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Real Faith in an AI World: Rethinking Digital Ministry
Bridge the gap between timeless truths and emerging technologies.
About this Course
Real Faith in an AI World was designed to equip leaders to thoughtfully engage with a changing digital landscape.
What You’ll Be Able to Do:
You experienced it firsthand—the pandemic wildly transformed how we “do church,” opening doors to online ministry and visitors from far and wide. As the dust settles, many church leaders are asking: What’s next? How can we lead faithfully in this virtual frontier?
Some of us feel a sense of dread about digital tools and artificial intelligence; others enthusiastically embrace them as an opportunity to expand ministry beyond a sanctuary’s walls. Wherever you stand, digital technology is here to stay, and it’s reshaping how we learn, connect, and support our faith communities. So how can we use it to nurture authentic faith and meaningful connections in this increasingly tech-driven world?
Welcome to Real Faith in an AI World: Rethinking Digital Ministry, an on-demand course for ministry leaders navigating this digital landscape. Together, we won't just react to change—we’ll thoughtfully engage with it. From the rich history of digital ministry to the ethical application of AI tools, we'll walk alongside you as you discern how to reboot your ministry for this day and age. Join us as we step into this call to reimagine faith formation, build vibrant online communities, and responsibly leverage technology to support God’s mission.
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
Navigating a Tech-Shaped Culture
In this module, you will
- Learn how technology influences and shapes culture.
- Be aware of how our usage of technology shapes faith and belief.
- Audit the top technologies used within your faith community.
What is Digital Ministry?
In this course, you will
- Learn definitions and history important to digital ministry.
- Develop your understanding of digital ministry through the lens of spiritual gifts.
- Consider the causes and effects of digital ministry in your context.
Digital Ministry Models
In this module, you will
- Learn what digital ministry models exist.
- Consider, test, and experiment with these models in your own setting.
- Follow God's leading as you develop a model for your ministry setting.
Why AI Changes Everything
In this module, you will
- Learn about the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for ministry.
- Consider the spiritual and ethical aspects of AI use.
- Experiment with AI in your setting.
AI for Content and Communication
In this module, you will
- Learn tools and strategies for using AI in content development and communications.
- Experiment with using these tools.
- Follow God's leading as you consider incorporating them into your ministry.
Leading Through the Digital Reformation
In this module, you will
- Seek God's guidance as you guide others through this uncertain time.
- Develop ways to talk about and faithfully use digital tools.
- Apply what you have learned to develop a final project.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course. You'll also be encouraged to submit feedback about your course.
One-time purchase
$55
With Faith+Lead Membership
$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
8 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Ryan Panzer
Ryan Panzer is the author of Grace and Gigabytes: Being Church in a Tech-Shaped Culture (Fortress Press, December 2020). Having worked for technology companies like Google and Zendesk while attending seminary and serving in ministry contexts, Ryan researches and writes about ministry in a digital age. As a coach and consultant, Ryan equips communities of faith to live into their mission by integrating digital technology in their ministry. He is a graduate of Luther Seminary (Master of Theology, 2019). He lives in Madison, WI. For more writings and resources, visit www.ryanpanzer.com.
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One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access the leaders guide for group study
- Access the course workbook for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
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Access this on-demand course
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- Access to this on-demand course
- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at support@faithlead.org for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!