Communications and Media - Grace Presbytery

Communications & Media

What Does Communications & Media Cover?

We provide weekly newsletters and a variety of e-news bulletins throughout the year. Our department is responsible for updating and maintaining the Grace Presbytery website and managing social media channels.

How Can Communications & Media Support Our Congregation?

If you have any questions related to online or communication issues facing your church or committee, we are here to help. Think of us as your "phone a friend" resource. We look forward to connecting with you.

#gracepresbytery

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Coordinator of Communications and Media

Emily Adams

(214) 393-5617

[email protected]

What to Include & How to Submit News Items

How to Submit Your News: Submit your news by email to [email protected]

When to Submit Your News: Our eNews is published weekly. To be included in our next email, please turn in your information by midday on Wednesday.

Format: Please send your write-up in a Word document, PDF, or within the body of an email.

Must Include*: The date and time of your event; the name of the venue; the address of the venue; whether it is online, hybrid, or in person; and if there is a cost associated with the event. *if applicable

Answer the 5 Ws: Be sure to provide enough information to answer these questions. Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Details? Include plenty of detail. We may edit the length and link to more information if necessary.

Create a Lead: The “Lead” is the first sentence or short paragraph. It should contain the main point of the article. Each successive sentence and paragraph expands on the lead and provides details. If people are skimming the news, you want them to read the most important information first.

Have a Clear Call to Action: Each article will end with a button that can link to your call to action - a sign-up form, website, a video - whatever you need it to be. Make your news serve a purpose and track the traffic our newsletter generates back to your congregation or organization.

Photos: Please send photos to accompany your news as email attachments, rather than (or including) embedding them in your piece. We reserve the right to crop to fit our format. We can provide a complimentary stock image if you do not have a photo to accompany your piece.

Running Your News: We will run your item weekly until the first day of your event. (If your event falls or starts on a Friday, it will not run in that Friday’s news) Items received after our Wednesday cut-off are not guaranteed to be included in the current week’s newsletter. We reserve the right to edit for grammar, space, and clarity.

YOU SHOULD BE HERE IF...

YOU HAVE

NEWS OR EVENTS TO SHARE

YOU NEED ADVICE

REGARDING SOCIAL MEDIA

YOU ARE SEEKING

COMMUNICATIONS RESOURCES

YOUR CHURCH WANTS

A WEBSITE AUDIT AND ADVICE

YOU NEED IDEAS FOR

BRANDING AND PROMOTION

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENEWS

SUBMIT A PIECE TO THE ENEWS

BROWSE THE ENEWS ARCHIVES

SUBMIT A WEBSITE CORRECTION

WEBSITE AND ONLINE PRESENCE

THE IMPORTANCE OF ONLINE PRESENCE

A website provides a central space for people to learn about you, your church, and the community you’ve built. Showcasing what makes your church unique can inspire visitors to attend a service and become part of your growing congregation. Today, most people will explore your church online long before they consider visiting in person. That means having a digital presence isn’t optional; it’s essential for visibility in your community. If your church has no online presence, start with a social media account then work towards building a simple, welcoming website that reflects your mission.

Walking You Through Website Design

WALKING YOU THROUGH WEBSITE DESIGN

The main issue with hiring someone is that most people don’t know what to ask or how to describe what they need - and have no clue of the range it should cost. Please involve me if you consider hiring it out. I would love to help guide you through the process and review your quotes to make sure you are not being taken advantage of.

EMAIL Emily Adams to with questions about your website needs

The Pros and Cons of Website Options

THE PROS AND CONS OF WEBSITE OPTIONS

Creating or redesigning a website can be overwhelming. We're here to guide you through the process if you would like some help. Here are your options:

Pre-built, template websites (Squarespace, Wix, & similar platforms)
1. PROS: Quick, affordable
2. CONS: Limited flexibility, less expense up front, but paying in perpetuity
Build your own website on WordPress with a church member or a church staff member
1. PROS: Great if you have someone with the skills
2. CONS: If you lose them, you will have a site you can’t manage
Hire a WordPress site built with a professional developer
1. PROS: better foundation for future growth
2. CONS: More expense up front, but less in perpetuity

Church websites serve as a digital front door for congregations, offering information about services, events, beliefs, and ministries. They provide an accessible way for members and visitors to stay connected, stream sermons, and give online. A well-designed church website reflects the church’s mission and community, making it easier for newcomers to learn more and get involved.

