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3d •
Closing Ministry AI, and What I've Learned
Friends, After a lot of prayer and reflection, I've decided to close Ministry AI, and I want to explain why. During my 52 Churches in 52 Weeks journey, I saw a real lack of connection in about 75% of the churches I visited. People came in, sat down, and left without anyone truly knowing them. I've continued visiting churches since then, and that pattern hasn't changed. That experience changed how I see AI in ministry. Adding AI to a congregation that hasn't become a true community won't fix the real problem. Tools strengthen what is already there. They can help a connected church serve people better, but they can't create connection where it doesn't exist. I believe building a true community mindset from the very beginning is one of the most important things any ministry can do. And I don't think that's only true for churches. As AI takes on more of our work, people will long for real connection with others who share their experiences and challenges. In the near future, community building will be a cornerstone of every thriving business, church, and nonprofit. That's where I feel called to focus now, and I couldn't do that well while also leading this group. Rather than give Ministry AI less than it deserved, I chose to close it honestly. To everyone who joined, shared ideas, and gave this group a chance, thank you. I'm sorry it didn't become everything it could have been. Your willingness to explore something new together meant a great deal to me. My door is always open. You can click my profile picture to see what I'm working on next, or to save a way to contact me later. You're also welcome to save my cell number, +1 270-901-9063, in your phone. Feel free to call me or send me a direct message anytime. I'd love to hear how you're doing, and I'll help every one of you in any way I can. Grace and peace, Todd
Aug 5 •
Do Ministries Need to Build Community?
The more churches I visit, the more convinced I become that the biggest problem facing most of them is a lack of community. There is no real sense of belonging. Somewhere along the way, many churches became a place to visit rather than a space to belong or a hub for the neighborhood around them. Every thriving church I have seen has a palpable sense of "we are in this together." People show up for one another, and they work side by side to help others. Every struggling church I have seen has very little of that. Which brings me to something I have been praying about, and I want to be honest with you about it. If I really want to help ministries, is teaching AI the best way to do it? If I help a pastor at a broken church put together a nicer bulletin, what have I actually accomplished? Is that what God is asking of me? This hit me hard today. One of the membership platforms I use just rolled out support for languages beyond English, which means a Spanish speaker can now be folded into an English-speaking group online without any friction at all. I keep turning that over in my mind. How much good could come from simply helping churches connect their members to each other? If they could get community right, how much could AI then amplify that? I realize I am rambling, but I wanted to say that I appreciate you being part of this community. I know things have not gone as smoothly as either of us would have liked, for a number of reasons. All of which I take responsibility for. So I am asking for your prayers while I work out where I am supposed to be and what I am supposed to be teaching. Sincerely, Todd Thornton
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Jul 12 •
More Ministry. Less Busywork. A Fresh Start Together
I don’t want to assume I know what you need. I want to ask you directly. For the next few weeks, the courses inside this community will be temporarily hidden while we have an honest conversation about what churches and ministry leaders need most from AI. AI is moving fast. People are moving beyond simple prompts and individual AI agents. Some are now building complete systems that help manage communication, content, planning, follow-up, administration, and more. That may sound exciting. It may also sound overwhelming. Not every church needs a complicated system. Not every ministry needs the newest tool. The goal is not more AI. The goal is more time for ministry. I also want to apologize. I have faced health issues over the past several months. My wife and other family members have faced health challenges as well. Because of that, I have not shown up here as consistently as I intended. I also know I need to do a better job of organizing this community and making it easier for you to find and use what matters most. I have spent some time thinking carefully about what a healthy, helpful, long-term community should look like. Now I want to build the next version with you, not just for you. My goal is still clear. I want to help churches and ministry leaders use AI wisely to save time, reduce repetitive work, communicate more clearly, and reach more people. Our new direction can be summed up in four words: More Ministry. Less Busywork. Before I rebuild the courses, resources, and community structure, I want to hear from you. What ministry task takes more time than it should? And what would you most like AI to help you do faster, better, or more consistently? Your answers will help shape what comes next.
Mar 26 •
Welcome. Your First Step Starts With "One" Word.
Hey, I'm Todd Thornton, and I am so glad you're here. Ministry looks different for everyone. Whether you're on staff, volunteering, or just trying to make a difference, AI can help you do it better. Three things I want you to know right up front. 1) Don't just lurk. Post (1) one word in the comments. An AI tool you use, something you want to accomplish, a hidden talent. Anything. I will personally respond to every single one with my best idea for how I can help. If I'm wrong, the egg is on my face and some responses might be hilarious. 2) This is a "public" community. Everything here is visible, searchable, and shareable, even to non-members. That's on purpose. We want people to find this content. But if that's not for you, no hard feelings at all. 3) This is a link-free thread. Leave the URLs out and bring the real you. We want your thoughts, your questions, and your experience, not your bookmarks. If you are not a member you won't be able to comment or track completion in courses, but if you find something you like, just grab the link and share it freely. Posts, course pages, anything. We believe in full transparency. This is just who we are. If you're still in, let's take it one step at a time. Step one is simple. Drop only (1) ONE word in the comments below and let's see how creative Todd can get with his response.
Jun 29 •
If I could build one thing for you, what would it be?
There are no right or wrong answers, but I need an updated list of needs, and I'll see what we I can crank out the rest of this week. Drop your answer/need in the comments.
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Equipping pastors, ministry leaders, and faith-based creators to use AI with spiritual wisdom and practical clarity. More ministry. Less busywork.
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