The Business of Church: From Atheist to Pastor with Omar Tackie
The Intersection of Faith and Innovation: Exploring Pastoral Challenges and AI’s Role in the Modern Church
In a candid conversation on the “Business of Church” podcast, Omar Tackie, a pastor from Act 2.0 church, opens up about his transformative journey, the challenges of pastoring in the modern age, and the potential impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on society and the church.
Key Takeaways
1. Personal Transformation: The journey from non-belief to leading a congregation provides unique insights into personal growth and pastoral care.
2. Church Management: Navigating the dynamics between pastoral responsibilities and the administrative and financial aspects of church governance.
3. The AI Conundrum: Discussing the merits and uncertainties surrounding AI in society and its possible implications for future church engagement.
From Darkness to Light: A Personal Transformation
Omar Tackie’s life-changing moment at the age of 23 set him on a path that he never envisioned for himself—leading a church. In the conversation, he shares, “I had this real encounter with [God]… It made me question God, and if God was actually real.” Tackie’s story is not just about personal transformation; it highlights the powerful role that faith can play in redirecting lives, particularly those that may seem lost to circumstances and past decisions.
Tackie’s experience raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of divine encounters and their potential to ignite a permanent positive change. His authenticity and vulnerability add another layer to the discourse on the importance of spirituality in personal development.
“I didn’t grow up Christian… At the age of 23 in 2016, I had this real encounter with Him… God touched me in a way that basically ripped me out of that suicidal mindset, gave me life. And I think from then, my life has just been since as you saved me, and I should really be dead. My life is yours.“
The Delicate Dance of Church Governance and Finance
The discussion then moved to the operational side of church life—managing finances and governance. Tackie detailed the challenges of leading a secondary service that unexpectedly grew into its own congregation, demanding a new financial strategy and structure. This experience highlights a broader issue: the tension between spiritual leadership and the practical demands of running a church as an organisation.
As Tackie explains, “When we got the building, we had to look at our money and say, okay, have we got enough to do this?” His approach to incorporating trustees and delegating financial responsibilities underscores the importance of trustworthy stewardship in church administration. It also underscores the necessity for leaders to be aware of their organisation’s logistical and financial status to make informed decisions, while walking the tightrope of maintaining spiritual focus.
AI and the Future of Society: Ushering in an Age of Abundance or Enslavement?
Finally, the conversation shifts to a hot-button topic that is shaking up various sectors globally—AI. Tackie succinctly voices his concern about AI, emphasising the potential societal implications of increasing dependency on technology. The discussion is insightful, considering the contrasting perspectives on AI’s benefits, such as advances in medical diagnosis, and the potential downsides, such as job loss or societal complacency.
“I have to trust that the people manning this thing [AI] do have good intentions… but I think we have to be careful of not becoming dependent upon robots to give us all the information that we need.“
The podcast dives deep into the idea of AI potentially occupying roles within the church, a thought that resonates with uncertainty and discomfort for Tackie. His reflections on the essential human elements of church—relation, connection, and the inherent value of the soul—raise important questions about our readiness to embrace AI within such intimate and spiritually charged environments.
Pastor Omar Tackie’s dialogue, filled with personal tales and profound inquiries, encourages readers to ponder the role of faith in personal transformation, the delicate operation of church affairs, and the societal ramifications of AI. His insights offer a unique perspective on pastoring in these modern times, where technological innovations and human authenticity converge, and where the church’s mission remains one of connection and transformation.
Want to learn more? Watch the full YouTube video here or listen to the full podcast on Spotify here.
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