 By Troy Roach, Creating Connection Director, Canada East
I know AI can feel like this big, overwhelming thing that’s changing the world overnight. And let’s be honest—just bringing it up can feel controversial. Some view AI as a valuable tool, while others worry about its ethical and spiritual implications or question how it aligns with faith, ethics, and human connection. These concerns are real and deserve thoughtful discussion, especially when it comes to maintaining the personal touch that’s so important in ministry. I get it. This blog post isn’t about pushing AI on anyone, but rather about naming the elephant in the room and offering some thoughts on how we can thoughtfully and ethically approach this shift. I also know many of us are stretched thin, juggling ministry, administration, and everything in between—so the idea of adding AI into the mix might feel more exhausting than exciting. But here’s the thing: AI is already here, and maybe these thoughts can help you navigate it in a way that actually supports your ministry rather than complicates it. Based on insights from the CharityVillage Connects podcast on AI and nonprofits—a trusted resource for nonprofit and faith-based leaders navigating technology shifts (listen here)—here are seven things I think every congregation should be aware of when it comes to AI: 1. AI Can Save Time and Boost Efficiency (And no, this doesn’t mean replacing the personal connections that make ministry meaningful!) Many pastors and leaders express how hard it is to keep up with everything—sermon prep, event planning, pastoral care, and the hundred other things that fall on your plate. AI-powered tools can actually help lighten that load. Think sermon transcription, automated prayer request management, and even help with social media content—so you and your team can focus on the real work of ministry. 2. AI Can Strengthen Congregant Engagement AI isn’t about replacing human connection; it’s about enhancing it. By taking on repetitive tasks, AI can actually free up more time for deeper one-on-one relationships, allowing leaders to focus on meaningful conversations, pastoral care, and community-building. Imagine chatbots that answer visitor questions about service times or AI-generated emails that personalize messages based on congregants’ interests. AI can help us reach people more effectively, freeing us up to deepen relationships in real, meaningful ways. 3. AI is Already Embedded in Everyday Tools Even if you’re not actively “using AI,” you probably are without realizing it. Platforms like Canva, Adobe, Google, and Microsoft already have AI-powered features built in. If you’re designing slides, scheduling emails, or even just typing in Gmail, you’re benefiting from AI. Email marketing platforms like Mailchimp also integrate AI to help automate newsletters, personalize outreach, and optimize content for better engagement. The key is learning how to use these tools more intentionally to serve your congregation. 4. AI Raises Ethical Concerns That Must Be Addressed I get it—AI can be messy. It’s trained on human data, which means it can reflect biases, spread misinformation, or mishandle sensitive topics. That’s why having clear ethical boundaries matters. If you’re using AI-generated content, review it carefully, ensure transparency, and keep people first. Our mission is about caring for others, and AI should align with that. 5. Data Privacy and Security Matter More Than Ever This one’s important. Congregations collect a lot of sensitive information—from prayer requests to donation records. AI tools process massive amounts of data, so it’s critical to be mindful of what information is being shared and to follow privacy policies. Not every AI tool is created with faith communities in mind, so let’s be smart about how we use them. 6. AI is a Co-Pilot, Not an Autopilot Here’s how we might want to think about AI--it’s a really smart assistant, but it still needs a human in the driver’s seat. Whether it’s helping generate sermon ideas, writing newsletter drafts, or automating workflows, it should never replace discernment, wisdom, or a personal touch. AI is a tool, but YOU are the leader. 7. Staying Informed About AI in Ministry Technology isn’t slowing down, and it's important to ensure our congregations are equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate these changes confidently. The good news? You don’t have to dive in all at once—start small, experiment with AI in low-risk areas, and find ways that actually help your ministry thrive. Ethical, strategic AI use can help us better serve our communities without sacrificing our values. Final Thoughts AI isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool, just like any other. When we approach it wisely, ethically, and with intention, it can enhance ministry, improve efficiency, and foster deeper connections. The goal isn’t to push AI on anyone—it’s simply to help you feel informed and empowered to use it in a way that makes sense for your congregation. So, what’s your take? Have you seen AI used effectively in ministry? Are you concerned about its impact? Let’s keep this conversation going—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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 To the Community of Christ in Canada,
