In this episode, we talk social media feeds and algorithms, and how we as Christians should be more thoughtful of what we consume.

David leads the discussion by taking the other CLC directors through the content of one of his workshops. Join us as we look at the menu of the restaurant "Healthy, Filling, Fattening and Harmful - Where we make the choice and we make sure you like it!"

TIMESTAMPS

1:30 - David's introduction to this workshop

3:30 - Why we talk about food before media feeds

4:40 - What's on the menu? PDF of David's mock menu summarized

10:07 - Approach of the workshop - music, teacher's example, & handout for discussion

11:35 - Examples of the four categories (Healthy, Filling, Fattening, Harmful) using music.

36:18 - David describes his process of self-filtering his YouTube channel subscriptions

44:38 - More examples of social media's potential for negative impact and predatory nature

53:13 - The potential danger of TikTok and Reels - aka short form videos

56:30 - Relevant scriptures and discussion questions.

1:02:24 - What is Good?

1:09:57 - Outtakes (aka. picking on John)

Click HERE for CLC resources to present this workshop at your church or small group study.

For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode, we are joined by special guest Dave Lyons, the Texas Baptists’ director of support services and information technology. Dave shares his wisdom with us about ways for churches to be more secure and mindful in their use of technology. He also gives advice on how to care for and show appreciation to our church volunteers who help with using tech.

TIMESTAMPS:

2:44 - Dave shares how God called him to serve in IT at Texas Baptists.

5:30 - Ever fallen for a phishing email or scam?

10:25 - What types of cybersecurity threats do churches face the most?

12:04 - What are some basic first steps churches can take to improve IT security?

18:19 - Why are churches so vulnerable to various cyberattacks?

20:25 - How are churches using new technologies well and how can they improve?

24:25 - How should churches think differently about the use of technology than a business?

28:27 - How can churches better support our tech teams and tech volunteers?

34:50 - What are easy steps for our smaller TXB churches to improve their use of IT?

40:15 - Why to avoid having financial/giving information on your church computer, but kept offsite.

42:48 - What else should churches prioritize?

47:03 - What advice do you have for churches to be cautious when upgrading technology?

51:51 - What is Good?

58:20 - Outtakes

Suggested Resources via Dave Lyons:

• https://www.cisa.gov/audiences/faith-based-community
• https://enableministry.com/resources/
• https://www.guidestone.org/-/media/Landing-Pages/Property-and-Casualty/Cybersecurity-White-Paper.ashx

For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode, Katie guides our discussion on the nature of artificial intelligence (AI). We discuss its rapid evolution; focusing mostly on ethical implications, and the impact AI can have on human relationships and spirituality. We share from our own experiences with using AI, and encourage our churches to navigate its use thoughtfully.

TIMESTAMPS:

1:40 - Introduction

5:18 - What is your familiarity with AI on a 1-to-10 scale?

9:24 - Traditional and Generative AI - What’s the difference?

13:20 - Artificial General Intelligence explained.

16:00 - What should we be concerned about with AI use and content?

26:44 - How prevalent is AI becoming? What makes it a spiritual issue?

38:50 - AI bots have a facade of neutrality. Why should we be aware of this?

46:27 - How is AI impacted by the fallenness of humanity?

51:10 - What principles can we use in our interactions with AI?

1:05:05 - Be looking for more resources on Faith & Technology from the CLC!

1:06:17 - What is Good

1:12:40 - Outtakes

For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).