Introduction

In this episode, Ryan Panzer and Jake Doberenz join Loren and Martha to discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the church. They share examples of how they are currently using AI in ministry. They also discuss the potential and possibilities of AI, including its role as a tool for helping to articulate faith stories and as a productivity booster. The conversation also highlights the importance of preaching and teaching, the caution of embracing AI without replacing human gifts, and the importance of nuance and ethics. They also address the fears and concerns surrounding AI in the church, such as job displacement and the potential for AI to replace human creativity and relationships, utilizing the theological lens of the Tower of Babel and understandings humans as simultaneously saint and sinner. Finally, together they explore the question of consciousness and the ascription of personhood to AI while calling for a continued conversation to discern the way forward.

Jake Doberenz is a polymath, identifying as a writer, teacher, minister, and creative thinker. Jake founded Theophany Media, a Christian education company exploring how creativity and technology can help the Church teach the Bible better. He holds two degrees from Oklahoma Christian University: A Master of Theological Studies and a Bachelor’s in Bible with a minor in Communication Studies. His published work includes plays, non-fiction books, and novels, and he has produced podcasts such as Creatively Christian. Get the first chapter of his new book here:

https://open.substack.com/pub/jakedoberenz/p/a-simple-theology-of-artificial-intelligence?r=ndnvw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Ryan Panzer is the author of “Grace and Gigabytes: Being Church in a Tech-Shaped Culture” (Fortress Press, 2020) and "The Holy and the Hybrid: Navigating the Church's Digital Reformation" (Fortress Press, 2022). Ryan has spent his career in the worlds of church leadership and technology. He received his M.A. from Luther Seminary while simultaneously working for Google. Ryan serves as a learning and leadership development professional in the technology industry and as a speaker and writer on digital technology in the church. Ryan also serves as the Theologian in Residence at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Madison, WI. For more writings and resources, visit www.ryanpanzer.com. 

• On using AI purposefully: https://churchanew.org/blog/posts/michael-chan-ryan-panzer-ai-for-ministry
• On the challenges of using AI for ministry: https://www.ryanpanzer.com/post/finding-sacred-spaces-in-a-digital-age
• On practical uses for AI (preaching, communications, etc: https://www.ryanpanzer.com/post/churches-and-content-how-to-write-better-prompts-for-chatgpt

Previous Episodes with Ryan & Jake:

https://futurechristian.podbean.com/e/jake-doberenz-on-working-for-a-church-that-doesn-t-fit-your-theology/

https://futurechristian.podbean.com/e/the-holy-and-the-hybrid-with-ryan-panzer/

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Executive Producer

Danny Burton - Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer