Shows
AI Church ToolkitEpisode 12 - Reflections and Future Directions: Wrapping Up Season OneIn 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...2025-07-281h 05AI Church ToolkitSr. Ilia Delio on AI, Evolution, and Who We’re BecomingSr. 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...2025-07-1451 minAI Church ToolkitAI, Agency, and the Church: A Crossroads CrossoverIn 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...2025-06-3059 min
Sermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - June 29, 2025 - Where are you Going?2025-06-2915 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - June 22, 2025 - Living Stories Sermon2025-06-2330 minAI Church ToolkitAI, Ethics, and Empathy: A Conversation with Rev. Lauren Grubaugh ThomasIn 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...2025-06-1655 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - June 8, 2025 - Another Peace2025-06-0917 minAI Church ToolkitMeaning, Intention, and AI — A Conversation with Kyle OliverPriest, 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...2025-06-0247 minAI Church ToolkitInterview with the Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Lebrija – Ask Cathy, AI, and Faithful InnovationIn 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...2025-05-1958 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - May 11, 2025 - Belonging2025-05-1214 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - May 11, 2025 - Belonging2025-05-1214 minAI Church ToolkitIntroducing AI in Your ChurchSummary: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...2025-05-0549 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - April 20, 2025 - Easter Day2025-04-2215 minAI Church ToolkitHow to relate to AI - Part 2Episode 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...2025-04-2126 minAI Church ToolkitHow to relate to AI - Part 1Episode 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...2025-04-2123 min
Try Tank PodcastOn the Power of Living StoriesIn 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...2025-04-1540 minAI Church ToolkitImpact of Using AIAI’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...2025-04-0721 minAI Church ToolkitTransition in Posting ScheduleIn 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 website2025-03-3103 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - March 30, 2025 - Eating With Sinners2025-03-3111 minAI Church ToolkitSermon Writing with AIAI 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...2025-03-2437 minAI Church ToolkitDiscernment of AI Use in MinistryWhat 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...2025-03-1732 minAI Church ToolkitCurrent State of AI & Church ResponsesAI 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...2025-03-1035 minAI Church ToolkitTeaserWelcome 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...2025-03-0306 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - March 2, 2025 - Coming Down the Mountain2025-03-0315 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - February 9, 2025 - God's Abundance2025-02-1013 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - January 19, 2025 - Listening at the Margins2025-01-1910 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - December 8, 2024 - Every Valley2024-12-0910 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - November 17, 2024 - The Truck Song2024-11-1811 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - October 13, 2024 - The Needle's Eye2024-10-1410 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - September 15, 2024 - Ascetic Environmentalism2024-09-1612 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - July 14, 2014 - AI and the Gospel2024-07-1414 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - June 2, 2024 - Mission2024-06-0317 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - April 21, 2024 - Easter Four2024-04-2413 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - March 31, 2024 - Easter Day2024-04-0111 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - March 3, 2024 - Drawing Us Deeper2024-03-0415 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - February 14, 2024 - Ash Wednesday2024-02-1711 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - January 21, 2024 - What Do You Want to Do?2024-01-2210 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - January 14, 2024 - Follow Me2024-01-1609 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - November 19, 2023 - Talents2023-11-2012 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - November 5, 2023 - All Saints2023-11-0617 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - October 22, 2023 - Proper 242023-10-2312 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - October 1, 2023 - What Must Change2023-10-0213 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - Septenmber 17, 2023 - At the Red Sea2023-09-1813 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - August 13, 2023 - What's in a Name?2023-08-1420 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - August 6, 2023 - Miracles?2023-08-0713 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - July 23, 2023 - Proper 112023-07-2416 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - July 9, 2023 - Proper 92023-07-1013 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - May 28, 2023 - A Living Spring2023-05-2911 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - May 21, 2023 - Being the Body of Christ2023-05-2211 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - May 7, 2023 - What Did He Say?2023-05-0811 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - April 2, 2023 - Palm Sunday2023-04-0312 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - March 26, 2023 - Hope in the Midst of Bones2023-03-2712 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - February 5, 2023 - Prayer and Action2023-02-0612 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - January 8, 2023 - Jesus and Baptism2023-01-1013 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - December 25, 2022 - Lightness2022-12-2607 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - October 16, 2022 - Say My Name2022-10-2115 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - September 25, 2022 - Abraham's Embrace2022-09-2615 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - September 11, 2022 - Found in the Dark2022-09-1214 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - July 24, 2022 - Teach us to Pray2022-07-2509 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - July 10, 2022 - Surprising Encounter2022-07-1418 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - July 3, 2022 - Shaking off the Dust2022-07-0413 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - June 12, 2022 - The Trinity2022-06-1312 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - May 8, 2022 - Beautiful Dorcas2022-05-0910 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - April 17, 2022 - Easter in Narnia2022-04-1908 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - March 27, 2022 - A Son's Father2022-03-2815 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - March 6, 2022 - From the Temple Heights2022-03-0714 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - February 6, 2022 - Sermon2022-02-0616 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - January 9, 2022 - Listening In2022-01-1017 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - December 26, 2021 - Faith in the Word2021-12-2717 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - December 12, 2021 - Give It Away2021-12-1312 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - November 21, 2021 - A Straight Answer2021-11-2212 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - October 17, 2021 - Acting on Love2021-10-1813 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - August 22, 2021 - Love's Redeeming Work2021-08-2212 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - August 1, 2021 - Simply Believe2021-08-0210 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - June 20, 2021 - Finding a Way2021-06-2113 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - June 6, 2021 - We All Have Famlies2021-06-0711 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - April 18, 2021 - Eating With Jesus2021-04-2311 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - Easter Vigil, April 3, 2021 - Already and Not Yet2021-04-0507 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - March 28, 2021 - The Gift of Love2021-03-2810 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - March 21, 2021 - Seeing and Being Seen2021-03-2114 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - February 28, 2021 - Following Jesus and Not Satan2021-02-2815 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - February 7, 2021 - No Culture But Christ2021-02-0755 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - January 24, 2021 - Poets and Prophets2021-01-2513 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - January 3, 2021 - Happy New Year, Regardless2021-01-0412 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - December 20, 2020 - Incarnating Love Amidst Limitation2020-12-2012 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - November 15, 2020 - Deborah, the fiery prophet... and Star Wars2020-11-1516 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoStory of a Saint - Cesar Chaves presented by Peter Levenstrong - October 25, 20202020-10-2505 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - October 18, 2020 - God's Desire: Her Own Freedom and Ours2020-10-1812 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - October 4, 2020 - Christian Nonviolence and the Vengeance of God2020-10-0414 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoStory of a Saint - Mary Magdalene presented by Peter Levenstrong - September 27, 20202020-09-2703 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - September 20, 2020 - A God of Abundance2020-09-2012 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - August 30, 2020 - Treading Lightly on Sacred Ground2020-08-3012 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoStory of a Saint - Dostoievski presented by Peter Levenstrong - August 9, 20202020-08-0905 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - August 9, 2020 - Doing the Impossible in Our Time2020-08-0911 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - July 26, 2020 - The Power of Stories2020-07-2613 minSermons from St. Gregory of Nyssa in San FranciscoPeter Levenstrong - July 5, 2020 - Critics in the Crowd2020-07-0515 min