Episode 66: Loving neighbors in "America's jihad capital." AI comes to church. Down Syndrome is their spiritual gift and superpower.

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A few months ago, The Wall Street Journal called Dearborn, Michigan, "America's jihad capital," a characterization that the city's mayor called "inflammatory and untrue." The fact is that Dearborn (population 110,000) is America's only major city with a majority Muslim population. Parkside Church of Christ, a congregation that grew up in Dearborn Heights and peaked during the 1990s, decided to stay when Arab Americans and Muslims started moving into the community. The congregation's minister, Wayne Beason, talks about how Parkside Church of Christ loves its Muslim neighbors.
What happens when AI (artificial intelligence) comes to church? Preston Road Church of Christ (Dallas, Texas) minister Josh Kingcade helps us explore the dimensions of this question. Should we assume that using AI in church life and ministry is all bad?
It is accurate to say that Down Syndrome is the spiritual gift and superpower of Ethan Etter and Hope Martin. They share how they prepare and speak to thousands and how their lives are full of joy.
Link to The Christian Chronicle's Cheryl Mann Bacon's story on Ethan and Hope
Link to Extra, the book that Ethan and Hope's moms wrote
Link to video of Ethan and Hope at Abilene Christian University chapel (2024)
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This episode is brought to you by the Church of Christ in Falls Church, Virginia, celebrating 75 years this September 6 - 8, 2024.
Join the Church of Christ in Falls Church for a weekend of worship (led by Keith Lancaster of Acappella Ministries), fellowship, food, memories, and preaching.
Learn more at fallschurchcoc.org.

Chapters

1. Episode 66: Loving neighbors in "America's jihad capital." AI comes to church. Down Syndrome is their spiritual gift and superpower. (00:00:00)

2. Staying and Serving in Dearborn (00:01:41)

3. Neighborly Evangelism in Diverse Community (00:08:49)

4. AI in Church (00:23:24)

5. AI in Sermon Preparation & Theology (00:31:38)

6. Empowering Speakers With Down Syndrome (00:36:44)

7. Gratitude and Support for Christian Podcast (00:46:41)