As many of you will have heard, the announcement has been shared regarding new field assignments that are expected to take effect following the 2025 World Conference. After nearly ten years serving as the Apostle responsible for Community of Christ in Canada, I want to take this moment to express my deep gratitude for the privilege of walking alongside you in ministry. Serving with you has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Together, we have embraced and wrestled with what it means to be a prophetic people—committed to Christ’s mission of justice, peace, and healing. I have been shaped by your faithfulness, your generosity, and your determination to live out the gospel in a rapidly changing world. Thank you for trusting me with your stories, your dreams, and even your frustrations, as we sought to discern God’s call together. As I prepare to serve in other parts of the world, I want to express my full and enthusiastic support for Shannon McAdam, newly called into the Council of Twelve. She will be taking on a role as part of a team leading a larger field with Lach MacKay. I have known Shannon for many years and have come to deeply appreciate her clear thinking, her unwavering commitment to the prophetic mission of the church, and her courageous leadership. Many of you already know Lach, at least a little. His vast knowledge of history is always put to use for powerfully imagining our future. Shannon, Lach, and I are already working together to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition, and I am confident that they will guide Community of Christ in Canada with wisdom, compassion, and vision. I will carry all of you with me as I go. I grew up in West Quebec—a multicultural context where I learned to value difference, to listen across cultures, and to seek justice in community. These lessons have shaped how I live out my calling as an apostle. As I preach the gospel of Jesus—a gospel that is about upending power structures and bringing those on the margins into the center—I will continue to do so through the lens of what I have learned growing up in Canada, next door to the superpower, in the shadow of empire. Canada has taught me that there is another way—a way of humility, hospitality, and fierce commitment to the worth of all persons. So, thank you. Thank you for shaping me, for supporting me, and for partnering with me in mission. I look forward to seeing how the Spirit continues to move among you in the years ahead under Shannon’s leadership. With deep gratitude and abiding love, Arthur Smith Apostle, Community of Christ  I love to travel by train, especially in winter. Last week, I took the GO Train to visit congregations in the area, and as I looked out the window, the Ontario countryside stretched before me, blanketed in pristine white snow—so different from the grayish piles of plowed snow and slush I’ve been navigating in the city. It has been a cold, dark, and snowy winter. As if that weren’t enough, the rising cost of living and ongoing political uncertainty only add to a sense of heaviness and unease. But while sitting on that train, something caught my eye—a ray of sunlight breaking through the sky. At that moment, I realized how many days had passed since I had last seen the sun. When everything has been dark, gray, and cold for so long, we forget how much we need light and warmth. No wonder scripture so often describes the creative power of God as light shining into darkness. When the world was in chaos, God said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). The opening verses of the Gospel of John proclaim, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it” (John 1:5). And Jesus himself declares, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). So too in the life of the church, as we look ahead to the future of our congregations in Canada, we often see declining numbers and aging leadership struggling to coordinate even a simple Sunday worship service. It’s easy to lose hope. But it is precisely in these moments of uncertainty that we can witness the Divine Light at work in the world. And yet, how often do we miss it? How often do we fail to see the Light simply because we are not looking for it? Like the sunlight breaking through the clouds that day on the train, I see the Light of God shining in congregations across Canada. One such place is Stratford Congregation in Ontario. Last week, I had the privilege of visiting their facility. As you enter the narthex, a large GLBTQ2IS+ flag welcomes you, boldly proclaiming, “Everyone is welcome here.” It’s a message impossible to miss—seen by every member and visitor who steps through the door. During my visit, the sun began to pour through the windows on either side of the altar, filling the sanctuary with an unusual warmth. The congregation gathers for worship most Sundays, blessed with a talented and energetic group of leaders. But like many churches in Canada, they have seen better days, and the road ahead is uncertain. And yet, just as that sunlight filled their sanctuary, their light shines out into the local community. Once a month, Stratford Congregation hosts a Community Breakfast. As their flag declares, everyone is welcome at the table, and the meal is offered at no cost. But something more happens here. Those who are able contribute to a fundraiser during the breakfast, and the money raised is given to local charities—an act of generosity that extends far beyond their walls. As we envision the future of the church, glimpses of light like this give me hope. Stratford, like many congregations, faces challenges. Yet they continue doing mission—not only by feeding the hungry but by fostering generosity, practicing radical inclusion, and embodying love of neighbour in the simple act of gathering at table. Next week, I’ll share about another congregation where the light is shining. Stay tuned! By Leandro Palacios, Communications Team.  The Mission Centre Design Team has begun meeting to help bring the Canadian church together as one united mission centre. A new page on our website has been created to provide updates on their work and introduce the teams leading these efforts.
