Fifth-generation Kansan, United Methodist preacher, husband, and father. Passionate about teaching, preaching, and fostering inclusive communities. I am dedicated to advancing racial reconciliation and helping individuals grow spiritually, and I am excited to serve where God leads.
Anyone else wake up this morning confused about what time it actually was? Between the Halloween sugar crash and this morning’s time change, many of us are probably feeling a bit disoriented. There’s something oddly fitting about feeling off-balance on All Saints Sunday—a day when we straddle the line between remembering those who’ve gone before […]
As we conclude this series on AI and Wesleyan ministry, we must look beyond current capabilities to prepare for emerging technologies. Virtual reality, quantum computing, brain-computer interfaces, and artificial general intelligence aren’t science fiction—they’re developing rapidly. How can churches prepare for technologies we can barely imagine while maintaining theological faithfulness? The answer lies not in […]
Successful AI integration in ministry requires more than individual pastoral competence—it needs congregational engagement. Building an AI-equipped ministry team involves training, empowerment, and cultural change. Here’s how to move from solo experimentation to congregational transformation, ensuring technology serves the whole body of Christ rather than creating digital divisions. Begin with a small coalition of the […]
Have you ever ventured into your basement or storage area and confronted the graveyard of good intentions? Many of us have those boxes labeled “someday”—the craft supplies, the exercise equipment, the project kits we bought with such enthusiasm. Our family’s basement holds evidence of unfinished dreams, each one started with genuine excitement, each one set […]
The seal of the confessional has protected pastoral confidences for centuries. Today’s digital ministry requires translating these ancient principles into new contexts. When AI tools process prayer requests, sermon illustrations involve personal stories, and digital platforms store sensitive information, maintaining confidentiality becomes both more complex and more critical. Here’s how to steward information faithfully in […]
As we’ve explored AI’s potential for enhancing ministry, we must also clearly acknowledge its limitations. Certain aspects of pastoral ministry remain irreducibly human and spiritual, beyond any algorithm’s capability. Understanding these boundaries isn’t about fearing technology but about preserving what makes ministry truly transformational—the mysterious intersection of human relationship and divine grace. The incarnation—God becoming […]
You know that moment at work when the boss needs someone for an important project? Everyone straightens up, trying to look competent and available. The veterans showcase their experience. The eager ones volunteer before hearing the details. Meanwhile, someone’s in the supply closet, organizing inventory, completely unaware there’s even a meeting. Yet sometimes that’s exactly […]
Wesley’s optimism of grace—the belief that God’s prevenient grace is already at work in every human heart—transforms how we approach evangelism. Rather than conquering hostile territory, we’re joining God’s existing activity in people’s lives. AI tools can help identify where grace is already moving, craft contextual invitations, and create bridges between seeking hearts and transforming […]
Wesley’s insistence that there is “no holiness but social holiness” reminds us that personal salvation cannot be separated from social transformation. Justice ministry isn’t optional for Methodists—it’s essential to our identity. AI tools can amplify justice work by identifying needs, coordinating responses, tracking impact, and connecting local efforts with broader movements. Here’s how to leverage […]
Many of us have experienced that moment when someone calls our name three times before we finally hear them. Maybe you were absorbed in your phone, lost in thought about work, or—let’s be honest—pretending to be asleep while your spouse asked about taking out the trash. Think about those times in a crowded restaurant when […]
Small membership churches—those under 100 in average attendance—comprise the majority of Methodist congregations. These churches face unique challenges: limited budgets, volunteer shortages, bivocational pastors, and aging demographics. Yet they also possess unique strengths: deep relationships, community knowledge, and agility. AI tools, properly scaled and implemented, can multiply small church impact without requiring large investments or […]
Ministry doesn’t pause between Sundays. The weekly rhythm of pastoral work—administration, communication, visitation, preparation, and coordination—can either energize or exhaust. AI tools, thoughtfully integrated into weekly workflows, can reduce administrative burden while enhancing ministry effectiveness. Here’s a practical guide to using AI throughout your ministry week, creating sustainable rhythms that serve both congregation and pastor. […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 