From Curious to Capable: A UCC Pastor’s Guide to Unlocking AI’s Ministry Potential

by Christopher Schouten

Let’s be honest. The phrase “Artificial Intelligence” might conjure images from sci-fi movies or sound like something far removed from the sacred work of ministry. You’re called to preach, teach, provide pastoral care, administer the church, and walk alongside your community – where does complex technology fit in?

But what if AI wasn’t a replacement for your unique calling, but a powerful, accessible tool to support it? Think of it not as a spiritual guru or a substitute pastor, but as a diligent, tireless administrative assistant, a brainstorming partner, a research aid, and a communications guru all rolled into one.

For UCC pastors dedicated to faithful, relevant, and justice-oriented ministry, AI holds surprising potential to free up precious time, spark creativity, and enhance how you connect with your congregation and the wider world. If you’ve never touched AI before, you’re in the right place. Let’s turn you into a prompting wizard!

Why Should a Pastor Care About AI?

Your ministry is demanding. Sermon preparation, theological reflection, administrative tasks, pastoral visits, social media presence, newsletter writing, program planning – the list goes on. AI can help by:

  • Saving Time: Automating or accelerating research, drafting, and administrative tasks.
  • Sparking Creativity: Breaking through writer’s block, generating fresh ideas, exploring new perspectives.
  • Enhancing Communication: Crafting clearer messages for different audiences, suggesting engaging social media content.
  • Providing Support: Offering summaries of complex texts, helping outline workshops, brainstorming stewardship ideas.

AI doesn’t replace your heart, your theological depth, or your personal connection. It amplifies your ability to dothe work, allowing you more energy for the truly pastoral moments.

Your First Steps into the AI World: A Simple Process

Diving in doesn’t require a theology degree in computer science. It’s surprisingly straightforward.

Step 1: Choose Your AI Companion

There are several user-friendly AI platforms available. Some popular ones include:

  • ChatGPT (OpenAI): A widely known text-based AI.
  • Gemini (Google): Integrated with Google services, good for real-time information.
  • Claude (Anthropic): Known for longer contexts and ethical considerations.

For starters, pick one that seems approachable. Many offer free versions to experiment with. Signing up is usually as simple as creating an account with an email address.

Step 2: Find the Chat Box

Once you’re in, you’ll see a simple interface – usually a chat window or a text box where you can type, sort of like a text message. This is where the magic happens.

Step 3: Type Your First “Prompt”

A prompt is simply the instruction or question you give the AI. This is the key to unlocking its power. Don’t overthink it for your first try.

  • Example First Prompt: Tell me something interesting about the prophet Amos.

See what it gives you! It might surprise you.

Step 4: Refine and Experiment

The AI’s first response might be okay, but not exactly what you need. This is where you start experimenting. Ask clarifying questions, provide more context, or ask it to try again in a different way.

  • Following up on the Amos prompt: Can you give me a summary of the main themes in Amos’s prophecy, focusing on social justice?

Becoming a Prompting Wizard: The Art of Asking

Turning AI into a valuable ministry tool isn’t just about asking a question; it’s about asking the right question in the right way. This is where you become a wizard – by learning the craft of prompting.

Think of your prompt as giving instructions to a very smart, very fast intern who knows a lot but needs clear direction. The more specific and clear you are, the better the result.

Here’s a simple framework for crafting powerful prompts for your ministry:

  1. Define the Role: Tell the AI who you want it to be. This sets the tone and perspective.
    • Examples: Act as a theological scholar…, You are a church communications expert…, Assume the role of a youth group leader brainstorming activities…
  2. State the Task: Clearly articulate what you want the AI to do.
    • Examples: Write an outline for a sermon…, Generate ideas for social media posts…, Summarize this article…, Draft a template for a volunteer thank-you letter…
  3. Provide Context & Constraints: Give the AI necessary background and limitations. This is crucial for relevant, usable results.
    • Examples: …on the theme of radical welcome, …for Pentecost Sunday, …targeting young adults, …keep each post under 100 characters, …using inclusive language, …based on the Lectionary text for this week (specify passage), …should be encouraging but not overly formal, …focus on UCC values of justice and peace.
  4. Specify Format: Tell the AI how you want the information presented.
    • Examples: …as a bulleted list, …in a short paragraph, …as a table, …in three distinct options.

