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 resource trained in the Episcopal tradition to assist congregations, especially small ones.
• Plans for future Cathy updates, including liturgy support, pastoral resources, and administrative help.
• Using AI to strengthen—not replace—human relationships in ministry.
• How AI can support spiritual growth through journaling, faith coaching, and pastoral care prompts.
• Discerning faithful innovation: How Tri-Tank evaluates which ideas to pursue.
• The polarization of attitudes toward AI and why thoughtful church engagement matters.
• Ethical considerations: bias in AI training, capitalism’s impact, and the church’s role in shaping AI ethically.
• Practical advice for using AI tools to support inclusion, learning, and community life.

Homework:

• Reflect: How could AI tools like Ask Cathy support your ministry or your congregation’s pastoral care needs?
• Explore: Visit askcathy.ai to see how Cathy works.
• Experiment: Try prompting your AI tool to offer more inclusive or diverse perspectives and reflect on the results.
• Prepare: Think about ways you can frame AI conversations with your congregation if you haven’t already started.

Resources:

• Ask Cathy – Churchy Answers That Help You
• TryTank Research Institute
• AI Church Conference Information
• How to Try by Lorenzo Lebrija (Book on faithful experimentation in ministry)
• Mission Canvas – TryTank’s tool for evaluating new ministry ideas
• Harvard Business Review: How People Are Really Using Gen AI in 2025
• Episcopal Church Task Force on AI and Intellectual Property (ongoing work)
• Living Stories Sermons - Project of Rev. Peter Levenstrong
• Backstory Preaching - Timely & practical support thriving while accomplishing the daily work of preaching

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 All Saints’ Episcopal Church.
    Transparency about AI use, including from the pulpit and in vestry discussions.
  • Managing expectations with a Responsible Use Policy.
  • Building trust by sharing examples and demonstrating how AI supports ministry work.
  • Addressing ethical concerns: privacy, protecting human creatives, and environmental impact.
  • Practical advice for other leaders feeling cautious about starting these conversations.

Homework:

• Reflect on how you currently use AI and how you communicate that use to your congregation.
• Consider if your church needs a Responsible Use Policy or clearer communication strategies.
• If you're planning to introduce AI tools, prepare concrete examples to show how they support, not replace, human ministry.

  
  

Resources:

• https://aichurchtoolkit.com/
• https://www.livingstoriessermons.org/
• https://www.backstorypreaching.com/
  
  

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 should be treated as a tool.
• Real-world examples of people forming unhealthy attachments to chatbots.
• The dangers of anthropomorphizing AI, especially for youth and vulnerable users.
• How to engage AI intentionally and avoid theological or emotional confusion.
• Strategies for using AI in ministry while maintaining emotional and relational boundaries.

Homework:

• Reflect on how you currently use AI.
• Ask: “Does this enhance relationships or replace them?”
• Identify boundaries you may need to set around emotional or theological engagement with AI.

Resources:

• She Is in Love With ChatGPT
• Andy Masley’s article on AI’s environmental impact
• Antiqua et Nova – Catholic Church, Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence
• OpenAI & MIT Media Lab study on AI and loneliness
• https://aichurchtoolkit.com/
• “AI Technology Panic—is AI Dependence Bad for Mental Health? A Cross-Lagged Panel Model and the Mediating Roles of Motivations for AI Use Among Adolescents”
• "Anthropomorphism in AI"
• "AI anthropomorphism and its effect on users' self-congruence and continuance intention"
• “Anthropomorphism in AI: hype and fallacy”
• Teddy Ruxpin
• Max Headroom