Website Content Essentials

WEBSITE CONTENT ESSENTIALS

Your website content can be as rich or as basic as you want, but here are some essential pages and elements to include:

Front page, preferably upper right corner: WORSHIP TIMES. That is the number one complaint I hear when I ask people about their interactions with church websites. If they can’t clearly locate worship times in the first few seconds, you’ve lost them.

Front Page, preferably footer: CONTACT INFORMATION. If someone has a question, they want to find you right away. Make it easy for them. You can still include a contact form further in your site, but your phone, email, and address should be easily accessible.

Make your front page appealing - an ENDLESS scroll can be as irritating as a virtually blank front page. Include photos, video if you have it. Share some information, but be mindful of how much. Think of your front page as an invitation in, rather than full details for every event.

Include a place for people to sign up for eNews.

Here’s a sample menu of pages for you to customize for your church’s needs:

ABOUT (can include mission, vision, & value statements, staff, history, denomination, etc)
WORSHIP (directions & times, visitor information, type of service, bulletins, links to or embedded videos, promotion of special services)
MINISTRY (programming: children & youth, adult, classes, outreach, justice, community programming & partners, etc)
EVENTS (link to a calendar)
CONNECT (sign up for enews, social media links, sign up for volunteer opportunities/share your gifts forms, join a team, promote hybrid opportunities for classes & meetings)
GIVE (include a way for members & non-members to give online)

Royalty Free Image Resources

Video, Music, & Image Copyright

VIDEO, MUSIC, & IMAGE COPYRIGHT

GP: Overview of Image Use and Attribution Guidelines
One License - Obtain copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs for your congregation. Search and download high-resolution music image files to use in your worship aid, bulletin, or projection.
CCLI - The Church Video License provides legal coverage for churches and organizations to publicly show motion pictures and movie scenes.
Creative Commons - Creative Commons is an international nonprofit organization that empowers people to grow and sustain the thriving commons of shared knowledge and culture we need to address the world's most pressing challenges and create a brighter future for all.

These resources serve as a starting place for copyright considerations, but this is a rapidly evolving field. If you have further questions, please reach out to our office or research your specific issue online.

Website Accessibility

WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY

Creating an accessible website is more than just a best practice—it's a vital cultural shift that supports inclusivity for all users, including those with disabilities. ADA legislation requires websites to accommodate individuals with a range of cognitive and physical needs.

To experience web accessibility in action, click the red gear icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. This will activate the accessibility widget we use.

We recommend accessiBe, a leading platform offering AI-powered solutions like accessWidget and accessFlow. These tools make it easier to create accessible, compliant websites by automatically adapting site content and functionality to individual user needs.

AccessiBe's widget offers customizable profiles, including:

Seizure Safe Mode
Vision Impaired Profile
ADHD Friendly Profile
Cognitive Disability Profile
Keyboard Navigation (for motor impairments)
Screen Reader Optimization (for blind users)
Color Blind Adjustments
...and more.

Emily Adams is an accessiBe-certified partner with direct access to a dedicated support representative at the company. By signing up through Emily, she can assist with onboarding, manage service-related concerns, and ensure a smooth experience.

If you're interested, Emily can also run a free compliance report on your current website to help you identify accessibility gaps and plan next steps with your own team.

Reach out to Emily with any questions or to get started.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS AND TOOLS

Social media helps churches connect with their congregation and reach new people far beyond their physical location. It provides an easy, effective way to share real-time updates, post sermons, promote events, and offer encouragement throughout the week—not just on Sundays. By actively using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, churches can build stronger community connections, foster meaningful engagement, and keep people informed and inspired. A consistent social media presence also makes your church more visible and accessible, especially to younger generations and those exploring faith for the first time in today’s digital-driven world.

The Importance of Social Media

THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media platforms offer powerful tools for individuals to stay connected with friends, family, and communities that share similar values, regardless of physical distance. These digital interactions help nurture relationships, reinforce shared interests, and promote a sense of belonging, self-worth, and mutual support. For churches, embracing social media is essential not only to maintain engagement with current members but also to reach broader audiences. By sharing messages of faith, livestreaming services, promoting events, and providing spiritual encouragement online, churches can extend their ministry beyond the walls of the building, meeting people where they are and fostering deeper community connections in an increasingly digital world.

Hashtags

Tools

Helpful Social Media Links

Facebook, Instagram, and video platforms each serve churches in different ways. Facebook is ideal for community building and event sharing, while Instagram highlights church life through photos and short videos. Platforms like YouTube or Vimeo help share sermons and creative content with a wider audience. Using each strategically helps churches connect and grow online.

