AI Church Toolkit

About AI Church Toolkit

A podcast on AI and the Church

Publisher

Peter Levenstrong, Mercedes Clements & AI

Category

religion & spirituality · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Mar 2025

Latest episode

28 Jul 2025

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Jul 2025

   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 AI Why relational ministry can’t be automated The emotional effects of AI vs. social media Reasoning models and context engineering in ChatGPT What AI can and can’t do for church communications and planning Human oversight, authenticity, and theological discernment How AI is accelerating—and why that matters for churches AI agents, multimodal tools, and upcoming tech like GPT-5 Mental health concerns and potential risks of AI use The enduring value of community and the spoken word Personal updates and what’s next for Peter and Mercedes Resources Mentioned: Living Stories Sermons: livingstoriessermons.org (http://livingstoriessermons.org) Spike Jonze’s He (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Her_(2013_film))r (film) Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward series (https://www.brandonsanderson.com/pages/skyward-series) (featuring the AI “M-Bot”) Murderbot Diaries (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murderbot_(TV_series)) (TV adaptation mentioned by Peter) The Murder Bot Diaries (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murderbot_(TV_series))(book series by Martha Wells) Neil Stephenson’s Fall or, Dodge in Hell (https://www.nealstephenson.com/fall,-or-dodge-in-hell.html) Homework: Try building a ChatGPT Project Folder for a current ministry task—use it for planning, then test it again for communications. Reflect on your values: What parts of your work are deeply relational and should never be automated? Watch a sci-fi film or read a story that features AI. What values does it reflect? What fears or hopes does it raise? (00:08) - GPT5 from OpenAI is expected to come out very soon (00:11) - Moore's Law says computing power doubles every two years (00:29) - Authenticity in the church using artificial intelligence (00:36) - Using AI to help write more fluently and more quickly (00:54) - The usefulness of reasoning models (00:56) - Closing Thoughts

2. 

   14 Jul 2025

   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 extension The theology of Teilhard de Chardin and cosmic evolution The Adamic myth and how it influences modern perspectives on technology AI, collective consciousness, and global interconnectedness The ethical implications of AI in a capitalist system Defining personhood in an evolutionary worldview Moving from categorical to networked thinking in younger generations Developing spiritual practices alongside technological advancement Living from our God-centered being while engaging AI Resources Mentioned: Ilia Delio, Re-enchanting the Earth (https://orbisbooks.com/products/re-enchanting-the-earth?_pos=5&_sid=9ad5a2ba6&_ss=r) Ilia Delio, Integral Ecology in an Age of AI (https://christogenesis.org/integral-ecology-in-an-age-of-ai/) Teilhard de Chardin (https://www.google.com/search?num=10&sca_esv=f3fe50cfd75d2507&sxsrf=AE3TifN2neQ4i_4bgQmzde8H7yCEtQTtow:1751519036194&q=teilhard+de+chardin+books&si=AMgyJEtDxB6p5hL22SZYE8S1njE4Q4XSaFNxG0KoOjaHxrh1zlQp1v_uqXXD6OMDeUunZUFQeOuo9ijQ1FIlPw4au4ioqX61G73SQT_cmRYj4Lv_TWgS_LIQV0mYd9R6wo_pApDDyL20yuCPS7zx0rm1HFagidMnUw%3D%3D&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwju3-Dv9J-OAxVI8MkDHekyHj4Qw_oBegQIRRAB&ictx=1&biw=1543&bih=1253&dpr=0.9) David Noble, The Religion of Technology (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/331339/the-religion-of-technology-by-david-f-noble/) Catherine Hales, How We Became Posthuman (https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/H/bo3769963.html) Erich Jantsch, The Self-Organizing Universe: Scientific and Human Implications of the Emerging Paradigm of Evolution (https://www.amazon.com/Self-Organizing-Universe-Scientific-Implications-Innovations/dp/0080243118) (00:08) - Does AI enhance or diminish face-to-face connection? (00:17) - Cultivating a mindset that feels at home with AI (00:34) - Teilhard: Humanity has a “God problem” with AI (00:35) - David Noble: AI is enhancing human function and capacity (00:42) - Peter Singer: AI might help us recover broader moral thinking (00:44) - Mercedes: Complexity is driving today’s evolution (00:50) - Teilhard: Love is at the heart of all cosmic life (00:55) - What are we living into in this moment of AI development? (00:56) - A critique of AI based on the social media era (00:56) - Reflections from the Episcopal Church’s AI ethics task force

3. 

