By Paul Fromberg

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 resourc…

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…

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. Topics covered: Why AI is not a relational being and s…

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. Topics covered: Why AI is not a relational being and s…

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. Brea…

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 …

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, theol…

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 wor…

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…

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…