Message from Pastora Bañales

On October 16, the Latino Conference planned and participated at our First Spanish Artificial Intelligence (AI) workshop over 32 people attended from five of the NTNL Latinx congregations. The workshop was Facilitating by Arturo J Vega. We found out some of us already use the resources of AI in different capacity.

We were excited to learn how to use it, when to use it and the principles for responsible AI use in ministry. It is a great tool to use for our contextual ministries and bilingual language.

• 1950s–1960s: The Birth of AI
• 2020s–Today (2025): Generative AI and Foundation Models
  • Rise of large language models (LLMs) like GPT, Claude, Gemini, and LLaMA.
  • Generative AI creates text, images, code, and even videos.
  • AI is transforming industries — education, healthcare, design, and software development.
  • Key debates focus on ethics, bias, safety, copyright, and AI governance.
  • Current frontier: multimodal models (text + image + sound + video) and AI agents capable of reasoning, planning, and autonomous action.

How the ELCA Can Use AI Resources for Ministry

• Sermon Preparation
  • AI can serve as a theological assistant, not a replacement for pastoral discernment.
    • Text Study: AI can summarize lectionary readings, identify historical context, original-language nuances (Greek/Hebrew), and theological themes
    • Commentary Integration: Combine insights from ELCA-approved commentaries or Luther’s Works with contextual insights for modern audiences.
    • Illustration Ideas: Generate story analogies, prayers, or community connections tailored to the congregation’s setting.
    • Inclusivity & Sensitivity Checks: Use AI tools to review sermons for inclusive language and accessibility, aligning with ELCA’s commitments to justice and diversity.
• Catechism and Faith Formation
  • AI tools can help teachers and pastors make Luther’s catechism and core teachings engaging and age appropriate.
    • Interactive Learning: Create adaptive, question-based lessons that explain the Small Catechism interactively for youth or adults.
    • Visual & Audio Aids: AI can generate short explanatory videos or graphics about sacraments, the Ten Commandments, or the Creed.
    • Translation & Accessibility: Provide multilingual materials for diverse congregations.
• Bible Studies
  • Custom Study Guides: AI can draft discussion questions, reading plans, and contextual notes aligned with the Revised Common Lectionary and ELCA theology.
  • Cross-Referencing Tools: Help participants trace biblical themes (e.g., justice, grace, reconciliation) across both Testaments.
  • Contextual Application: Generate discussion prompts relevant to current social issues (e.g., climate, race, peace) through a Lutheran lens.
• Vacation Bible School (VBS)
  • Curriculum Design: Use AI to develop creative daily themes, songs, crafts, and stories that connect with Scripture and Lutheran identity.
  • Age Adaptation: Adjust complexity and style for preschoolers through middle schoolers.
  • Art & Media Creation: Generate coloring pages, slides, and skits while ensuring theological accuracy and child-safety standards.
  • Community Engagement: Produce communication materials (flyers, emails, social media posts) to invite families and volunteers.
• Year-Round Liturgical and Seasonal Planning
  • Lectionary Alignment: AI can map themes from the ELCA liturgical calendar—Advent, Lent, Pentecost, etc.—to music, prayers, and study resources.
  • Seasonal Resource Generation: Draft devotionals or newsletters for each season of the church year.
  • Accessibility Support: Convert sermon manuscripts or devotionals into large-print, audio, or visual formats.
• Ethical and Theological Guardrails
  • Fort he ELCA, responsible AI use means
    • Keeping the human preacher and teacher at the center—AI is a tool, not a voice of authority.
    • Ensuring theological fidelity by cross-checking AI outputs against ELCA confessional documents, Scripture, and Lutheran hermeneutics.
    • Practicing data ethics—protecting member privacy, avoiding plagiarism, and crediting original sources.
    • Using AI in the spirit of vocation: serving the Gospel and loving the neighbor through creativity, efficiency, and clarity.

Principles for Responsible AI Use in Ministry

• Keep People and the Gospel at the Center
  • AI is a tool, not a teacher or preacher.
  • The Holy Spirit, Scripture, and the faith community remain the primary sources of wisdom and discernment.
  • AI can assist in crafting messages, but pastors and educators interpret and apply the Gospel.
• Be Transparent
  • If AI helps create content (a sermon outline, image, or Bible study), be open about that.
  • Transparency builds trust and models integrity for congregants and students.
• Guard Theological Integrity
  • Always check AI-generated content against ELCA theology, Scripture, and confessional writings.
  • Avoid treating AI outputs as authoritative — they must be interpreted through the lens of Lutheran theology, grace, and Christ-centered faith.
  • Involve pastors, theologians, and educators in reviewing any new AI-based resources.
• Protect Privacy and Data
  • Do not enter personal or confidential information about members, counseling, or giving records into AI systems.
  • Use AI platforms that meet strong data protection and privacy standards.
  • Teach staff and volunteers about digital safety and responsible data handling.
• Ensure Fairness and Inclusion
  • AI can unintentionally reflect biases found in training data.
  • Review materials for cultural sensitivity, gender-inclusive language, and accessibility — key ELCA values.
  • Use AI to amplify diverse voices, not flatten them.

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NT-NL synod staff are excited to engage in-person on Sundays for worship. As good stewards of time and travel dollars, we will be utilizing online meeting formats in our new hybrid reality when possible. If you would like to schedule a meeting with the bishop or Synod staff please contact them directly.

Bishop Gronberg:

November 9: Grace, Fort Worth’s 120th Anniversary
November 9: Installation of Pr. Eric Rude, Advent, Arlington
November 16: Central, Dallas
November 22: Adult Confirmations, Iglesia Santa Maria, Irving
December 6: Texas Lutheran University: Verne Lundquist Athletic Center Dedication, Seguin

Pastora Bañales:

October 27-29: Rostered Minister and SAWL Retreat, Aquilla
October 30: ELCA Spanish Coaching Team Meeting
November 1: Crisis Intervention Workshop, First Sagrada Familia, Garland
November 2-6: ELCA DEM’s Fall Gathering, Chicago
November 7-9: ELCA Spanish Coaching Training Team, Los Angeles, CA
November 15: Conferencia Latina Conflict Management Workshop, Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Irving
November 16: Immanuel, Killeen
November 20: ELCA and UMC: Fresh Expressions Planning Team Meeting
November 20: NT-NL DEM Advisory Team Meeting
November 20: ELCA and Mexico Spanish Coaching Digital Working Team Meeting
November 21: Conferencia Latina Thanksgiving Dinner, Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Irving
November 24-30: Vacation

Pastor Fitting-Snyder:

October 27-29: Rostered Minister and SAWL Retreat
November 2: St. Peter, Malone
November 6: Region 4 Consultation
November 9: Installation of Pr. Eric Rude, Advent, Arlington
November 12: Racial Justice Training, Zoom
November 16: Faith, Flower Mound
November 18: Assistant to the Bishop Portal Training, Zoom
November 21-25: Vacation
November 30: Covenant, Temple