Facebook

Instagram

Linked In

YouTube/Vimeo

BRANDING, VOICE, AND STYLE

Branding is important for your church to engage your congregation and help identify you in the sea of options to prospective members. When considering your logo and branding choices, do some research. Look up the two churches geographically closest to you and the two that are the most theologically aligned with you in the area, and make sure your colors and logo stand out among them. The first time someone probably will be exposed to you is online and you want to ensure that you are memorable standing alongside the churches you are being compared to.

Why Branding Matters

WHY BRANDING MATTERS

Branding is important for your church to engage your congregation and help identify you in the sea of options to prospective members.

Getting Heard in a Noisy World - Whether you're building an organization, or raising awareness for a cause or campaign, you need to get your message out there. Getting the word out has never been easier or more affordable...but getting heard in a world of distractions can be a tricky business.

Standing Out from the Crowd - In this day and age, people can compare churches online. They are researching all the time, searching for a congregational home. We have a lot to offer. We need to ensure that we’re always thinking of how to better communicate what we do, and making sure we look sharp when we do so.

Being Recognized and Respected - Once you get heard and stand out, you need to capitalize on that first impression by generating consistent, quality content. The goal is for someone to glance at your site, brochure, signage, or whatever-it-is - and instantly identify and remember your church.

Branding Guidelines

BRANDING GUIDELINES

Be Focused - Consider what you are trying to accomplish or communicate and work backwards to make sure every aspect of your name, look, and overall message align with your end game and the church’s overall message and mission.

Be Clear - Make sure your campaign, event, or message is crystal clear and that it has a definitive purpose and call to action.

Be Confident - Put your best foot forward in all you communicate. Your church is unique and has value. There is a broader audience for you, in your community and beyond.

Be Consistent - Keep your message, performance, and online involvement consistent. Consistency and quality of content will keep members engaged with you and will attract new interest.

Define Your Style

DEFINE YOUR STYLE

Logo - Create a logo, or have one created (this is a process we can help you talk through before you speak with designers to help you with the lingo and the file types you should ask for up front so you don’t get hit with extra billing after the fact).

Tagline + Mission, Vision, & Value Statements - Workshop a tagline that best describes your congregation. Create mission, vision, and value statements.

Style Guide - Compile a style guide, a PDF with color values, fonts, your tagline, and logo files that your people can follow when they create any kind of official communication or signage.

Helpful Branding Resource Links

A style guide is an essential resource for churches that want to communicate clearly and consistently across all ministries. It provides guidance on language, tone, and formatting, helping teams align their messages with the church’s mission and values. This consistency not only builds trust but also strengthens relationships within the congregation and with the broader community. When creating materials like ministry proposals, bulletins, newsletters, or event promotions, a style guide helps ensure clarity and unity, especially when multiple people are involved. It keeps communications rooted in the church’s heart and vision, supporting a more polished and Christ-centered message across every platform. A style guide also saves time, reduces confusion, and empowers teams to communicate with confidence and purpose. As your church grows, the style guide can become a steady foundation to help preserve the spirit of your message.

Creating & Adhering to a Style Guide

CREATING & ADHERING TO A STYLE GUIDE

Creating a brand style guide can be a powerful way for your church to clarify its identity and communicate its values more effectively, both within the congregation and to the wider community. But what exactly is a brand style guide? Great question.

Simply put, a brand style guide is a collection of guidelines that ensures consistency in how your church presents itself. This includes standards for logo usage, fonts, color schemes, photography, tone of voice, and other visual and written elements that represent your church. Think of it as the personality of your church in written form—helping every ministry and team reflect the same heart and message.

Make sure your church’s ministry teams and staff are familiar with the style guide, if they don’t know it exists, they won’t use it. Walk through its contents and include it in onboarding for new staff and volunteers so everyone communicates with clarity and unity from the start.

Keep the guide easily accessible, and remember it should grow as your church does. Update it when needed and look to other churches for inspiration. Treat it as a living document that supports your mission and helps your church share the gospel with a clear, consistent voice.

Signage, Print Collateral, & Promotional Materials

SIGNAGE, PRINT COLLATERAL, & PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

Signage - Mindful signage in a church setting goes beyond simply giving directions—it’s about creating signs that are welcoming, clear, and meaningful. Thoughtful signage helps people feel at ease, especially first-time visitors, by making it easy to navigate the space while also reflecting the heart and mission of the church.

