Conversation | AI in Church and Ministry with Jake Doberenz

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Interview – Jake Doberenz

Theology of Artificial Intelligence

Introduction

Personal introductions
Describe/summarize the book (AI in Church Ministry: Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Faith Communities). (2:21)
- What is it about?
- Who is the intended audience?
- What is the main thing you want people to take away?
Why is this topic important? (11:18)
- How important is it for churches to adapt to our ever changing world?
- Should Christian universities train ministers in the use of technology and AI? Will this be important in the future?
Define AI (17:45)

Ethical/Theologically Considerations of AI

What’s the biggest danger of AI? (24:21)
Risk for children/youth ministry (28:59)
- How should youth ministers be speaking to their kids about ethical use of AI?
The importance of human connection (emphasized heavily in the book) (36:38)
- What makes us human?
- Balance between AI and gifted members
- Balance between AI and the human touch
AI has the potential to change the work landscape of our society. How important is work? What are God’s thoughts about work? (53:33)
Ethical considerations for preaching (1:02:10)
- Plagiarism?
- Originality?
- Human/pastoral component

Ministry Usage

Your book lists three different areas that AI can assist churches.
- Teaching Ministry
- Care and Community
- Administration
What do you think is the biggest benefit AI can give to the church? (1:13:20)
My personal experience with AI (Helpful for ministers in small church settings) (1:17:21)
- Church logo
- Cultivating culture logo
- Sermon illustration
- Sermon series title – Unleashed (Holy Spirit)
- Kahoot
- Discussion questions for youth class
- Discussion questions for small groups
How can a minister get a congregation on board with AI? (1:28:43)
- Should every church be using AI?
How can AI be used in a cost-effective manner? (1:36:32)
- Small churches
- Packed budgets
What is the role of higher church leadership? (e.g., elders, lead minister) (1:41:41)

Closing Remarks

Thinking Theologically