3 Things I Learned at DISC
3 Things I Learned Teaching Generative AI at DISC 2025
Last week, I had the privilege of leading a general session and a hands-on workshop at the 41st Annual Diocesan Information Solutions Community (DISC) Conference, held from June 24–26 in Nashville, TN. DISC is the only USCCB-sponsored Catholic technology organization in the United States, bringing together CIOs, IT directors, and technology decision-makers from dioceses across North America.
Leading the Conversation on Generative AI in Ministry
In my general session, I addressed the transformative potential of Generative AI (GenAI) in ministry to over 80 attendees. We explored how AI can enhance pastoral care, streamline administrative tasks, and foster community engagement. The discussion highlighted the importance of ethical considerations and the need for strategic implementation within church contexts.
Hands-On Workshop with BoodleBox
During my workshop, we utilized BoodleBox, an AI collaboration platform designed for education and workforce readiness. BoodleBox integrates top AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama, allowing users to collaborate with multiple AI tools simultaneously. Participants engaged in practical exercises, learning how to apply AI to common ministry tasks such as drafting newsletters, analyzing community feedback, and developing educational materials.
Key Takeaways
While my primary role was to teach, I found myself gaining valuable insights along the way.
1. AI Adoption Among Diocesan Staff
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that many diocesan staff members are already familiar with AI and are experimenting with it in their personal projects. This enthusiasm indicates a growing interest in integrating AI into ministry work.
2. Challenges in Organizational Adoption
Despite individual interest, driving organizational adoption of AI within dioceses and parishes remains a significant challenge. Concerns about data privacy, ethical implications, and resource allocation often hinder widespread implementation.
3. Need for Strategic Deployment and Value Assessment
There's a clear need for strategies that facilitate organizational deployment of AI tools and methods to assess their value effectively. Developing frameworks that align with the mission and values of the Church is essential for meaningful integration.
Resources for Further Exploration
For those interested in exploring AI applications in ministry, consider the following resources:
Kingdom Creations: The innovation lab at ACS Technologies, Kingdom Creations develops AI tools tailored for ministry, such as Color Creation, QRMAKR, and AvatarGen.
AI in Ministry Webinar Series: A series of webinars that demystify AI for ministry applications, offering insights into tools, ethical considerations, and practical use cases.
Conclusion
Teaching at DISC 2025 was an enlightening experience. The interest and engagement from attendees underscore the potential for AI to support and enhance ministry work. As we move forward, collaboration and thoughtful strategy will be key to harnessing AI's capabilities in service of the Church's mission.