When done well, signage becomes part of the church’s hospitality. It not only guides people to where they need to go but also contributes to a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it’s a sign for the sanctuary, children’s check-in, or the coffee area, each one is an opportunity to serve and engage with care and purpose.

Print Collateral - In today’s digital world, print materials still play an important role in church communication. They offer a tangible, personal touch that many people appreciate, especially in a space focused on connection and community. Printed bulletins, event flyers, welcome cards, and brochures often feel more thoughtful and engaging than digital messages alone.

Print also carries a sense of credibility and permanence, making it ideal for reaching members who prefer something they can hold onto or take home. For churches, it’s a meaningful way to cut through digital noise and connect with people of all ages in a more intentional, memorable way.

Promotional Materials - Promotional items can be a powerful tool for churches, helping to increase visibility, build community, and support outreach efforts. Items like pens, tote bags, mugs, or t-shirts with your church’s name or message can serve as everyday reminders of faith and create opportunities for meaningful conversations.

These items not only help members feel more connected but also act as gentle tools for evangelism. Whether given out at events, used in welcome packets, or sold as part of a fundraiser, promotional items can extend your church’s presence beyond the walls and into the daily lives of those you’re called to reach.

ENEWS AND BULLETIN DESIGN

A good church newsletter can really take your communication to the next level. It’s a simple but powerful way to keep your congregation in the loop and make sure no one misses out on what’s happening. Whether you’re sharing upcoming events, highlighting volunteer opportunities, celebrating answered prayers, or offering a quick word of encouragement, a well-put-together newsletter helps people feel informed and involved. It creates a steady rhythm of connection throughout the week, not just on Sundays.

Beyond just giving out info, a newsletter can reflect the heart and personality of your church. You can include personal notes from the pastor, member spotlights, scripture reflections, or stories of what God is doing in your community. It’s also a great tool for welcoming new folks who are curious about your church—they get a glimpse into who you are and what you value. Over time, your newsletter becomes more than a bulletin board—it becomes a trusted voice, helping build relationships, encouraging spiritual growth, and keep your community growing stronger together.

Best Practices for Your Church Newsletter

BEST PRACTICES FOR YOUR CHURCH NEWSLETTER

Here are some best practices for creating an effective church newsletter:

Keep it Clear and Concise – Use simple language and short sections so it's easy to read quickly. Avoid overwhelming readers with too much text.
Use a Consistent Format – Stick to a regular layout and schedule (weekly or monthly) so members know what to expect.
Include Key Information – Share upcoming events, service times, announcements, volunteer opportunities, and prayer requests.
Add a Personal Touch – Include a brief devotional, message from the pastor, or member spotlight to build connection and encouragement.
Make it Visually Appealing – Use headers, bullet points, and images to break up content and keep it engaging.
Optimize for All Devices – Ensure it looks good on both desktop and mobile, especially if sent via email.
Include Call-to-Actions – Encourage readers to attend events, volunteer, give, or share the newsletter with others.
Proofread Before Sending – Check for spelling, grammar, and accurate details to maintain professionalism and trust.

By following these practices, your church newsletter can become a meaningful tool for communication, encouragement, and community connection.

Online Newsletter Tools

Newsletter Resources

NEWSLETTER RESOURCES

Mailchimp's Resource Library - This is a treasure trove of dozens of articles on improving everything from your subject lines to growing and managing your lists. Includes free courses, ebooks, podcasts, and videos.
Constant Contact's On-Demand Library - Review their extensive library of articles, videos, and webinars on email, social media, and marketing.

Refreshing your church bulletin design is a simple way to make a big impact. When your bulletin looks clean, modern, and easy to read, people are more likely to actually pay attention to what’s inside. A fresh design helps highlight important info, like events, announcements, and ways to get involved, without overwhelming the reader. It also shows that your church cares about the details and is willing to adapt and grow. Even small changes, like updated fonts or better spacing, can make your bulletin feel more inviting and reflect the life and energy of your church community. Over time, these updates can help strengthen communication and increase engagement across your congregation.

