This comprehensive workshop is your opportunity to explore the vast possibilities of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) in enhancing your ministry’s reach and depth. With live interactions, as well as a private group communications Slack channel for continued growth and communication with your other workshop participants, you’ll be able to network and grow as a group. Recordings of all Zoom sessions will be sent to all participants.
Prerequisites:
As this is an advanced workshop, we suggest familiarity with LLM technologies and platforms like ChatGPT, Claud, Anthropic, etc. You can either learn from our “Harnessing AI for Church Excellence” series, or your own online sources as long as they help you gain a foundation of the basics of LLM and generative technologies.
Registration limited to 75 participants.
Earn 1 Continuing Education Credit (CEU) for submitting all homework assignments upon completion of course.
Scholarships available: Contact shughes@umcdiscipleship.org for need-based assistance.
Purchase this course + Harnessing AI and get $10 off.
Course Outline
Five week workshop – February 26 through March 31
5 sessions plus community workspace involvement on Slack.
- Slack Workspace Opens to participants
February 26, 2025 - Lesson 1: Advanced Prompting and Personal Productivity
March 3, 2025 · 11AM (CT) Zoom session
Homework time expectation: 45min-1.5 hours
Homework due: March 9 by 10 AM (CT) - Lesson 2: Strategic AI Integration & Ethical Frameworks
March 10, 2025 · 11AM (CT) Zoom session
Homework time expectation: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours
Homework due March 17 by 10AM (CT) - Lesson 3: AI for Ministry Tasks
March 17, 2025 · 11AM (CT) Zoom session
No homework, begin ideating your final AI project. - Lesson 4: Implementing Your AI Project
March 24, 2025 · 11 AM (CT) Zoom session
Homework time expectation: 1-2 hours
Homework due April 8, 11 AM (CT) - AI Project Examination and Farewell
March 31, 2025 · 11 AM (CT) Zoom session
Testimonials
“I think the class has 100% been worth the value! I have learned so much and am just not as afraid to try/play around with LLMs. Learning how to give SOLID prompts is priceless.” – Jessica Campbell – Kevin Little
“I am seeing more ways I can use AI to help me refine my work and to clear up some headspace to focus on other activities that I need to be present for (i.e. pastoral care visits, community meetings). I have already received a very big ‘bang for my buck.’” – Dr. Felicia LaBoy
“Definitely helpful to think through how to integrate AI into everyday tasks.” – Jonathan Ruch
“I wanted to express how much I am enjoying the work and finding great value in this course. Thank you for offering it.” – Russel Morrow