Prompt Examples for Your Ministry (Copy, Paste, and Adapt!)

Here are some prompts you can try, covering different areas of ministry. Remember to adjust the specifics ([ ]) to fit your needs.

  • Sermon & Teaching Support:
    • Act as a progressive theologian. Generate three possible sermon titles and a brief outline for a sermon based on [Scripture Passage, e.g., Luke 4:14-21] focusing on [Theme, e.g., Jesus’ mission statement and social justice] for a UCC congregation.
    • Explain the historical context of [Biblical Book or Passage] in simple terms, suitable for a lay Bible study group.
    • Brainstorm analogies or illustrations for a sermon point about [Abstract Concept, e.g., The Holy Spirit’s movement].
    • Summarize the main arguments of [Book or Article Title] about [Topic, e.g., liberation theology] and its relevance for contemporary ministry.
  • Communication & Administration:
    • Act as a church communications expert. Draft three engaging social media post options (under 150 characters each) announcing our upcoming [Event Name, e.g., Community Garden Cleanup Day]. Include a suggestion for a relevant photo or graphic. Make sure to use welcoming language.
    • Write a template for an email inviting volunteers for [Task, e.g., serving on the Mission Committee]. Keep it concise and include a clear call to action.
    • Generate ideas for a theme and catchy tagline for our annual stewardship campaign this year. Focus on [Specific Goal or Value, e.g., supporting our church’s outreach programs].
  • Brainstorming & Creativity:
    • We are planning a workshop on [Topic, e.g., anti-racism]. Act as a workshop facilitator. Suggest five interactive activity ideas suitable for adults in a church setting.
    • Brainstorm names for a new small group focused on [Focus, e.g., exploring spirituality through nature].
    • Suggest ideas for intergenerational activities related to [Season or Holiday, e.g., Advent or Earth Day].
  • Pastoral Care Support (Use with Utmost Care & Personalization):
    • Draft a short, comforting paragraph for a pastoral note to someone experiencing grief after the loss of a [Relationship, e.g., spouse]. Emphasize God’s presence and the community’s support, using inclusive language. (ALWAYS personalize this deeply afterwards).

A Word of Caution: AI is a Tool, Not a Prophet or Theologian

While incredibly useful, remember that AI generates responses based on patterns in the vast data it was trained on.

  • Fact-Check: AI can make mistakes or present biased information. Always verify facts, especially theological or historical ones.
  • Edit Ruthlessly: AI-generated text is a starting point, not a final product. Edit it to ensure it reflects yourvoice, your theology, and your congregation’s context.
  • Maintain Authenticity: Your unique perspective, experiences, and relationship with God are what make your ministry authentic. AI helps with the scaffolding, but the soul comes from you.
  • Privacy: Be mindful of sharing sensitive personal information with AI tools.

Your Ministry, Amplified

Learning to use AI is an investment in your ministry’s future. It’s about leveraging technology to serve your congregation and community more effectively and efficiently. Start small, experiment, and don’t be afraid to play.

You are already called to amazing work. By adding the skill of prompting to your toolkit, you can unlock new possibilities, free up valuable time, and perhaps even discover new avenues for faithful ministry in the digital age.

Go forth, UCC pastors, and become the prompting wizards you were meant to be!

Beyond the Ballot: A Christian Call to Understanding in Divided Times

by Christopher Schouten

We live in deeply polarized times. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve felt bewildered, frustrated, or even angered by the political choices of fellow Americans, perhaps even friends or family members. The rise and continued support for figures like Donald Trump often elicit strong reactions, and the question “How can they possibly support him?” echoes in many conversations. For those of us guided by faith, this political chasm presents not only a civic challenge but a spiritual one. How do we respond when faced with views that seem diametrically opposed to our own, especially when guided by Christ’s teachings?