Best Practices for Bulletin Design

BEST PRACTICES FOR BULLETIN DESIGN

Here are some best practices for church bulletin design to help make it clear, engaging, and effective:

Keep It Simple and Clean
Avoid clutter. Use whitespace, consistent margins, and a clean layout to make the bulletin easy to read and navigate.
Use Readable Fonts
Choose clear, easy-to-read fonts for both headings and body text. Stick to two or three fonts max to keep things consistent.
Organize Content Logically
Group similar items together (e.g., upcoming events, announcements, prayer requests) and use headings or dividers to guide readers.
Highlight What Matters Most
Use bold text, icons, or color accents to draw attention to key announcements, times, or calls to action.
Incorporate Your Church Branding
Use your church’s colors, logo, and tone of voice to reflect your identity and create a cohesive look.
Use Visuals Wisely
Add photos, graphics, or icons to bring life to the bulletin—but don’t overload it. Aim for balance and relevance.
Make It Mobile-Friendly (if digital)
If your bulletin is digital, make sure it’s easy to read on phones and tablets with a responsive layout and large enough text.
Proofread Everything
Double-check for typos, incorrect dates, and formatting errors. Clean, accurate content builds trust and clarity.
Update It Regularly
Keep information current. A regularly updated bulletin shows that your church is active, organized, and engaged.
Include Next Steps
Add clear calls to action—like “Join us for prayer night,” “Sign up to volunteer,” or “Follow us on social media.”

Following these best practices helps ensure your church bulletin is not just informative, but also a reflection of the heart and care you put into your community.

Canva Nonprofit & Canva Tutorials

CANVA NONPROFIT

Canva is an invaluable tool because it makes creating professional-looking designs easy and accessible for everyone, even if you have no design experience. With its drag-and-drop interface, ready-to-use templates, and huge library of fonts, images, and graphics, you can quickly create everything from social media posts and flyers to newsletters and presentations. It’s perfect for churches, small teams, or individuals who want to produce high-quality visuals without needing expensive software or a graphic designer.

Canva for Nonprofits gives you and your team access to Canva Teams' premium features for free, which include the following:

Access to premium images, videos, music, and other graphics
Downloading designs with transparent backgrounds
Upgraded Brand Kit: create more color palettes, and upload your own fonts and logos
Publishing designs as brand templates
Sharing designs and folders with your team
Using template share links

APPLY for CANVA NONPROFITS

CANVA TUTORIALS

Canva Teams

CANVA TEAMS & TEAMS RESOURCES

Canva Teams is included under your Canva Nonprofit license.

Using Canva Teams for church bulletin design makes the process easier, more efficient, and truly collaborative. Multiple team members - like pastors, music ministers, and admins - can work together on the same bulletin from anywhere, editing content, adding announcements, or updating visuals in real time. With shared access to brand colors, fonts, and templates, everyone stays on the same page and the design remains consistent week to week. You can organize past bulletins in folders, leave comments for feedback, and even assign tasks if needed. Canva Teams helps streamline communication, reduce back-and-forth emails, and produce a polished, engaging bulletin that reflects your church’s identity.

RESOURCES

Including a Digital Bulletin Option

INCLUDING A DIGITAL BULLETIN OPTION

Using a digital church bulletin offers convenience, flexibility, and better engagement. It’s easy to update and share—no more last-minute printing or paper waste. Members can access it anytime on their phones or devices, whether they're at church or on the go. You can include clickable links to events, sign-ups, or giving options, making it more interactive than a printed version. Plus, it’s a great way to stay connected with those who watch online or can’t attend in person. A digital bulletin helps your church stay organized, modern, and accessible to everyone.

You can host a PDF of your weekly bulletin on your website, your social media page, or share a link to it in your newsletter.

Creating QR Codes and Short Links

CREATING QR CODES AND SHORT LINKS

QR codes and short links are tools that make it easier for people to quickly access digital content—especially useful in church communications like bulletins, slides, or social media.

QR Codes - A QR (Quick Response) code is a square-shaped barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone camera. When scanned, it instantly takes the user to a specific webpage, video, form, or any digital resource. Churches often use QR codes to:

Link to online giving platforms
Share event registration forms
Provide access to sermon notes or livestreams
Connect to social media or digital bulletins

Short Links - A short link is a condensed version of a longer URL, making it easier to read, type, or share. For example, instead of using a long web address like

www.yourchurchwebsite.com/events/summer-community-outreach

you can use a short link like yourchurch.link/outreach.

These are helpful for print materials, verbal announcements, and social media.

Together - QR codes and short links help bridge the gap between physical materials and digital engagement, making it easier for people to take action quickly and stay connected.

QR Code and Short Link Generating Tools

AI LITERACY AND INTEGRITY

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is technology that helps computers do tasks that usually need human thinking, like learning, solving problems, or understanding language. It can spot patterns, handle repetitive jobs, and offer helpful insights by using large amounts of data.

For churches, AI can be a helpful tool to support ministry and connect with people. Using AI wisely lets churches focus more on serving people while reaching more hearts through modern tools.

