In our first every conversation, I speak with Jake Doberenz about his new book "AI in Church and Ministry: Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Faith Communities." We talk about the ethical and theological considers of AI, how ministers and churches and begin integrating AI, as well as some helpful resources.

Introduction

• Personal introductions

• Describe/summarize the book (AI in Church Ministry: Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Faith Communities). (2:21)

• • What is it about?

  • Who is the intended audience?

  • What is the main thing you want people to take away?

• Why is this topic important? (11:18)

• • How important is it for churches to adapt to our ever changing world?

  • Should Christian universities train ministers in the use of technology and AI? Will this be important in the future?

• Define AI (17:45)

Ethical/Theologically Considerations of AI

• What’s the biggest danger of AI? (24:21)

• Risk for children/youth ministry (28:59)

• • How should youth ministers be speaking to their kids about ethical use of AI?

• The importance of human connection (emphasized heavily in the book) (36:38)

• • What makes us human?

  • Balance between AI and gifted members

  • Balance between AI and the human touch

• AI has the potential to change the work landscape of our society. How important is work? What are God’s thoughts about work? (53:33)

• Ethical considerations for preaching (1:02:10)

• • Plagiarism?

  • Originality?

  • Human/pastoral component

Ministry Usage

• Your book lists three different areas that AI can assist churches.

• • Teaching Ministry

  • Care and Community

  • Administration

• What do you think is the biggest benefit AI can give to the church? (1:13:20)

• My personal experience with AI (Helpful for ministers in small church settings) (1:17:21)

• • Church logo

  • Cultivating culture logo

  • Sermon illustration

  • Sermon series title - Unleashed (Holy Spirit)

  • Kahoot

  • Discussion questions for youth class

  • Discussion questions for small groups

• How can a minister get a congregation on board with AI? (1:28:43)

• • Should every church be using AI?

• How can AI be used in a cost-effective manner? (1:36:32)

• • Small churches

  • Packed budgets

• What is the role of higher church leadership? (e.g., elders, lead minister) (1:41:41)

Closing Remarks

• Top 3 AI resources for churches (1:47:03)

Music:

"Kid Kodi"

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