Episodes

  • The Role of AI in Modern Ministry: Insights from Joshua K. Smith | POD 040

    The Role of AI in Modern Ministry: Insights from Joshua K. Smith | POD 040
    Nov 21 2024
    How can churches responsibly engage with artificial intelligence to benefit their communities? In this episode of theFormed.life, we step into this crucial question with theologian and AI ethics expert Joshua K. Smith. Joshua discusses how churches can actively participate in the ethical use of AI, from generating prayer templates to assisting with Bible translations. He emphasizes the need for faith communities to take a proactive stance in tech conversations, ensuring AI's potential is harnessed for societal good while protecting vulnerable populations. Come and engage with this thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of the Church and AI.BioJoshua K. Smith, Ph.D. (Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), draws on his diverse experiences in the military, ministry, and academia to guide thoughtful discussions on the challenges humanity faces in an AI-driven world. As an author and scholar specializing in the theology of robotics and technology, he helps the local church and broader audiences navigate complex ethical and philosophical issues emerging alongside advancements in artificial intelligence. Smith has written three books, including his most recent work, Violent Tech: A Philosophical and Theological Reflection, which explores the profound implications of AI and robotics on society and faith.Quotes"We need as many people as possible to come to this conversation as scientists, as pastors, as politicians, as teachers, as moms and dads to say, these are things that we're concerned about."Joshua K. Smith"Do I value human connectedness? Do I value the work and trade of a human? Or do I just want the product faster and cheaper?"Joshua K. Smith"It might solve some of our bigger problems. Not all of them. There is still sin. That's what I try to help designers understand. It's like there's still brokenness. It will never be a perfect creation."Joshua K. SmithThree TakeawaysLeveraging Dormant Resources for Connectivity: Joshua highlighted the untapped potential of "dark fiber" cables in providing internet access to rural communities, outlining how churches can play a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity, especially during times of crisis.Ethical Use of AI: From raising concerns about data privacy to exploring the positive impact of AI in areas like disease treatment and community support, Joshua stressed the importance of an ethical approach in deploying AI technologies to ensure they benefit society while safeguarding vulnerable groups.Inclusive and Proactive Church Engagement: Joshua urged churches to be proactive rather than reactive regarding technology use. By engaging in tech conversations and potentially funding research, churches can advocate for ethical practices and integrate technology to enhance community well-being.Resources Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man - Marshall McLuhan Robots Are People Too - John Frank Weaver Artificial Intelligence for a Better Future - Bernd Carsten Stahl The Age of Surveillance Capitalism - Shoshana ZuboffTimestamps00:00 Exploring theology and AI themes with Josh.05:10 Small community grew into pervasive technology discussion.07:02 Data exploits push targeted ads to consumers.13:13 General AI is unpredictable, potentially transformative yet flawed.15:29 Distinguish ChatGPT, machine learning, and AI nuances.18:52 AI: Big calculator, struggles with hands, caution needed.21:06 Blurred line between AI advancements and value.25:28 Language models: Cheating, translations, sermons, humanitarian uses.27:26 Jacob used AI to write prayer deceptively.30:57 Churches' role in guiding technology for good.34:48 Utilize churches: Connect communities using unactivated internet.39:46 Nashley Cephas revitalizes Jackson with major investment.42:39 Technology needs regulation to prevent exploitation.45:39 Church design often challenges introverted, autistic individuals.47:55 Old churches, technology, reverence, amplified sound, importance.51:14 Thanking Josh for his time and generosity.Hashtags#CommunityConnectivity #TechEthics #DigitalStewardship #AIinMinistry #InternetAccess #ResponsibleInnovation #ChurchTechnology #EthicalAI #JoshuaKSmith #theFormedLifePodcastKeywordsrural internet access, church internet solutions, dark fiber cables, community connectivity, technology in church, ethical data usage, protecting vulnerable online, AI in church communities, Bible AI technology, ethical AI implementation, community space utilization, Dead Sea consumer analogy, protecting children online, shift in tech ethics, Genesis technology analogy, regulation of technology, Sabbath and technology, psychological benefits of disconnection, inclusive church technology, autism and worship, reactive church technology use, Marshall McLuhan church tech impact, interdisciplinarity in AI ethics, large language models, AI decision-making, AI misuse risks, balancing tech use, AI in disease treatment, AI in autism support.
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    52 mins
  • TFL | The Sacrifice of Running With A Partner

    TFL | The Sacrifice of Running With A Partner
    Nov 18 2024

    READ the written blog on our website:
    https://theformed.life/2024/11/learn-about-sacrifice-15/
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    5 mins
  • POD 039 | Leadership and Faith: Insights from Jeanette Thomas’s Life and Career

    POD 039 | Leadership and Faith: Insights from Jeanette Thomas’s Life and Career
    Nov 14 2024


    What does it mean to live a life beautifully formed in the way of Jesus?     In today's episode of theFormed.life, we sit down with Jeanette Thomas—pastor, entrepreneur, and cancer survivor—to explore her profound journey from pastoral leadership to innovative coaching. Join us as we journey through Jeanette's inspiring story, highlighting the transformative power of community, curiosity, and faith.