   30 Jun 2025

   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 Covered Defining intelligence, agency, and the Imago Dei in a world of machine decision-making What “authenticity” means in the age of machine-written texts Discernment, formation, and critical thinking across age groups The risk of opacity in automated systems and importance of transparency Pausing before automation: reclaiming intention, emotion, and spiritual grounding Why we need shared vocabulary—and shared discernment—across the Church Resources Mentioned Searches: Selfhood in a Digital Age by Vaushini Vara (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/745381/searches-by-vauhini-vara/) Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari (https://www.ynharari.com/book/nexus/) Crossroads Podcast (https://cathedral.org/worship/digital-ministry/podcast/)from Washington National Cathedral Research on AI interpretability by Anthropic (https://www.anthropic.com/news/tracing-thoughts-language-model) Homework Reach out to us and let us know how you’ve found generative AI to be useful in church ministry. You can email at info@aichurchtoolkit.com (mailto:info@aichurchtoolkit.com). We’d love to share ideas in our final episode of the season as we consider a round-up of our topics and how things are evolving.

4. 

   16 Jun 2025

   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 (https://laurengrubaughthomas.substack.com/). 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 episode invites listeners to bring curiosity and caution as they shape change in an AI-shaped world. Resources Mentioned Parable of the Sower (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52397.Parable_of_the_Sower) by Octavia Butler Roots and Wings at VTS Center (https://vts.edu/resource/roots-and-wings/) A Kid’s Book About AI Bias (https://www.avrielepps.com/book) by Dr. Avril Epps “A Soulful Revolution (https://laurengrubaughthomas.substack.com/)” by Lauren Grubaugh Thomas (Substack) Brittany Hartley (https://nononsensespirituality.com/) Homework Lauren invites listeners to reflect on their own use of AI with questions such as: Does this output reflect a just world? Does it reinforce an unfair hierarchy? Does it promote the agency and power of children (and others) to shape the world?

5. 

   2 Jun 2025

   Meaning, Intention, and AI — A Conversation with Kyle Oliver

   Digital ministry expert Kyle Oliver speaks with Peter about AI's potential in Christian formation, content creation, and online communication, considering the balance between productivity and genuine human connection in this interview.

6. 

   19 May 2025

   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, faith coaching, and pastoral care prompts. Discerning faithful innovation: How Tri-Tank evaluates which ideas to pursue. The polarization of attitudes toward AI and why thoughtful church engagement matters. Ethical considerations: bias in AI training, capitalism’s impact, and the church’s role in shaping AI ethically. Practical advice for using AI tools to support inclusion, learning, and community life. Homework: Reflect: How could AI tools like Ask Cathy support your ministry or your congregation’s pastoral care needs? Explore: Visit askcathy.ai (https://askcathy.ai) to see how Cathy works. Experiment: Try prompting your AI tool to offer more inclusive or diverse perspectives and reflect on the results. Prepare: Think about ways you can frame AI conversations with your congregation if you haven’t already started. Resources: Ask Cathy – Churchy Answers That Help You (https://askcathy.ai) TryTank Research Institute (https://www.trytank.org/) AI Church Conference Information (https://ai-church-conference.com) How to Try by Lorenzo Lebrija (https://www.lorenzolebrija.com/lorenzos-book.html) (Book on faithful experimentation in ministry) Mission Canvas (https://missioncanvas.org) – TryTank’s tool for evaluating new ministry ideas Harvard Business Review: How People Are Really Using Gen AI in 2025 (https://hbr.org/2025/04/how-people-are-really-using-gen-ai-in-2025) Episcopal Church Task Force on AI and Intellectual Property (https://extranet.generalconvention.org/governing_and_interim_bodies/interim_bodies/1547/mandate) (ongoing work) Living Stories Sermons (https://www.livingstoriessermons.org/) - Project of Rev. Peter Levenstrong Backstory Preaching (https://www.backstorypreaching.com/) - Timely & practical support thriving while accomplishing the daily work of preaching

7. 

