AI and the church – a turning point for Christian ministry
Join us for our October reEquip day with the Rev’d. Dr. Lyndon Drake. With a PhD in AI and a DPhil in Theology, Lyndon has had many years of experience in church ministry and is now a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford helping lead the Oxford Collaboration on Theology and Artificial Intelligence
AI technologies are rapidly and radically changing the world in which we undertake Christian ministry. The impacts on issues as diverse as formation for ministry and pastoral care are only starting to become evident. At the same time, it seems likely that we are in a moment where the world is changing, in a way comparable to the invention of the printing press. This will radically alter the lives of those in our churches, and the way society functions. In these sessions we will examine the state of AI, its impact on society and our churches, and the ways we can respond in our own ministry practice.
Session 1: What is AI? Its history, the state of the art, and its future
Session 2: AI and society: the changing context of ministry – with special guest contribution from Dr Nathan Mladin)
Session 3: AI and ministers: the impact on ministry practice
9.30 am – Meet for coffee/tea and pastries
10 am – Session 1
11.15am – Break for coffee/tea
11.45am – Session 2
1pm – Lunch
2pm – Session 3
3pm – Q&A with tea
3.30pm – Finish
The Rev’d. Dr. Lyndon Drake is a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, following on from a DPhil in Theology from Oxford (2023) on economics and writing in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from York (2005). At Oxford, he helps lead the Oxford Collaboration on Theology and Artificial Intelligence, and is also active in research on postcolonial and economic theology. Until 2024, he served as the Māori Anglican Archdeacon of Tāmaki Makaurau in Aotearoa/New Zealand, where he led church revitalisation and planting, and new mission and evangelisation movements. Lyndon also has degrees in science and commerce (Auckland) and two previous degrees in theology (Oxford), along with peer-reviewed publications in science and theology. Until 2010, Lyndon was a Vice President at Barclays Capital, trading interest-rate products. Since then, he has served in church ministry, as well as teaching theology and holding other leadership roles, including as chair of Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust Board (a charity working to reduce family harm and sexual violence) and a trustee of the Auckland City Mission (a charity working with those experiencing severe poverty).
Dr Nathan Mladin is a Senior Researcher with the Christian think tank Theos in London, an Associate of the UK’s AI, Faith and Civil Society Commission and the co-founder of Faithbase, a community and resource hub for Christian technologists (Romania). His research, speaking and writing focus on the ethics of technology/AI, faith and economics, and theology of culture more generally. He is the author of several publications, including AI and the Afterlife: from Digital Mourning to Mind Uploading (Theos, 2024) and Data and Dignity: why privacy matters in the digital age (Theos, 2022).
Yarnton Manor, Church Lane, Yarnton, Oxfordshire, OX5 1PY.
Directions –
If you’re driving from Oxford:
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Take the A44 (Oxford → Woodstock) north-west out of Oxford.
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Look out for a roundabout by the Turnpike Pub, then turn left toward Cassington Road.
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Follow Cassington Road until you see signs for Church Lane. Turn left onto Church Lane.
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Yarnton Manor will be a few hundred yards down Church Lane on the right.
By Public Transport
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The Stagecoach S3 bus route travels between Oxford train station, city centre and Yarnton (towards Chipping Norton/Charlbury.
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Get off at the Paddocks stop in Yarnton, then you’ll need to walk south to Cassington road, turn left and then right onto Church Lane
Arriving:
- Yarnton Manor entrance gates are just to the left of St. Bartholomew’s Church.
- Press ‘Call’ on the gate intercom for security to let you in.
The statistics relating to pastoral ministry burn-out is high. Too high.
For many the life of church or para-church ministry can be stressful, busy and, very often, lonely.
The to-do list can be overwhelming and unending, leaving little to no space for any kind of self-study or growth – often we feel out of our depth. Often we feel like calling it quits.
reEquip seeks to support and encourage those in pastoral ministry. Come and:
(1) receive focused teaching and training that will help us in our ministry life, whether in pastoral skills, practical ministry, bible teaching or areas of theology,
(2) enjoy the company of and learn from others in similar situations and
(3) enjoy a delicious lunch together!
We have accommodation on-site. How about you combine reEquip with a short ministry retreat?
Enquire above for pricing and availability.