Common answers often point to racism, ignorance, or blind allegiance. While prejudice and misinformation are undeniably part of the complex picture, relying solely on these explanations can sometimes feel insufficient. It can shut down curiosity and prevent us from understanding the deeper currents that might be influencing millions of people. As Christians, we are called to something deeper than surface judgment. We’re called to look beyond outward appearances, remembering that “The Lord does not look at the things people look at… the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). If our goal is not just to win arguments, but perhaps to build bridges as peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and reflect Christ’s love, we need to be willing to explore the underlying human experiences with a spirit of compassion.

This isn’t about excusing harmful beliefs or actions. Understanding is not endorsement, and we must always speak truth to injustice. But it is about recognizing the shared humanity, the Imago Dei, in every person, and exploring the complex motivations that might lead someone to a vastly different political conclusion. Drawing from conversations, observations, and trying to piece together the ‘why’, I believe a significant driver is a profound anxiety rooted in the dizzying pace and nature of change transforming America and the world.

The Currents Beneath the Surface: Change, Fear, and the Search for Stability

Imagine feeling like the ground is constantly shifting beneath your feet. For decades, many communities, particularly outside major urban centers, have experienced significant economic disruption – manufacturing jobs disappear, small towns struggle, and promises of prosperity ring hollow. But even for those not directly experiencing all these shifts locally, the perception of rapid, unsettling change elsewhere – witnessed daily through news feeds, social media, and television – can be profoundly destabilizing. This perceived pace of transformation, often focusing on urban centers or evolving cultural norms, is frequently highlighted and amplified by political narratives seeking to exploit the resulting anxiety. Simultaneously, technology reframes entire industries and social interactions at lightning speed across the board. Cultural norms evolve, demographic landscapes shift, and long-held identities or social hierarchies feel questioned or overturned, contributing to this widespread sense of unease.

For someone whose identity, livelihood, or sense of community feels deeply tied to a particular way of life, this relentless change – whether directly experienced or intensely observed – isn’t just an abstract concept; it can feel like a direct threat. It can breed anxiety about the future, nostalgia for a perceived simpler past, and a feeling of being left behind or ignored by a mainstream culture that seems to celebrate constant disruption. This anxiety is real, even if the conclusions drawn from it are ones we strongly disagree with. Recognizing this vulnerability is an act of compassion, reflecting the call to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

Consider the perspective from some rural areas. They might see rapid cultural shifts portrayed in national media that feel alien to their daily lives and values. It can foster a sense of “us vs. them,” a feeling that their way of life is misunderstood, mocked, or under siege by distant forces. Similarly, older individuals often have decades invested in the world as it was; rapid change can feel particularly destabilizing when you’ve built a life within a certain framework. This isn’t necessarily about rejecting progress wholesale, but about the speed and nature of the change feeling overwhelming and imposed.

When people feel anxious, destabilized, and ignored, they become understandably receptive to narratives that offer clarity, validation, and a sense of control. This is where political leadership and messaging become crucial.

Narratives of Restoration and the Appeal of the Strongman

Fear and anxiety create fertile ground for leaders who promise to restore order, defend traditional values, and fight back against the perceived sources of disruption. The appeal lies in the promise of stability, of returning to a time when things felt more certain or when their group held a more central place in the American narrative.

This is often accompanied by identifying clear ‘enemies’ or scapegoats – be it immigrants, ‘elites’, liberals, or specific minority groups. Channeling complex anxieties about economic insecurity or cultural change onto specific groups simplifies the world. It offers someone to blame and unites people in shared opposition. This mechanism is as old as politics itself, but it finds powerful resonance in times of widespread unease. As people of faith, we must be wary of such divisions, remembering the call to unity and the inherent worth of all people.

When a figure like Trump speaks directly to these feelings – validating the anger, acknowledging the sense of loss, promising to “make things great again” – it can feel incredibly powerful to those who feel left behind. His actions, such as rolling back regulations or appointing conservative judges, can be interpreted by supporters as concrete proof that he is fulfilling his promise to turn back the clock, providing tangible reassurance that someone is fighting for them against the tide of change. It’s less about critical analysis of policy impacts and more about the symbolic affirmation that their fears are recognized and acted upon.

