Real Faith in an AI World: Rethinking Digital Ministry

Bridge the gap between timeless truths and emerging technologies.

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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.

What You'll Learn

  • How digital ministry has evolved over the years—and what that means for faith communities.
  • Various digital ministry models, their unique characteristics, and how to decide which models make sense in your context.
  • Practical strategies for navigating and thriving in a tech-shaped culture.
  • Insights into the transformative potential—and significant dangers—of AI in faith-based contexts.
  • Opportunities to engage with cutting-edge tools and technologies reshaping modern ministry.
  • Interactive exercises to apply AI and digital tools to your specific ministry context.
  • Faithful ways to address ethical concerns and potential pitfalls of AI and other digital technology in Christian settings.
  • Methods for integrating digital ministry and AI while maintaining authentic human connections.
  • Strategies for leading congregations through technological transitions with grace and wisdom.
  • Hands-on experience creating AI-assisted content for various ministry communication channels (no, you can’t just ask AI to write your sermon for you!).

About this Course

  • Modules

8

  • Learning Elements

68

  • Videos

19

  • Practices & Activities

15

  • Time

6 hours, 30 minutes

  • Price

$55.00

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Here's What's Inside...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
You'll Learn How to Shift Ministry Models
A glowing blue cross rises above a digital, node-connected open book on a dark background.

Ministry shifts are inevitable in this changing world. Join us as we learn to embrace digital ministry and AI as tools that can enhance, but never replace, authentic faith formation and community building in our tech-shaped culture. We’ll walk alongside you as you discern how to effectively sustain your ministry outside its four walls in the online space, today and through future shifts.

What to Expect

  • Lifetime access to the course materials, including a comprehensive course handbook.
  • A FREE account inside the Faith+Lead Learning Lab, a private online learning community where you can connect with other learners and leaders walking through this course.

If you're already a Faith+Lead member, click here to access this course—it's included in your membership at no additional cost: lab.faithlead.org/courses/digital-ministry/

Ready to Enroll?

Enroll in this one on-demand course today or unlock free access to this and all on-demand courses plus more with Faith+Lead Membership

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Access to this on-demand course

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Access to an online supportive community

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Access to 20+ on-demand courses

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Access to all workshops and their recordings

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Access to member-only live Q&A monthly interviews

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Access to monthly group coaching

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Need a scholarship? Apply here.

Looking for just in-time training resources?

Use this on-demand course as a complementary ready-made resource for small groups, Bible studies, discipleship growth, and equipping lay leaders in your specific ministry setting.

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Meet Your Instructor

  • 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 lives in Madison, WI. For more writings and resources, visit www.ryanpanzer.com.

Connect as you learn

Connect inside the Faith+Lead Learning Lab

Learning happens best when you do it together with folks who are on the same journey as you are.

That's why our private social network, the Faith+Lead Learning Lab, hosts conversations about course content with other learners, instructors, TAs, and community leaders.

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Study together with a small group or congregation

Want to bring Real Faith in an AI World: Rethinking Digital Ministry to your Bible study, small group, or even your entire congregation?

Choose "Enroll a Group" at checkout and select how many people you'd like to provide access to the course. You can go through the course together in-person, watch lessons together via Zoom, or even create a private group in the Learning Lab where participants can connect asynchronously.

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Lead your church through change

  

with the Missional Leader Cohort