Sarah, great question. I've been playing with using AI to assist with administrative tasks, editing, creating social media posts, and generating responsive readings. The challenge is to not get focused on how to use it in sermon prep and its impact on sermons, though I have played with using it to assist me there.
When thinking about Generative AI it is important to remember that there are several categories and it is important that we double/triple check anything generated using AI.
For those interested in learning more about AI, writing prompts, and understanding its potential impact. IBM offers a free course through its skill builder program, skillsbuild.org.
Hi Jeff, the best list of churches I can locate who allow for/practice infant communion is on the Paedocommunion.com web site. In regards to the research question, I am unsure of any research that directly tackles this question. The research on children and God generally follows a biological/developmental model rather than a socialization of model of learning. This area is ripe for research. I'll do some more digging to to see if those researching in the area of children's ministry can provide any leads. dg
I received an email asking about research on the faith development of those who were raised in a tradition that practiced infant communion. At this point I've not located any qualitative research in this area. In addition it would be difficult to separate this one variable from the others. I do think the current research by Smith et al as well as Mayo, Mayo and Savage on the roles of adults in young people's lives provides some insight into the issue.
An interesting post. Before employing technology one should always ask, "Will this service and/or message be enhanced by the use of technology?" If technology is employed then it is essential to do it well, insuring that is accessible to all those attending. For example at Exponential last week in Orlando they employed background loops behind the music. Never use background loops! The competing images make the slides difficult to read. Their music slides were not accessible to those with vision problems.
As one who advocates for the use of technology my one axiom is: technology that distracts is worse than no technology at all.
If you are going to employ technology, you should and master Garr Reynold's PresentationZen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery (Berkley, CA: New Riders, 2008) before deploying it.
Melissa, thank you for this post. Two quick observations are in order. First, the criteria in scripture for church office is not age; it is spiritual maturity. Second, at age 13 Mormon "Teenagers" are inducted into the Aaronic Priesthood and at that point take on all the responsibilities of an adult member. In Soul Searching it is interesting that Mormon youth have a better understanding of their faith and tend to stick much better than Protestant youth. In light of the above observations perhaps it is time for us to recognize that teenagers are young adults who ought to be mentored into adulthood, and the role of adults and particularily elders, is to spiritually mentor young adults.
Posted in: How Does AI Fit Into Ministry?
Sarah, great question. I've been playing with using AI to assist with administrative tasks, editing, creating social media posts, and generating responsive readings. The challenge is to not get focused on how to use it in sermon prep and its impact on sermons, though I have played with using it to assist me there.
When thinking about Generative AI it is important to remember that there are several categories and it is important that we double/triple check anything generated using AI.
For those interested in learning more about AI, writing prompts, and understanding its potential impact. IBM offers a free course through its skill builder program, skillsbuild.org.
Posted in: Baptism, Infant Communion & Faith Formation
Hi Jeff, the best list of churches I can locate who allow for/practice infant communion is on the Paedocommunion.com web site. In regards to the research question, I am unsure of any research that directly tackles this question. The research on children and God generally follows a biological/developmental model rather than a socialization of model of learning. This area is ripe for research. I'll do some more digging to to see if those researching in the area of children's ministry can provide any leads. dg
Posted in: Baptism, Infant Communion & Faith Formation
I received an email asking about research on the faith development of those who were raised in a tradition that practiced infant communion. At this point I've not located any qualitative research in this area. In addition it would be difficult to separate this one variable from the others. I do think the current research by Smith et al as well as Mayo, Mayo and Savage on the roles of adults in young people's lives provides some insight into the issue.
Posted in: Technology in Worship - Pros and Cons
An interesting post. Before employing technology one should always ask, "Will this service and/or message be enhanced by the use of technology?" If technology is employed then it is essential to do it well, insuring that is accessible to all those attending. For example at Exponential last week in Orlando they employed background loops behind the music. Never use background loops! The competing images make the slides difficult to read. Their music slides were not accessible to those with vision problems.
As one who advocates for the use of technology my one axiom is: technology that distracts is worse than no technology at all.
If you are going to employ technology, you should and master Garr Reynold's PresentationZen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery (Berkley, CA: New Riders, 2008) before deploying it.
darwin k. glassford
calvin theological seminary
Posted in: How Young Is Too Young For Council?
Melissa, thank you for this post. Two quick observations are in order. First, the criteria in scripture for church office is not age; it is spiritual maturity. Second, at age 13 Mormon "Teenagers" are inducted into the Aaronic Priesthood and at that point take on all the responsibilities of an adult member. In Soul Searching it is interesting that Mormon youth have a better understanding of their faith and tend to stick much better than Protestant youth. In light of the above observations perhaps it is time for us to recognize that teenagers are young adults who ought to be mentored into adulthood, and the role of adults and particularily elders, is to spiritually mentor young adults.