Why AI Literacy is Important

WHY AI LITERACY IS IMPORTANT

Artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of society, from communication and education, to healthcare and ministry. Churches that do not understand AI risk making uninformed decisions and missing opportunities. Here's why AI literacy is vital for the Church:

1. Wise and Discerning Leadership

Church leaders and staff need to understand how AI works in order to:

Choose digital tools that align with ministry goals
Interpret data-driven insights without blindly trusting technology

2. Faithful Stewardship of Resources

AI can help churches:

Automate administrative tasks like scheduling
Analyze community data to better understand needs
Innovate in ministry and outreach with greater efficiency

When used wisely, AI can support the mission, freeing time and energy for people-centered ministry.

3. Guarding Against Harm

AI carries real dangers: bias, misinformation, privacy risks, and misuse. An AI-literate church can:

Recognize ethical and spiritual risks
Put integrity safeguards in place when using AI tools (e.g., in communications, etc.)

4. Equipping the Body for a Changing World

As AI changes the workplace and society, churches can help:

Equip members with wisdom and skills to engage AI faithfully
Prepare staff and volunteers to adapt to new technologies
Guide young people in using AI with discernment and integrity

5. Upholding Ethics

Using AI wisely is not just about efficiency; it’s about discipleship.

AI literacy helps the Church:

Promote justice, dignity, and inclusion in digital spaces
Avoid reinforcing harmful biases or systems
Align tech use with values and love for neighbor

6. Building Trust

Churches that use AI transparently and ethically build trust with:

Congregants
Online audiences
Partner organizations
The broader community

Clear communication and responsible tech use reflect Christ’s call to truth and integrity.

Ways AI Can Help Your Church

WAYS AI CAN HELP YOUR CHURCH

AI can help a church in several practical and meaningful ways:

Improved Communication – AI tools like chatbots or automated messaging can send out reminders, devotionals, or event updates to members. This helps keep people engaged and informed without overloading church staff.
Content Multiplication – AI can help pastors brainstorm ideas or create study guides, saving time while supporting meaningful teaching. Think of AI as a content multiplier, not a creator.
Language Translation – For diverse congregations, AI-powered translation tools can help break down language barriers, making services and materials accessible to everyone.
Administrative Support – Automating scheduling or event planning helps reduce manual workload so church staff can focus more on ministry.

AI Content Tools

Learn More About Leveraging AI

LEARN MORE ABOUT LEVERAGING AI

There are many resources for learning how to leverage AI, and there are more being generated every day. These resources are a starting place if you want to learn how to master prompt engineering and leverage the tools to their full potentialal.

Ted Talks & Podcasts:

Podcast: The Marketer's Guide to the AI Galaxy
Ted Talk: Leading with AI and Heart
Ted Talk Playlist: Artificial Intelligence

Online Classes:

Coursera, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, created by IBM
Coursera, Generative AI: Introduction and Applications, created by IBM
Coursera, Generative AI Content Creation, created by Adobe
Coursera, Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics, created by IBM
Coursera, AI for Everyone, created by DeepLearning.AI
Coursera, Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT, created by Vanderbilt University
Coursera, AI Foundations for Everyone, created by IBM
Coursera, Introduction to Generative AI, created by Google
Coursera, AI for Creative Work Specialization, created by University of Michigan
Coursera, AI Essentials, created by Intel
Udemy, Generative AI for Beginners, created by Aakriti E-Learning Academy
Udemy, ChatGPT & AI Tools - From Beginner to Expert, created by Todd McLeod

Books, etc.:

Book: Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark
Book: Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans by Melanie Mitchell

For churches to maintain integrity while using AI, it's important to follow clear, ethical guidelines that align with your values. Here are some practical principles:

Put People First – AI should support relationships, not replace them. Use it to enhance human connection, not avoid it.
Be Transparent – Let members know when AI is being used (like chatbots or automated messages) so they understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
Respect Privacy – Protect personal data like prayer requests, contact info, or giving history. Use secure systems and limit data access to trusted staff or volunteers.
Stay Mission-Focused – Use AI tools that align with the church’s mission and values. Avoid using tech that promotes manipulation, division, or distraction.
Avoid Over-Reliance – Technology is a tool, not a replacement for spiritual leadership, discernment, or human care. Keep pastoral roles rooted in prayer, presence, and community.
Review Regularly – Continually evaluate how AI is being used. Ask: Is this helping us serve better? Is it honoring God and people?