   5 May 2025

   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://aichurchtoolkit.com/) https://www.livingstoriessermons.org/ (https://www.livingstoriessermons.org/) https://www.backstorypreaching.com/ (https://www.backstorypreaching.com/)

8. 

   21 Apr 2025

   How to relate to AI - Part 2

9. 

   21 Apr 2025

   How to relate to AI - Part 1

   Episode 5: Relating to AI Summary: 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. Show Notes: 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 avoid theological or emotional confusion. Strategies for using AI in ministry while maintaining emotional and relational boundaries. Homework: Reflect on how you currently use AI. Ask: “Does this enhance relationships or replace them?” Identify boundaries you may need to set around emotional or theological engagement with AI. Resources: She Is in Love With ChatGPT (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/technology/ai-chatgpt-boyfriend-companion.html) Andy Masley’s article on AI’s environmental impact (https://andymasley.substack.com/p/individual-ai-use-is-not-bad-for) Antiqua et Nova (https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20250128_antiqua-et-nova_en.html) – Catholic Church, Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence OpenAI & MIT Media Lab study on AI and loneliness (https://www.media.mit.edu/posts/openai-mit-research-collaboration-affective-use-and-emotional-wellbeing-in-ChatGPT/) https://aichurchtoolkit.com/ (https://aichurchtoolkit.com/) “AI Technology Panic—is AI Dependence Bad for Mental Health? A Cross-Lagged Panel Model and the Mediating Roles of Motivations for AI Use Among Adolescents (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10944174/)” "Anthropomorphism in AI"  (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21507740.2020.1740350#abstract) "AI anthropomorphism and its effect on users' self-congruence and continuance intention" (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162522003109) “Anthropomorphism in AI: hype and fallacy” (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43681-024-00419-4?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Teddy Ruxpin (https://youtu.be/xFX8ua5uTXY?si=Ob-ISdEIyn8_i54I) Max Headroom (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt56RMbpq_0)

10. 

    7 Apr 2025

    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 of various AI models. If you have a ChatGPT subscription, experiment with different models to see how their efficiency varies. Learn which models are best suited for your needs while minimizing energy consumption. Resources: “Using ChatGPT is not bad for the environment,” Andy Masley, Jan. 13, 2025 (https://andymasley.substack.com/p/individual-ai-use-is-not-bad-for?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email) AI Church Toolkit website (http://aichurchtoolkit.com) Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute (https://www.trytank.org).

11. 

    31 Mar 2025

    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 (https://aichurchtoolkit.com/)

12. 

    24 Mar 2025

    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 sermon ideas for an upcoming Sunday. Draft an outline and reflect on how AI-assisted brainstorming compares to your usual process. Resources: AI Church Toolkit website (https://aichurchtoolkit.com/) Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute (https://www.trytank.org/). (https://aichurchtoolkit.com/)

13. 

    17 Mar 2025

    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 visitor question from your church. Add context (denomination, location, etc.) and compare responses. Resources: AI Church Toolkit website (https://aichurchtoolkit.com/) Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute (https://www.trytank.org/).

14. 

    10 Mar 2025

    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 website (https://aichurchtoolkit.com/) Ethan Mollick - Detecting the Secret Cyborgs (https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/detecting-the-secret-cyborgs) Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute (https://www.trytank.org/).

15. 

    3 Mar 2025

    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 Covered Hosts: 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 for church leaders to engage thoughtfully. Scriptural foundation: Matthew 5:14-16—Let your light shine! Resources: AI Church Toolkit website (https://aichurchtoolkit.com/) Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute (https://www.trytank.org/).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

3.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact AI Church Toolkit

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.