Bridging the Gap: A Christian Mandate to Reach Out

Acknowledging these underlying dynamics doesn’t mean we agree with the conclusions or condone the prejudices that can arise. The real-world consequences of certain political choices and rhetoric are severe, and faithfulness often requires speaking out against them. Faced with the pain and division these viewpoints can cause, many of us, understandably, have made the difficult choice to distance ourselves, sometimes cutting ties altogether to protect our own well-being. That decision is deeply personal and often necessary. Yet, we must also recognize that disengagement, while preserving peace in one sense, closes the door on the possibility of mutual understanding or gentle influence.

If we hope to be agents of reconciliation, however small, it likely won’t come through winning arguments that prove weare right. Rather, it might emerge from embodying Christ’s love through compassionate engagement – an approach that seeks to understand the person behind the views and, perhaps, opens a door for them to encounter alternative perspectives as human and valid, not just threatening.

How, then, do we navigate this tension? How do we remain faithful to truth and justice while also heeding Christ’s radical command in Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”? This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a core tenet of following Him. It challenges us to see even those whose views we find harmful not merely as opponents, but as people loved by God, potentially captive to fear or misinformation.

So, how can we embody this difficult love in practical ways?

  1. Listen with Humility: Approach conversations with genuine curiosity and humility, seeking to understand before seeking to be understood (James 1:19). Ask open-ended questions about their experiences, worries, and hopes. Resist the urge to immediately rebut or formulate your counter-argument. Focus first on hearing their story, recognizing their inherent dignity.
  2. Seek Common Ground: Look for shared values or frustrations outside of hot-button politics. Concerns about family, community well-being, honesty, fairness – these often transcend political labels. Connect on shared humanity first. Remember Paul’s approach in Athens, finding common ground before introducing a different perspective (Acts 17).
  3. Validate Feelings, Not Necessarily Beliefs: You can acknowledge someone’s frustration or fear (“It sounds like you feel really left behind by the economy”) without agreeing with their explanation for it. This reflects compassion and opens doors rather than slamming them shut.
  4. Share Your Story with Grace: Sometimes, sharing your own experiences or perspectives, perhaps how your faith informs your views on social justice or compassion, can be powerful. Do so gently, focusing on shared values and human experience. (As my own LGBTQIA+ activism has shown, personal stories can sometimes reach hearts when facts alone cannot.)
  5. Challenge Ideas Gently, Focus on Impact: If you do discuss contentious issues, focus on the impact of policies or actions, guided by principles of justice and love for neighbor. Instead of judgment (“How could you believe that?”), try inquiry (“Have you considered how that policy might affect the ‘least of these’ Jesus spoke of?”). Avoid personal attacks, striving to “live at peace with everyone,” as far as it depends on you (Romans 12:18).
  6. Pray and Be Patient: Deeply held beliefs rarely change overnight. Pray for wisdom, for patience, and for the hearts of those you engage with. Aim for relationship and faithful witness, not necessarily immediate conversion or political agreement. Building bridges is slow, often unseen work, like planting seeds (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

Moving Forward in Faith

There are no easy answers to the divisions we face. But defaulting to dismissal, demonization or caricature of those we disagree with deepens the trenches and falls short of our Christian calling. By making an effort to understand the anxieties, fears, and desires that might fuel different political choices – particularly the profound human reaction to rapid, destabilizing change – we equip ourselves with the compassion needed to connect. It requires us to actively choose love over judgment, peace over conflict, and humility over certainty. It’s difficult, often thankless work, demanding patience and prayer. But perhaps it’s the very work Jesus calls us to: reflecting His love in a fractured world, one conversation, one relationship at a time.