The team is developing recommendations on key areas that will shape the future of Community of Christ in Canada. Their focus includes communication, representation, funding models, traditions, and mission alignment.  When: Sunday, March 30
Time Zones: 2:00 PM PT, 3:00 PM MT, 4:00 PM CT, 5:00 PM ET, 11:00 AM HT, 10:00 PM London, 8:00 AM Sydney (next day) The burning of fossil fuels creates numerous health problems, including heat stroke, asthma, allergies, lung diseases, and cardiac issues. These health issues impact vulnerable populations the most, making it an eco-justice issue. Climate solutions must be implemented with vulnerable populations in mind if we are to transition away from fossil fuels in a just and equitable way. Our presenter, Natalia Reyes-Becerra, is the Nationwide Advocacy Manager of Clean Air with the American Lung Association. She will share the impact of climate change on clean air, pollution, and health. We will also continue sharing “Just Transition” stories. Take a deep breath and join us for “A Just Transition Leaves No One Behind: Health” on March 30. “The restoring of persons to healthy or right relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith.” —D&C 163:2b Registration: If not registered for this Zoom series, please register at https://cofchristclimatejustice.org/register Hosted by the North American Climate Justice Team. Sponsored by the GPNW Mission Center, Community of Christ. Open to all people of all faiths and traditions.  By Mary Jean Belrose, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
What is Dinner Church? "What if I told you that a new movement of God is afoot…a movement called Dinner Church at which people gather around a meal and have a conversation as they remember Jesus and celebrate their part in God’s family?" – Mike Graves The idea of Dinner Church is both simple and profound. While I haven’t personally experienced it yet, I can easily imagine its impact. Picture people of all ages and backgrounds gathered around a shared meal—building relationships, forming a caring community, and engaging in meaningful conversations about faith. I see lives being transformed and congregations infused with Spirit and life. In recent years, many of our congregations have dwindled in numbers, leaving a handful of dedicated leaders—often older—to carry the weight of weekly worship planning and execution. Let’s be honest: in many places, worship is the only remaining activity. Faithful planners, presiders, and speakers pour their energy into feeding those still in the pews, but few have the capacity left to reach into the community. We’ve become so accustomed to this pattern that it’s hard to imagine another way of doing or being church. But the truth is, this model isn’t attracting new people. If anything, it may be driving them away. My mind goes to our camp experiences. A one-hour worship service each week leaves little room to build deep connections. But a weekend or week at camp provides countless opportunities to form relationships—working together in the kitchen, setting up meeting spaces, laughing at the lake, gathering around a campfire, and sharing meals. In these moments of service, play, and reflection, Christ becomes real. Lives are changed because people experience faith in community. What if we could capture some of that same spirit through Dinner Church? By offering a free, humble meal alongside simple conversation or worship, we could create a space where people feel heard, valued, and connected. Scripture gives us countless examples of Jesus using meals as a form of ministry—feeding the five thousand, dining with outcasts, breaking bread at the Last Supper. Perhaps we are called to do the same. A Success Story: Dinner Church in Action A historic church in urban Seattle was facing an all-too-familiar challenge: despite a rich history and meaningful worship, attendance was in decline. It seemed inevitable that the congregation would have to close its doors. Today, that same 100-year-old congregation lives on through Community Dinners, a network of more than a dozen thriving Dinner Churches in the Seattle area. Their work has also inspired the Dinner Church Collective, which provides training and support for a growing movement of table-based congregations across North America. What changed? They reimagined church. They moved beyond the walls of traditional worship and embraced the radical hospitality of Jesus—meeting people at the table, listening to their stories, and breaking bread together. They are thriving, reaching new people, and inspiring others along the way. "And when God’s presence is thick in the room, when we bring out our authentic selves, when we’re there with the beloved community and we engage and create a welcoming space for the stranger, there’s something deeply, profoundly theological that happens. There’s something deeply transformational that happens." – Faithlead.org What It Takes to Start and Sustain a Dinner Church Gathering around a table with food is one of the most natural human experiences. Dinner Church doesn’t require a large budget or a complex structure—just a willingness to create a space for connection and conversation. Key Ingredients for Success: • A Welcoming Space – A church hall, home, or rented venue where people feel at ease. • A