    Bio

    Jeanette Thomas, founder of Storyboard Coaching, is an executive coach with over two decades of experience guiding leaders through transformative growth. Her coaching approach focuses on adaptive leadership, using neuroscience and growth mindset principles to help clients achieve relational depth, system improvement, and personal insight. Previously, she held impactful roles as Heartland Regional Representative for HOPE International and Pastor of Extension Ministries at Christ Community Church in Kansas City. Jeanette specializes in designing highly personalized coaching strategies, positioning leaders for meaningful, sustainable change.


    Quotes

    "Adaptive leadership, the way they define it in in the literature, is mobilizing people to tackle challenges without known or easy answers."

    • Jeanette Thomas


    "And what that means is that you are willing to ask for what you want or need knowing the answer might be no. Right? And that's actually brave work."

    • Jeanette Thomas


    "We're just not gonna get healed without belonging in love."

    • Jeanette Thomas



    Three Takeaways

    1. Adaptive Leadership & Curiosity: Jeanette emphasizes the importance of curiosity and deep questioning in leadership. She illustrates how adaptive leadership goes beyond technical fixes, advocating for broader, more inclusive solutions that leverage the strengths within a community.
    2. Community & Vulnerability: Jeanette’s personal battle with cancer underscores the essential role of community support and vulnerability. She highlights that experiencing God and healing often happens through relationships, urging leaders to foster genuine connections and offer presence without the need to "fix."
    3. Empowerment & Coaching: In her transition to coaching, Jeanette shares how effective leadership involves empowering others. She uses powerful analogies and real-life examples to show that fostering independence and problem ownership in others can lead to transformative outcomes.

    Resources

    https://jeanettethomas.substack.com


    Timestamps

    00:00 Reflecting on a 20-year journey at Christ Community.

    06:47 Leadership coaching feels overly theatrical yet rewarding.

    08:31 Leadership is curiosity, continuous learning, and adaptability.

    14:17 Helping others navigate change with honest insights.

    15:24 Career journey: Community, nonprofit, entrepreneurship, coaching.

    19:05 Dig deeper; advice might not suffice.

    23:57 Intentional stewardship contrasts with widespread neglect.

    27:16 Completed 18 months of extensive chemo.

    29:29 Cancer journey led to being more open.

    34:03 Supportive women appeared when needed, intuitively assisting.

    35:11 Emphasizes vulnerability, presence, and lessons in hardship.

    39:18 Jesus impacts every facet of our lives.

    44:01 Love from God requires community for healing.

    46:49 Your writing has always been deeply admired.

    50:40 Empowering communities by connecting resources and experiences.

    51:39 Highlighting wisdom from uneducated yet insightful voices.


    Hashtags

    #VocationalJourney #FaithResilience #CommunitySupport #LeadershipJourney #AdaptiveLeadership #HealingThroughCommunity #StorytellingGrace #CuriosityInLeadership #EarlyStageEntrepreneurship #theFormedLifePodcast


    Keywords

    cancer journey, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, Hope International, microfinance, community development, brand story management, pastoral residency program, leadership skills, innovation, coaching, adaptive leadership, chemotherapy, health control, early cancer detection, vulnerability, community support, spirituality, creative solutions, philanthropy, African TEDx, Zephaniah, church community, pastoral care, emotional support, hiking, nature reflection, storytelling, leadership coaching, Michael Bungay Stanier
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    53 mins
  • TFL | Sacrifice, Deference, and Belonging–it’s worth the effort

    TFL | Sacrifice, Deference, and Belonging–it’s worth the effort
    Nov 11 2024

    READ the written blog on our website:
    https://theformed.life/2024/11/learn-about-sacrifice-14/
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    10 mins
  • TFL | How True Security Unlocks Sacrificial Giving

    TFL | How True Security Unlocks Sacrificial Giving
    Nov 4 2024

    READ the written blog on our website:
    https://theformed.life/2024/11/learn-about-sacrifice-13/
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    8 mins
  • POD 038 | Horror and the Christian Faith: Insights from Kutter Callaway

