Are churches ready to embrace the AI Era? Should they?
FRANKLIN — Shiloh Baptist Church in Mount Juliet does not employ a graphic designer, social media manager, video producer or editor. What it does have, however, is a pastor who juggles these roles with the help of technology.
Stephen Young, the pastor, doesn’t have formal training in these specialties but has embraced artificial intelligence to expand his ministry capabilities.
“I asked a friend pastoring a small church by himself how he had such nice graphics on his church’s Facebook page,” Young said. “He uses AI to generate them. I started using Ideogram (ideogram.ai) to create graphics for church announcements and to promote events and upcoming sermon series. It doesn’t take a lot of effort or time to describe [to the AI] what you want and get a graphic.”
While many people today are hesitant to explore AI, its adoption has skyrocketed. According to Pew Research, TechCrunch and firms like Gartner, IDC and Statista, the statistics are startling:
- The percentage of Americans using ChatGPT increased from around 18% in March 2023 to over 40% by early 2024.
- Voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant were collectively active on over 4.2 billion devices by 2023, compared to 2.5 billion in 2021.
- Downloads of mobile AI applications surged by 300% from 2021 to 2024, driven by tools like AI-powered photo editors, writing assistants and productivity apps.
An AI expert predicted that nearly every organization will experiment with AI in 2025. Simply put, AI is here to stay.
What is AI?
Artificial intelligence refers to software capable of learning, improving independently, understanding and processing information, and making decisions — often with minimal human intervention. From voice assistants and photo recognition to personalized content recommendations on services like Netflix, AI has become an integral part of everyday life.
While many associate AI with “applications,” it is more accurately considered an “agent.” Unlike traditional applications that require specific inputs and execute preset instructions, AI agents can adapt, make decisions and act on their own.
For instance, a weather app will display the forecast, but an AI-powered weather agent might notify you about rain expected during your outdoor plans — and even suggest alternative indoor activities.
AI in the Local Church
AI can revolutionize church operations, particularly for small or understaffed ministries. It allows these ministers and congregations to spend more energy on their mission while reducing non-ministry workloads. Churches are already utilizing AI in the following ways:
- Administrative tasks: Streamlining emails, scheduling and report generation.
- Content creation: Automating newsletters, bulletins and social media assets.
- Community engagement: Sending personalized visitor follow-ups and recognizing member milestones.
- Research and planning: Supporting sermon preparation, biblical research and event organization.
Pastors especially appreciate AI’s ability to alleviate some of their administrative burden.
“I’ve gotten more proficient at using it for administrative tasks,” said Cliff Marion, pastor of Covington First Baptist Church. “If I want to craft an email, send out a text or create social media posts, I’ll drop what I’ve written into an AI and ask it to clean up the grammar and make it sound more professional. This has been especially helpful with something that is more sensitive in nature.
“I also use it in sermon prep like I use commentaries and other online resources. AI is a tool in the pastor’s toolbox. I’m not asking AI to do my job, I use AI to help me be better at my job. I think the question we should ask is, ‘What role could AI play in supporting our ministries while staying true to our mission?’ ”
Fears and Ethical Considerations
One of the most common fears is that AI will replace human workers, resulting in widespread job loss. Ethan Mollick, an AI expert and author of “Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI,” dispels this fear. He argues that the value lies in coexisting with AI responsibly to amplify human efforts without losing accountability. His golden rule for integrating AI? “Always keep the human in the loop.”
For church leaders, ethical concerns include ensuring AI adoption aligns with spiritual values. Complete transparency is crucial when introducing AI into ministry. This includes clearly communicating where and how AI tools are being used, explaining their benefits and acknowledging their limitations. Congregants may feel uneasy with AI’s involvement unless leaders address its purpose openly.
“Church members have expressed intrigue and concern at the rise of AI in church work,” said Matthew Jones, pastor of First Baptist Middleton.
“I have assuaged concerns by pointing out it is a tool. My concerns have come from the thought of ‘Am I using something else to do my work for me?’ I believe it can become a temptation for pastors considering all they must accomplish during the week.
“But bottom line is it comes down to prayer, asking God to use me first and foremost in the ministry while seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit in how to use all the tools at my advantage given to me by God. This includes AI, but it also includes the ability to reach out to fellow pastors and others within my personal community that have a knowledge that a broad-spectrum AI would not have. It is remembering that while AI is a good tool, it is not the end-all, be-all of ministry.”
A Tool, Not a Replacement
At its core, AI is a tool — a powerful one that holds the potential to transform the way churches operate. But like any tool, its true purpose is determined by its user. Leaders who approach AI prayerfully and transparently can leverage its benefits while staying committed to the mission of their ministry. AI may help lighten the load, should not replace the relational and spiritual work to which ministers are called.
Tips for using AI with caution
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to improve personal and organizational productivity, generate data to support decision-making, and serve as a creative partner in generating ideas. Within churches, AI can assist with administrative tasks, worship planning, sermon preparation, and more. However, as with any technology, it’s important to approach AI with discernment to ensure its use aligns with Christian values and respects personal and organizational boundaries. Below are eight cautions Tennessee Baptists and church leaders should consider when using AI.
- Guard Against Sharing Sensitive Information
AI tools often store or process data externally, meaning confidential information about church staff, finances, or members could be inadvertently disclosed. Always ensure that sensitive data is not input into AI systems unless you are certain of strict data privacy measures. Paid versions of AI systems often offer additional privacy. Always read user agreements thoroughly.
- Discern AI-Generated Content for Biblical Accuracy
While AI can generate information to support sermon outlines, devotionals, or teaching materials, its theological knowledge may not always align with biblical truth. Carefully review any AI-generated material to ensure it is doctrinally sound and reflects biblical principles.
- Avoid Dependence on AI Over Spiritual Discernment
AI is a tool that can support your ministry, extend your resources and save time. However, beware of overextending its use. It must not replace prayer or spiritual discernment. Keep Christ at the center of decision-making and treat AI as a supplementary tool, not a primary source of wisdom.
- Steer Clear of Plagiarism
You can ask AI to cite sources when it generates content, and like any other source used in preparing sermons, those sources should be referenced. Plagiarism in sermon preparation and the creation of other content, such as music, books, and articles, was an issue long before the development of AI. Don’t do it — integrity and ethics matter.
- Be Wary of Bias in AI
AI tools are developed and informed by humans, meaning they can reflect biases that present content, recommendations, or responses that do not align with Christian values. Filter AI’s outputs and use discernment, just as you would with any other source material.
- Understand the Limits of AI in Personal Counseling
Although some people seek advice and personal guidance from AI, it cannot replace meaningful interpersonal human interaction, or the spiritual leadership found in pastoral care and counseling. Always prioritize face-to-face interaction and prayer in guiding church members.
- Maintain Accountability for AI-Driven Decisions
As one AI expert and writer admonishes, “Always keep the human in the loop.” AI should serve as a support system, not an autonomous decision-maker. Decisions affecting the church body should always be reviewed by trusted leaders to ensure a human layer of oversight remains in place.
- Respect Privacy and AI Usage Boundaries
Churchgoers trust their churches with personal information, including prayer requests, financial contributions, and life struggles. Ensure this information is never uploaded into AI systems without proper safeguards and permissions to protect community trust.
Final Thoughts
AI can enhance ministry efforts, streamline operations, facilitate community engagement, and more. However, its use should be approached with caution, accountability, integrity, and common sense. By keeping these cautions in mind, Tennessee Baptists and church leaders can responsibly integrate AI into their work without compromising the trust of their communities or their values. B&R
