Joel: "AI models are like four years olds."

Andrew: "AI is not a fad."

In this episode of WWJT, Andrew Noble (Theology & AI PhD Student at U of Nottingham) and Joel Jacob (AI & Robotics Product Manager at Splunk) explore the evolving landscape of AI, discussing the differences between various AI models, ethical considerations in their usage, and the implications of AI on daily life. They delve into the importance of user experience, the role of open-source models, and the future of AI in software development. The discussion emphasizes the need for caution in using AI for personal and emotional tasks while also highlighting its practical applications in everyday scenarios.

Chapters

00:00 - Understanding AI Models

11:56 - Some Ethical Considerations

15:05 - Claude vs ChatGPT

21:07 - Open Source vs. Proprietary AI Models

24:17 - The Future of AI in Software Development

27:12 - AI's Impact on Daily Life

33:02 - More AI Dilemmas

Keywords: AI, generative models, ChatGPT, ethics, multimodal models, open source, technology, user experience, software development, machine learning, Christianity, Moral Theology

Cohosted by Andrew Noble, Joel Jacob, and Austin Gravley. Original Music by Abigail Neale. The writing of these show notes was assisted by Generative AI. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com.

In this episode of What Would Jesus Tech, hosts Andrew Noble and Austin Gravley chat with Luke Simmons, a lead pastor, discussing the intersection of digital marketing and pastoral ministry. One of our most practical episodes for what churches can be doing!

We explore the role of social media for pastors, the potential harms of digital media, and how to leverage digital tools for local ministry. Luke shares practical tips for creating engaging church communications, overcoming barriers to digital engagement, and navigating the challenges of content creation, including the use of AI. We also address the celebrity pastor culture, and how local-first is the way to build out your digital content as a church.

Follow Luke Simmons on Twitter/X.

FaithfulandFruitful.com (Pastoral and Leadership Resources from Luke).

Takeaways from this episode

• Pastors should consider using social media as a tool for expanding their "word" and discipleship ministry.
• Digital content (like podcasts or social media posts) cannot replace visitation, preaching, and pastoral care, but it can help teach people the ways of Christ.
• Digital media can pose risks, including moral dangers (e.g. lust) and distractions. This isn't for every pastor or every church.
• Digital content creation should be approached with a mindset of iteration and experimentation.
• Utilizing email effectively can significantly increase engagement rates.
• Balancing personal interests with pastoral responsibilities is crucial in communication.
• The use of AI in content creation should be approached thoughtfully and authentically.

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Chapters

0:00 - Introduction to Digital Marketing for Pastors

2:00 - The Role of Social Media in Pastoral Ministry

3:33 - Potential Harms of Social Media for Pastors

7:03 - Using Digital Tools for Ministry (e.g. podcast)

12:43 - Transforming Church Communication (e.g. emails)

16:42 - Creating & Repurposing Content

27:33 - The Importance of Practice in Communication

28:57 - Leadership and Communication: The Core Connection

30:02 - Choosing Topics & Outlets for Digital Ministry

39:20 - Addressing the Celebrity Pastor Culture

43:01 - Practical Tips for Digital Engagement

WWJT is cohosted by Andrew Noble, Joel Jacob, and Austin Gravley. Original Music by Abigail Neale. These show notes were co-created by Andrew and an AI tool. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com

In this episode, co-hosts Andrew Noble and Joel Jacob speak with Dr. Glenn Butner about the intersection of theology, economics, and moral formation. They discuss how markets function, the moral implications of economic systems, and the role of trust in transactions. The conversation emphasizes the need for Christians to engage thoughtfully with economic practices and the importance of understanding the complexities of market design. Butner's book, 'Work Out Your Salvation,' serves as a foundation for discussing how faith can inform economic behavior and moral formation.

Support WWJT on Patreon and receive a book! Must sign up before March 31st, 2025.

Buy Butner's book: https://www.amazon.com/Work-Out-Your-Salvation-Formation/dp/1506479413

Read Andrew's review: https://adfontesjournal.com/book-review/work-out-your-salvation-a-review/

Takeaways (AI Generated with Human Oversight):

• Markets are not just economic systems; they are technologies that shape our interactions and form who we are.
• Incentives can significantly alter behavior, sometimes in unexpected ways.
• Christian engagement with economics should be nuanced and informed by scripture.
• The church has a role in shaping economic practices and moral formation.
• A doctrine like Common Grace can help us make sense of how markets can form us in good ways.
• Understanding social sin is crucial in navigating market dynamics.
• Christians should analyze specific markets rather than endorse or condemn entire systems.
• Moral formation can occur outside the church through various societal interactions.
• Every individual has a responsibility to consider the ethical implications of their economic choices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and We'll Send You A Book!

02:21 Understanding Markets and Moral Formation

06:46 The Impact of Incentives on Behavior

14:52 Theological Perspectives on Markets

23:32 Moral Formation in Secular Markets

28:02 Practical Takeaways?

40:47 Innovative Hiring Practices and Market Design

42:30 The Role of Markets in Social Justice

46:41 Moral Formation and Market Interaction

49:28 Conclusion and Reflections on Agency