At our February 3 Synod assembly, the commissioners will have a chance to brainstorm new ministries for 2026 in two areas:  artificial intelligence (AI) and peacemaking.  God has provided the financial means to expand our offerings to equip church leaders and to support congregations in these two areas, and the assembly is the first step toward shaping these opportunities.   Here's a little bit of background about these two areas.  You may remember from my December column ( From Your Synod...

During this Advent season of waiting, I received unexpected news.  Back in October, the Synod applied for a grant from the People-First AI Fund from the @OpenAI Foundation to explore the opportunities and perils that church leaders need to navigate when ministry and Artificial Intelligence (AI) come together.  I imagined that we might not hear back for months, but I learned last Tuesday that we received a $94,000 grant!  Thanks be to God!   You can read more about the grant and other grantees...

One of the greatest joys from serving at the synod is the chance to visit so many churches throughout our bounds.  By the end of November, I will have visited 40 different congregations, preaching at most of them.  Without fail I see God’s Spirit at work in worship and service to the community and fellowship.  Today I want to tell you about two particularly impactful visits here in Detroit Presbytery (where I live):  the Korean Presbyterian Church of Metro Detroit (KPCMD) and Park United...