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
• Andy Masley’s article on AI’s environmental impact
• Antiqua et Nova – Catholic Church, Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence
• OpenAI & MIT Media Lab study on AI and loneliness
• 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”
• "Anthropomorphism in AI"
• "AI anthropomorphism and its effect on users' self-congruence and continuance intention"
• “Anthropomorphism in AI: hype and fallacy”
• Teddy Ruxpin
• Max Headroom

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
• AI Church Toolkit website

Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute.

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

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

Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute.

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

Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute.

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
• Ethan Mollick - Detecting the Secret Cyborgs

Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute.

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

Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute.