Navigating the wild world of AI and digital spaces is no joke, especially for the church. Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner dives deep into the importance of embodied authority and the need for trust in our communities as we face these tech-driven challenges. It’s not just about having a fancy title anymore; it’s about being present and relatable. In a world where AI can create convincing imitations of voices and content, knowing your pastor’s voice becomes crucial. Think about it—if a controversial video of your pastor popped up online, would you know if it was real or fake? That's where trust comes in, and that trust is built through authentic relationships. Skinner emphasizes that instead of retreating from the digital battlefield, the church should boldly step into this mission field, engaging with the tools available to foster community and discernment. After all, the gospel’s authenticity is something algorithms can’t replicate, and as church leaders, we need to prepare our communities to navigate this new terrain wisely. So, let’s not just survive; let’s thrive in this digital age by building resilient communities that embody love and support.

Takeaways

The church must respond to digital challenges with clarity and trust.

Embodied authority is crucial in a world where reality can be faked.

Adaptive leadership is necessary for navigating the next decade.

Digital environments shape our perceptions and realities.

Authority now comes from trust and presence, not just titles.

Discipleship includes teaching discernment in a digital age.

The church should not withdraw from digital mission fields.

Building resilient communities is essential for trust.

Technology can isolate, but the church offers relational abundance.

The gospel's authenticity cannot be simulated by algorithms.

Navigating the wild world of AI and digital spaces is no joke, especially for the church. Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner dives deep into the importance of embodied authority and the need for trust in our communities as we face these tech-driven challenges. It’s not just about having a fancy title anymore; it’s about being present and relatable. In a world where AI can create convincing imitations of voices and content, knowing your pastor’s voice becomes crucial. Think about it—if a controversial video of your pastor popped up online, would you know if it was real or fake? That's where trust comes in, and that trust is built through authentic relationships. Skinner emphasizes that instead of retreating from the digital battlefield, the church should boldly step into this mission field, engaging with the tools available to foster community and discernment. After all, the gospel’s authenticity is something algorithms can’t replicate, and as church leaders, we need to prepare our communities to navigate this new terrain wisely. So, let’s not just survive; let’s thrive in this digital age by building resilient communities that embody love and support.

Takeaways:

1. In today's world where AI can mimic human voices, embodied authority is essential for the church.
2. Trust is the new currency for leadership; it's all about being present and relatable now.
3. Digital spaces are not to be feared; they should be seen as mission fields for the church.
4. Resilient communities built on authentic relationships can combat the isolation technology often brings.

Links referenced in

The church is not ready for the rapid changes brought on by artificial intelligence, but that's where we come in. In this episode, Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner dives into how AI is reshaping trust, learning, and authority, flipping the script on how people seek guidance—often turning to devices before they even think of asking pastors. It's not about becoming tech whizzes; it’s about fostering discernment and forming genuine relationships in this brave new world. We’ve got to confront the reality that authority is shifting away from titles and degrees, leaning instead on trust and proximity. So, are we gearing up to guide our communities through this evolving landscape, or are we just clinging to the past? Let's figure it out together.

In the transcript I say “the head of Anthropic resigned.” That was a misspeak on my part. Safety researchers are leaving, not the CEO stepping. “senior safety researchers and staff have resigned from major AI labs, citing ethical concerns.”

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how people learn, trust, and seek guidance. The gospel has not changed. The mission has not changed. But the environment where we disciple people has shifted fast.

In this episode Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner lays out why the church must prepare without panic, form discernment, rebuild trust through presence, and lead with steady, embodied authority in an age of intelligent machines.

Takeaways:

1. The church is facing a rapid shift, and we need to prepare without freaking out about it.
2. People are asking machines for answers before they look to their pastors, which is a wild shift in trust dynamics.
3. Authority in the church is moving from just a title to being about real relationships and proximity to people.
4. In this crazy digital age, discernment will be the name of the game, not just having access to information.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. amazon.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Missional Church Planting
2. Leadership Development in Dynamic Church Planning International
3. Matt Schumer
4. Anthropic
5. Elon Musk

Mentioned in this episode:

Peace in that Finds You in the Middle of Chaos

Cozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnership

Peace in that Finds You in the Middle of Chaos

Cozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based...

So, let’s dive right into the nitty-gritty of servant leadership, shall we? You know, it's all fun and games until you realize that a lack of accountability can turn those so-called “servant leaders” into untouchable demigods. We’re not here for a morality contest, folks; we’re all human, and that's the point. Today, we're breaking down the BE-COME framework—because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good acronym? It’s all about starting fresh, connecting with our people, and keeping each other in check, all wrapped up in love. Because remember, the Church doesn't need flawless leaders; it needs ones who can own their mess-ups and show up for one another. So, stick around, and let’s unpack how we can actually make accountability feel like a warm hug instead of a judgmental fist!

Servant leadership is one of the most quoted leadership models in the Church. But if servant leadership is so central to our theology, why do we keep watching leaders fall?

In this episode, we examine the dark side of servant leadership—not to tear down leaders, but to tell the truth so the Church can grow healthier.

Drawing from a recent discipleship gathering called People of Grace, insights from John Wesley’s class meetings, and the BE-COME discipleship framework taught by Sam Barber, this conversation explores why leadership without shared accountability eventually fails.

We look at patterns behind recent ministry collapses, the role of isolation in leadership failure, and how churches can recover healthier structures rooted in grace, community, and accountability.

Servant leadership works, but only when it is accountable.

KEY THEMES

• The difference between servant language and servant structure

• Why isolation is the most common soil for leadership failure

• John Wesley’s model of mutual accountability

• The BE-COME framework for discipleship

• How the early church practiced shared leadership

• Practical steps toward accountable leadership today

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Mark 10:42–45 — Whoever wants to be great must be servant

John 13:1–17 — Jesus washes the disciples’ feet

Matthew 28:18–20 — The Great Commission

Luke 22:24–27 — Leadership as service

Acts 2:42–47 — Shared life in the early church

Galatians 6:1–2 — Bear one another’s burdens

James 5:16 — Confess your sins to one another

Takeaways:

1. Wesley's concept of accountability in leadership isn't about control, it's about protection and growth.
2. The BE-COME framework emphasizes the importance of community and personal accountability in servant leadership.
3. Servant leadership without accountability can lead to disastrous outcomes, as seen in many high-profile ministry collapses.
4. We can't ignore the reality that isolation distorts leadership and makes it easier for blind spots to grow.
5. True accountability involves asking hard questions and having people who can challenge us without repercussions.
6. The church needs leaders who are known and accountable, not just those who appear humble on the surface.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Dynamic Church Planting International
2. Gateway Church
3. IHOP Kansas City