applications of AI in ministry—no sci-fi hype, just real tools for real churches.Why this podcast? AI is already shaping our world, and it’s time f...
2025-03-03
06 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - March 2, 2025 - Coming Down the Mountain
2025-03-03
15 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - February 9, 2025 - God's Abundance
2025-02-10
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - January 19, 2025 - Listening at the Margins
2025-01-19
10 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - December 8, 2024 - Every Valley
2024-12-09
10 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - November 17, 2024 - The Truck Song
2024-11-18
11 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - October 13, 2024 - The Needle's Eye
2024-10-14
10 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - September 15, 2024 - Ascetic Environmentalism
2024-09-16
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - July 14, 2014 - AI and the Gospel
2024-07-14
14 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - June 2, 2024 - Mission
2024-06-03
17 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - April 21, 2024 - Easter Four
2024-04-24
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - March 31, 2024 - Easter Day
2024-04-01
11 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - March 3, 2024 - Drawing Us Deeper
2024-03-04
15 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - February 14, 2024 - Ash Wednesday
2024-02-17
11 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - January 21, 2024 - What Do You Want to Do?
2024-01-22
10 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - January 14, 2024 - Follow Me
2024-01-16
09 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - November 19, 2023 - Talents
2023-11-20
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - November 5, 2023 - All Saints
2023-11-06
17 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - October 22, 2023 - Proper 24
2023-10-23
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - October 1, 2023 - What Must Change
2023-10-02
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - Septenmber 17, 2023 - At the Red Sea
2023-09-18
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - August 13, 2023 - What's in a Name?
2023-08-14
20 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - August 6, 2023 - Miracles?
2023-08-07
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - July 23, 2023 - Proper 11
2023-07-24
16 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - July 9, 2023 - Proper 9
2023-07-10
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - May 28, 2023 - A Living Spring
2023-05-29
11 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - May 21, 2023 - Being the Body of Christ
2023-05-22
11 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - May 7, 2023 - What Did He Say?
2023-05-08
11 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - April 2, 2023 - Palm Sunday
2023-04-03
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - March 26, 2023 - Hope in the Midst of Bones
2023-03-27
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - February 5, 2023 - Prayer and Action
2023-02-06
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - January 8, 2023 - Jesus and Baptism
2023-01-10
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - December 25, 2022 - Lightness
2022-12-26
07 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - October 16, 2022 - Say My Name
2022-10-21
15 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - September 25, 2022 - Abraham's Embrace
2022-09-26
15 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - September 11, 2022 - Found in the Dark
2022-09-12
14 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - July 24, 2022 - Teach us to Pray
2022-07-25
09 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - July 10, 2022 - Surprising Encounter
2022-07-14
18 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - July 3, 2022 - Shaking off the Dust
2022-07-04
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - June 12, 2022 - The Trinity
2022-06-13
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - May 8, 2022 - Beautiful Dorcas
2022-05-09
10 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - April 17, 2022 - Easter in Narnia
2022-04-19
08 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - March 27, 2022 - A Son's Father
2022-03-28
15 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - March 6, 2022 - From the Temple Heights
2022-03-07
14 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - February 6, 2022 - Sermon
2022-02-06
16 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - January 9, 2022 - Listening In
2022-01-10
17 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - December 26, 2021 - Faith in the Word
2021-12-27
17 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - December 12, 2021 - Give It Away
2021-12-13
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - November 21, 2021 - A Straight Answer
2021-11-22
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - October 17, 2021 - Acting on Love
2021-10-18
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - August 22, 2021 - Love's Redeeming Work
2021-08-22
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - August 1, 2021 - Simply Believe
2021-08-02
10 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - June 20, 2021 - Finding a Way
2021-06-21
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - June 6, 2021 - We All Have Famlies
2021-06-07
11 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - April 18, 2021 - Eating With Jesus
2021-04-23
11 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - Easter Vigil, April 3, 2021 - Already and Not Yet
2021-04-05
07 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - March 28, 2021 - The Gift of Love
2021-03-28
10 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - March 21, 2021 - Seeing and Being Seen
2021-03-21
14 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - February 28, 2021 - Following Jesus and Not Satan
2021-02-28
15 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - February 7, 2021 - No Culture But Christ
2021-02-07
55 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - January 24, 2021 - Poets and Prophets
2021-01-25
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - January 3, 2021 - Happy New Year, Regardless
2021-01-04
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - December 20, 2020 - Incarnating Love Amidst Limitation
2020-12-20
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - November 15, 2020 - Deborah, the fiery prophet... and Star Wars
2020-11-15
16 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Story of a Saint - Cesar Chaves presented by Peter Levenstrong - October 25, 2020
2020-10-25
05 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - October 18, 2020 - God's Desire: Her Own Freedom and Ours
2020-10-18
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - October 4, 2020 - Christian Nonviolence and the Vengeance of God
2020-10-04
14 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Story of a Saint - Mary Magdalene presented by Peter Levenstrong - September 27, 2020
2020-09-27
03 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - September 20, 2020 - A God of Abundance
2020-09-20
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - August 30, 2020 - Treading Lightly on Sacred Ground
2020-08-30
12 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Story of a Saint - Dostoievski presented by Peter Levenstrong - August 9, 2020
2020-08-09
05 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - August 9, 2020 - Doing the Impossible in Our Time
2020-08-09
11 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - July 26, 2020 - The Power of Stories
2020-07-26
13 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco
Peter Levenstrong - July 5, 2020 - Critics in the Crowd
2020-07-05
15 min