About this Event
You're Invited: “Back to the Future” – A Pulpit+ Exchange Series
Join us for Iliff’s Pulpit+ Exchange Series, an inspiring series of in-person and virtual gatherings where clergy, lay leaders, activists, scholars, ministers, journalists, and community organizers come together to wrestle with the most pressing questions of our time. Together, we’ll explore powerful stories of hope, healing, and action—each rooted in a shared vision of justice and liberation.
Mr Jesus : Faith in the Age of AI
What is real in the age of artificial intelligence (AI)? How does our faith inform what is real, and who ultimately gets to decide our reality? Join us for a special screening of the short film Mr Jesus, followed by discussion and Q&A exploring profoundly human questions about faith, purpose, and our individual and collective use of technology. About the film: Mr Jesus is a sharp, satirical film about a down-on-his-luck actor who wakes up one morning to discover that his image has been stolen to make a GenAI Jesus, and now everyone believes he’s the Second Coming.
Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi is associate dean of non-degree programs and associate professor of leadership and formation at Iliff School of Theology. She is a collaborator on the Mr Jesus film project, helping to create a discussion guide for congregations and religious organizations to use in hosting screenings. Through Kristina's involvement, Iliff School of Theology is also a partner in this endeavor. Kristina is a member of (m)otherboard, a tech justice collective and the primary catalyst for the film. To learn more about Mr Jesus and how to host a screening, visit the film's website. To learn more about Kristina, visit her faculty page.
SPECIAL GUEST: Emily Best is the founder and CEO of Seed&Spark, the #1 crowdfunding platform in the world for storytellers on a mission to make entertainment more diverse, inclusive, connected, and essential. Seed&Spark’s platform and national education program have helped thousands of bold storytellers raise over $86M, and the count is growing. Emily is dedicated to making the resources for creators to build independent, sustainable careers free and accessible, co-creating the Crowdfunding Playbook and The Distribution Playbook. She has produced films, VR, shorts and series that have premiered at Sundance, SXSW, Slamdance, Tribeca and more. She produced RATIFIED, a feature documentary about the 100+ year struggle for the Equal Rights Amendment, which premiered on Independent Lens on October 20, 2025, and her new film MR JESUS is now hitting festivals. Both were crowdfunded. She is also the co-founder of tech justice collective (m)otherboard, which nurtures the social practices of connection, community, and governance that restore human agency, dignity, and care.
What to Expect Each Evening:
5:00 – 5:45 PM (MST): Light meal and connection
5:45 PM: Lecture begins, followed by Q&A and deep discussion
Location: In-person at Iliff or online via livestream. Unable to attend in person? Register to receive the livestream link.
Why Attend?
Because change starts in community. This is a space to be challenged and inspired, while meeting others who share your passion for faith-rooted justice, equity, and collective liberation.
Come for one evening or all. Stay for the conversation. Leave with new energy, new insights, and a renewed sense of purpose.
RSVP now and take your seat at the table.
Whether you’re a faith leader, community builder, or someone seeking meaningful connection, this is more than a lecture series—it’s an invitation to be part of a growing network of changemakers committed to building a more just and equitable world.
Event venue & nearby stays
Iliff School of Theology, 2323 East Iliff Avenue, Denver, United States
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