In this episode of the 95Podcast, we sit down with Shelby Black for a practical conversation about how churches can navigate the growing influence of AI with wisdom, integrity, and trust. Rather than focusing on fear or hype, we explore 10 practical guardrails that help churches use AI responsibly while protecting people, relationships, and ministry effectiveness.

The conversation covers everything from data privacy and pastoral care notes to transparency, automation, and leadership accountability. Shelby explains why guardrails are more helpful than rigid rules, how discernment must remain a human responsibility, and why churches have a unique obligation to steward information well.

The question is no longer whether churches should engage with it, but how pastors can help people think about it faithfully and wisely. Whether you’re already experimenting with AI or simply trying to understand its impact, this episode offers practical guidance for leading through one of the most significant cultural shifts of our time.

About Shelby: With 13 years of working in and alongside ministry, Shelby Black is the co-founder of Bellwether, an AI-powered platform built specifically for ministry leaders. Shelby brings both personal conviction and operational experience to the conversation around AI in the church. Alongside Bellwether, Shelby serves as Director of Growth at Clever, a digital marketing agency serving churches and nonprofits.

Together with her husband Andy — a technical co-founder with deep ministry roots of his own — they bring 28 combined years of ministry experience to the question of how AI should be developed, adopted, and stewarded in faith communities. Shelby lives in the Denver area with Andy and their two young kids.