    POD 038 | Horror and the Christian Faith: Insights from Kutter Callaway
    Oct 31 2024
    What can the horror genre teach us about faith and the human condition? On this episode of theFormed.life, we explore this intriguing question with Kutter Callaway, a professor from Fuller Theological Seminary. Together, we dig into the connections between horror, trauma, and theology, offering fresh perspectives on how these unsettling narratives can deepen our understanding of spiritual and existential realities.GUEST BIO:Kutter Callaway serves as associate dean of the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he focuses on the intersection of theology and culture, particularly in film and media. He holds two PhDs in theology and psychological science and is the author of several books, including Theology for Psychology and Counseling (2022) and The Aesthetics of Atheism (2019). In addition to his academic roles, he co-chairs the Religion, Film, and Visual Culture group for the American Academy of Religion. He is a seasoned Baptist minister with extensive pastoral experience.QUOTES:"The kind of horror of living in that body, is something I would never be able to know in a sort of direct visceral way, so I can hear stories, I can be in conversation. But now I've got this movie that just disturbs me to my bones, and I go, why is that? What's happening in that movie? And, you know, spoiler alert, I don't wanna overly spoil it, but it's essentially, a fundamental dehumanization of another human, a child of God based upon the color of their skin, couched in a horror movie."Dr. Kutter Callaway"Statistically significant amounts of people who watched horror genre had way lower levels of depression, anxiety, whatever, coming out of COVID than those who Dr. Kutter Callaway "One thing that my filmmaker friends will say, is that, in fact, horror is one of the most deeply Christian, of genres because, and actually this is a Scott Derrickson, he's the one that directed "Exorcism of Emily Rose”, because there are very few genres where good and evil are so clearly defined."Dr. Kutter Callaway3 Main TakeawaysIntersection of Horror and Faith: The discussion explores how horror films can serve as a medium for theological reflection and understanding of trauma and suffering. By analyzing horror tropes and films like "Get Out" and "The Exorcist," we discuss how horror can challenge and expand traditional readings of scripture, especially focusing on themes of fear, terror, and divine abandonment.Cultural and Theological Relevance: The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging and engaging with spiritual realities and supernatural experiences. This is seen as a missional opportunity for religious communities to connect with society's encounters with the unexplained. We also emphasize how horror can help articulate and process existential fears, thereby providing a platform to discuss deeper theological questions.Psychological and Social Impact of Horror: The episode touches on the psychological benefits of engaging with horror media, noting that it can help individuals build resilience against anxiety and depression, especially in a post-COVID context. By dealing with fears through horror narratives, people can gain a better understanding of human experiences related to trauma, and it offers a unique lens through which Christians might reconsider their approach to scripture and faith.RESOURCES: Be Afraid Podcast - Kutter Callaway & Christianity TodayThe Aesthetics of Atheism - Kutter Callaway & Barry TaylorGet Out - Directed by Jordan Peele The Witch - Directed by Robert Eggers Midsommar - Directed by Ari Aster The Exorcist - Directed by William Friedkin Stranger Things - Created by the Duffer Brothers Quiet Place - Directed by John KrasinskiTimestamps:00:00 Exploring horror's relationship with Christianity and theology.04:16 Exploring horror films' cultural significance and impact.08:56 Horror uniquely explores good vs. evil themes.10:29 Christian priest sacrifices to save possessed girl.13:46 Horror fans less anxious post-COVID, research shows.18:52 Stranger Things blends physical and supernatural horror.20:48 Reading Mark's gospel was a revealing experience.24:44 Explores Jesus's divinity and human perceptions.28:10 Horror genre revives imagination in scripture reading.30:24 Society struggles with unexplainable spiritual realities.35:06 Film highlights racial dehumanization horror, provoking reflection.38:15 Connecting trauma stories through horror explores the supernatural.40:15 Discussing defining horror genres in a podcast.45:18 Christians navigate fear, love, and wisdom balance.46:42 Fear God rightly; misdirected fears hinder wisdom.50:30 Resources linked in podcast show notes.Hashtags#HorrorGenre #ChristianTheology #CulturalEngagement #SpiritualRealities #ExorcismInContext #TheologicalReflection #FearAndFaith #MarkGospelHorror #TraumaAndHorror #theFormedLifePodcastKeywordshorror genre, religious figures as skeptics, spiritual realities, missional ...
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    51 mins
  • TFL | A House Built for Hospitality

    TFL | A House Built for Hospitality
    Oct 28 2024

    READ the written blog on our website:
    https://theformed.life/2024/10/learn-about-sacrifice-12/
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    12 mins
  • TFL | Cross-Cultural Sacrifice

    TFL | Cross-Cultural Sacrifice
    Oct 21 2024

    READ the written blog on our website:
    https://theformed.life/2024/10/learn-about-sacrifice-11/
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    7 mins