AI in Ministry: Explore the Possibilities

6 online Sessions, Second Thursdays, September–March, 11am EST, Cost: $600  

Wondering how artificial intelligence might reshape the landscape of the Church? Feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities or unsure of its relevance to your calling? This clergy collective offers a practical and accessible pathway to understanding and utilizing AI. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a cautious observer, you're welcome here. This collaborative workshop series is designed for all clergy.

Join us for six interactive sessions, meeting the second Thursday of September, October, November 2025, and continuing in January, February, March 2026. Each 75-minute session dedicates 45 minutes to exploring AI concepts and consider ministry applications, followed by 30 minutes of hands-on experimentation.

Gain practical tech skills and deepen your theological understanding as we navigate the ethical and practical considerations of AI in ministry. Leave with the confidence to utilize AI tools effectively, addressing the unique demands and opportunities of your calling.

Session overview:

Session 1: Introduction to AI for Ministry

  • Overview of AI: What it is and how it works

  • The role of AI in modern society

  • Opportunities for AI in ministry

  • Discussion: Fears and hopes around AI in the clergy world and ethical dilemmas

Session 2: AI in Worship Planning and Music Ministry

  • Tools for planning worship services, including liturgies and prayers

  • AI in creating music or enhancing worship presentations

  • Using AI for multimedia creation (graphics, videos, etc.)

  • Workshop: Designing a worship service with AI tools

Session 3:  AI and Sermon Preparation

  • Using AI tools for scripture analysis and exegesis

  • Generating sermon outlines and ideas

  • Enhancing creativity and addressing writer’s block

  • Workshop: Creating a sermon draft with AI assistance

Session 4: Teaching and Learning with AI

  • AI as a resource for Bible studies and religious education

  • Personalized learning tools for congregants of all ages

  • Using AI to answer theological questions responsibly

  • Workshop: Designing an AI-assisted lesson plan

Session 5:  AI for Pastoral Care and Counseling

  • Using AI for scheduling, reminders, and resource curation

  • AI-powered chatbots for initial outreach or FAQs

  • Ethical boundaries: Maintaining the personal touch in pastoral care

  • Workshops: Scenarios where AI enhances pastoral care

Session 6: AI and Community Engagement and Outreach

  • Leveraging AI for social media management and outreach

  • Analyzing data to better understand congregational needs

  • AI for event planning and communication

  • AI for compiling data for outreach visioning

  • Workshop:  Create an event based off of AI outreach data

 

Rev. Dana Seiler

Meet the Instructor

Rev. Dana Seiler has been working in ordained ministry for 10 years. During that time she has served as a Solo Pastor, a Head of Staff, and as an Associate Pastor. She understands the joys as well as the complexities of those various roles. Dana is the mother of a little girl, and has first hand knowledge about the difficulties of being a female in ministry, and also the challenges of being a mother in ministry. She is passionate about coaching and inspiring folks to rise above the difficulties of ministry as they discern their path forward and create a thriving ministry. Dana is serving as an Associate Pastor for children, youth, mission and pastoral care at Unity Presbyterian Church in Denver, NC.