Shared Meal – A simple potluck, soup supper, or catered meal to bring people together. • Intentional Worship & Conversation – Scripture reflection, storytelling, guided discussion, or music. • A Committed Core Team – People dedicated to hospitality, food preparation, setup, and facilitation. The format is flexible—each Dinner Church can adapt to the unique needs of its community. Who Will Dinner Church Attract? Dinner Church has the potential to welcome people who may never step into a traditional Sunday service: • Spiritual Seekers looking for authentic faith experiences. • Busy Families & Young Adults seeking an informal, relational approach to church. • The Lonely & Disconnected who crave meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. • People Facing Food Insecurity who need both physical and spiritual nourishment. • Existing Church Members eager for deeper fellowship and fresh expressions of discipleship. Is Dinner Church Right for Your Community? Exploring a new model of church takes courage. It requires stepping beyond what’s familiar and embracing a spirit of radical hospitality. But perhaps this is exactly what we need—to move beyond routine worship and create spaces where people can encounter Christ in one another. Jesus gathered people around tables. Maybe we should, too.  Join us for a special five-week series, "Hope Is Here," as part of the ongoing free Wednesday evening sessions presented by the Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM). Beginning Wednesday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, these sessions will be led by Stassi Cramm, Prophet/President-Designate, and will explore themes of hope, renewal, and preparation for the 2025 World Conference. This series also serves as a preview of the Adult Reunion materials for this summer.
Session Dates & Topics: March 12 – Story of Hope with Stassi Cramm March 19 – Breathe in Hope with Katie Harmon-McLaughlin March 26 – Turn Toward Hope: Crossing Identity Boundaries with Zac Harmon-McLaughlin April 2 – Spirit of Hope: Conflict Transformation with Debbie Bayless April 9 – Onward in Hope: Celebrate Community with Janne Grover Most sessions are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Central Time and run for about an hour, including time for live Q&A. Join from the comfort of your home and connect with others who are curious and eager to learn. If you miss a session or want to revisit one, past recordings are available on the CIMM YouTube channel. Register for free at: www.graceland.edu/cimmsessions Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding, reflect on hope, and prepare for the journey ahead!  By MaryJean Belrose, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Spiritual freedom is the ability to live in alignment with God’s purpose, unburdened by fear, guilt, assumptions, and the pressures that hold us back. Too often, we are bound by invisible chains—past regrets, cultural expectations, the need to control outcomes, or rigid ways of thinking about faith. These chains prevent us from embracing the abundant life that Christ offers. But Jesus calls us into a different kind of freedom—one found in trust, surrender, and openness to the Spirit’s movement. Breaking Free from What Holds Us Back Spiritual freedom is not about avoiding responsibility; rather, it is about letting go of whatever keeps us from being fully alive in Christ. Some of the most common barriers include:
Jesus modeled spiritual freedom by living fully in God’s love, responding to the Spirit’s leading, and refusing to be bound by fear, cultural expectations, or religious legalism. Living into Spiritual Freedom How do we cultivate spiritual freedom in our own lives? Consider these steps 1. Surrender to God’s Leading Freedom begins with letting go—letting go of certainty, control, and the need for approval. When we surrender our plans and trust God, we create space for something greater. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17) 2. Embrace Grace Spiritual freedom means knowing that we are loved exactly as we are. We do not have to prove our worth or earn God's favor. Grace is enough. 3. Live with Openness The Spirit moves in unexpected ways. Spiritual freedom allows us to embrace new ideas, new ways of being church, and new ways of serving others. Ask yourself, “Am I open to where God might be leading me next?” 4. Choose Love Over Fear Fear, judgment, and resentment often hold us captive. But when we choose love, those things lose their power. Jesus showed us that true freedom is found not in self-protection, but in loving and serving others. 5. Step Boldly into Your Calling Spiritual freedom empowers us to step into the fullness of who God created us to be. It means living with purpose, joy, and courage. Whatever your next step is—take it with faith. The Invitation to Freedom Jesus didn’t come to place more burdens on us—he came to set us free. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29) Spiritual freedom is about living unburdened, fully alive, and open to the Spirit’s transforming movement. It is about trusting that God is leading us somewhere good, even when we cannot see the whole path. What would it look like for you to walk in spiritual freedom today? |
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