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The Rural Think Tank

…It's Different Out Here.

Tag: leadership

The Risks of AI in Ministry That Small Churches Need to Name Clearly

June 19, 2026 by Tracy Kiger

Small churches need to name the risks of AI in ministry clearly, including dishonesty, privacy failures, shallow theology, and replacing presence with automation.

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Ethical AI Use in a Small Church Requires Clear Boundaries

June 16, 2026 by Tracy Kiger

Ethical AI use in a small church means truthfulness, privacy, doctrinal care, and clear limits so technology supports ministry without replacing responsibility.

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Rural Thinktank Episode 49: What’s Your Story?

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This message is from 3/21/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ near Westville, Illinois.     

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 48: Who are you, really?

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This message was given at Morey Chapel Church of Christ on 3/14/21, based out of Ezekiel 37. It encourages you to consider your identity. 

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 46: Foundational Issues for a Healthy Church

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This message was given 1/24/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ, near Westville, Illinois. 

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 34: Should your pastor search team use an outside independent consultant?

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This episode is about the usefulness, pros, and cons associated with using an outside independent church consultant in cooperation with your search team. I share some of the things that I have experienced serving in this role for several churches.  As always, if this is a blessing, share this podcast with others. If you feel …

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 33: If your church had a CIO (Chief Information Officer), what would they tell you?

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This episode is about the thing that many small and medium sized churches think they cover, but really neglect – Their IT We discuss Data Security, Backup, Hardware Refresh, and other things that many churches ignore, accidentally or on purpose.   I try my best to break down all the terms I discuss to terms …

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 33: Maintaining the business reputation of a church

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This podcast episode addresses the question – Can how a church conducts business in the community help or hinder it’s witness and reputation? The answer may not be as clearcut as you think…  If you have thoughts/input/questions, go to ruralthinktank.com and hit the contact button or go to anchor.fm/ruralthinktank and leave a voice message.

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 32: Change the Oil

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This is a message on Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 given 1/26/30 at Bloomingdale Friends Church in Bloomingdale, Illinois.  If you have thoughts/input/questions, go to ruralthinktank.com and hit the contact button or go to anchor.fm/ruralthinktank and leave a voice message. Video available on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/scott.miller.9619/posts/10158132991073960?comment_id=10158133159328960&reply_comment_id=10158133562978960¬if_id=1580056196868779¬if_t=comment_mention

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 29: Do churches really stink at HR?

June 12, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This episode explores some of the tough questions that need to be asked as a church goes through a pastor search process. It is by no means exhaustive, but designed to get you thinking about the discussions that need to happen during the search and interview process.  If you have thoughts/input/questions, go to ruralthinktank.com and …

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Recent Posts

  • The Risks of AI in Ministry That Small Churches Need to Name Clearly
  • How AI Can Help a Bivocational Pastor Without Replacing Pastoral Work
  • How to Use AI Without Losing Your Church’s Voice
  • Ethical AI Use in a Small Church Requires Clear Boundaries
  • AI Is a Tool, Not a Savior or a Threat in Small Church Ministry

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