Unpacking White Privilege: Personal and Church-Wide Reflection on Decentering Whiteness

by Christopher Schouten, Southwest Conference Decentering Whiteness Task Force

The Decentering Whiteness Task Force of the Southwest Conference of the UCC will be present at the 2025 Annual Meeting in Albuquerque. We will be offering a workshop titled “Calling People In,” a method designed to address problematic behaviors or statements, especially those rooted in racial bias, with compassion and education rather than public shaming. In the context of racial justice and decentering whiteness, this approach fosters accountability while recognizing that everyone is on a learning journey, prioritizing understanding and growth over punitive measures. This seeks to create a safer space for dialogue, particularly for those from marginalized groups, by fostering a learning environment where individuals can recognize and correct their biases, thus shifting away from a culture that protects white comfort at the expense of addressing systemic inequity. Additionally, we will host a table with various resources to support churches in their quest for decentering whiteness, both personally and within their congregations. 

We will also be revamping the Decentering Whitness Resources section of the conference website in order to offer a comprehensive set of ideas and tools for decentering whiteness in the church and in our own lives. This article is an example of the kinds of resources we will make available, providing a starting point for deeper reflection and action.

Introduction

Our journey towards racial justice and decentering whiteness is a dual path, demanding both personal introspection and communal accountability, particularly within our church communities. As individuals, we must confront the ways white privilege has shaped our lives. As a church, we must examine how our institutions and practices have perpetuated racial inequality. This article is designed to facilitate this dual reflection, providing separate sets of critical questions for personal and church-wide consideration. By engaging with these questions, we can move towards a deeper understanding and take meaningful action for racial justice.

Part 1: Personal Reflection on White Privilege

Introduction:

This section focuses on individual self-examination, encouraging white individuals to confront their own experiences and biases related to race.

10 Critical Questions for Personal Reflection:

  1. When was the first time you became aware of your own race, and what were the circumstances?
  2. How has your racial identity shaped your access to opportunities (education, housing, employment, etc.)?
  3. What are some instances where you’ve been treated as an individual, while people of color were treated as representatives of their entire race?
  4. How have you benefited from a system that historically and currently disadvantages people of color?
  5. In what ways have you been silent or complicit in the face of racial injustice, even if unintentionally?
  6. How have you perpetuated stereotypes or microaggressions, even if you didn’t intend to cause harm?
  7. What are the limitations of your current understanding of race and racism, and what steps are you taking to expand your knowledge?
  8. How do you center the voices and experiences of people of color in your life and work?
  9. What specific actions are you taking to dismantle white supremacy and promote racial justice in your sphere of influence?
  10. How will you hold yourself accountable for continued growth and avoid reverting to harmful patterns of thought or behavior?

Part 2: Church-Wide Reflection on Racial Justice

Introduction:

This section focuses on communal reflection within the church, encouraging congregations to examine their role in perpetuating or dismantling racial inequality.

10 Critical Questions for Church-Wide Reflection:

  1. How has our church’s history and demographics reflected or perpetuated racial segregation or exclusion?
  2. How do our church’s programs and outreach initiatives address or fail to address the needs of racially diverse communities?
  3. How do we ensure that the voices and experiences of people of color are centered and valued in our worship, leadership, and decision-making?
  4. How has our church benefited from or been complicit in systems of racial oppression, both historically and in the present?
  5. In what ways has our church remained silent or inactive in addressing racial injustice within our community and beyond?
  6. How might our church’s language, imagery, and traditions perpetuate harmful stereotypes or microaggressions?
  7. What resources and educational opportunities are we providing to help our congregation deepen their understanding of race and racism?
  8. How are we actively building relationships with and supporting the leadership of people of color within our church and community?
  9. What specific actions are we taking as a church to dismantle white supremacy and promote racial justice within our congregation and community?
  10. How will we hold ourselves accountable as a church for continued growth and avoid reverting to harmful patterns of thought or behavior regarding race?

Conclusion:

This process of self-examination and communal reflection is not a one-time event, but an ongoing commitment. It requires vulnerability, a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, and a dedication to continuous learning. By engaging with these questions, both personally and as a church community, we can move beyond passive awareness and actively contribute to building a more just and equitable society, reflecting the true nature of God’s love and justice. Remember, the goal is not to dwell in guilt or shame, but to transform understanding into meaningful action, fostering a church that truly embodies the unity and reconciliation envisioned in our faith. This is a journey of lifelong learning, and the commitment to this path, both individually and collectively, is what truly creates lasting change within ourselves and within our church.