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.
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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.
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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.
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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. 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.
In this episode, Peter speaks with the Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas, founding vicar of Holy Companion Episcopal Church and creator of A Soulful Revolution. 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.
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Priest, educator, and digital ministry expert Kyle Oliver joins Peter to explore the possibilities and perils of AI in content creation, Christian formation, and online communication. They reflect on the tension between productivity and presence, and what faithful engagement might look like.
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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.
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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.
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Episode 5: Relating to AI
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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.
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Episode 5: Relating to AI
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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AI Church Toolkit website
Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute.