Recent research by the Barna Group in partnership with Gloo reveals that Christians and the broader public are cautiously optimistic about AI, especially when it comes to administrative tasks.
By Dr. Tim Orr
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its mark on every sector of society, including the church. As this technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it prompts important questions about its role in ministry. Recent research by the Barna Group in partnership with Gloo reveals that Christians and the broader public are cautiously optimistic about AI, especially regarding administrative tasks. However, there are significant concerns about how AI intersects with the deeply personal aspects of faith.
Picture this: Pastor John, a leader of a medium-sized church, is overwhelmed by his weekly responsibilities. His workload is immense between preparing sermons, providing spiritual counseling, and managing church operations. To help with administrative tasks, he turns to an AI-powered scheduling tool. This tool organizes his calendar, automates reminders, and even helps plan worship setlists based on congregational feedback.
With these mundane tasks off his plate, Pastor John finds more time to focus on the relational side of ministry—meeting with congregants, preparing thoughtful sermons, and engaging in community outreach. Here, AI serves as a silent partner, enhancing his ministry by freeing him to invest in areas that require a human touch. This example illustrates how AI can play a supportive role in ministry, enhancing effectiveness without overshadowing the importance of personal interaction.
The study shows that most Christians see a clear line between what AI can and should do and what requires a human touch. The majority (86%) believe that spiritual counseling (84%) and mental health counseling (84%) are best performed by humans, reflecting the belief that these areas require empathy and understanding that AI lacks. Conversely, two-thirds (67%) of Christians feel that AI could handle administrative tasks like scheduling or planning better than humans.
There is also an openness to AI's role in other areas of ministry. For example, half of the respondents believe AI could assist in church budgeting, and 32% are open to AI playing a role in sermon preparation. These findings indicate a growing acceptance of AI in tasks requiring organization and analysis while valuing the irreplaceable human element in the ministry's personal and spiritual aspects.
As we consider AI's role in ministry, reflecting on the ethical and theological implications is essential. From a biblical perspective, wisdom and discernment are highly valued. Proverbs 2:6 says, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." With its capacity for data analysis and pattern recognition, AI can aid in decision-making processes. However, it lacks the moral and spiritual discernment from a relationship with God.
One ethical concern is the potential impact of AI-generated sermons on pastoral authenticity. A sermon is more than words; it results from prayerful reflection and spiritual wrestling. If pastors rely too heavily on AI for sermon content, they risk losing the personal and spiritual depth that comes from a pastor's journey and connection with their congregation. Furthermore, how does AI align with the biblical principle of the value of human interaction? In Romans 12:15, we are called to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." This level of empathy and personal connection is something AI cannot replicate.
As you consider the role of AI in ministry, here are some questions to reflect on:
These questions encourage us to think critically about how we use technology in the church and to discern the areas where AI can serve as a tool to support our ministry efforts without replacing the human connection that is central to our faith.
While some ministry leaders see AI as a valuable tool for enhancing efficiency, others urge caution. Steele Billings, head of AI at Gloo, notes the surprising openness among Christians to use AI beyond administrative tasks. However, theologians and pastors also express concerns about how AI might change the nature of pastoral care and spiritual guidance. For example, reliance on AI in sermon preparation could impact the depth and authenticity of the message, raising questions about the spiritual implications of technology's growing influence in ministry settings.
In my work as an evangelical interfaith minister and researcher, I have found AI to be a helpful tool in managing administrative tasks, generating research insights, and even assisting in content creation. These are areas where AI's efficiency can be leveraged to enhance ministry without replacing the essential human touch. However, I approach AI with cautious optimism. While AI can aid in areas like data analysis or administrative work, it must not encroach on the deeply relational aspects of ministry, such as spiritual counseling and discipleship, which require empathy, wisdom, and a personal connection.
As AI develops, the church must navigate its use with discernment. Here are some practical steps for ministry leaders considering incorporating AI into their work:
Integrating AI into ministry offers exciting possibilities but also requires a careful balance. While AI can enhance efficiency and support various tasks, it cannot replace the relational and spiritual elements central to the gospel. As we embrace technological advancements, we must ensure that our use of AI aligns with our values, enhancing our ability to serve others without losing the human touch that defines our faith communities.
In a world where technology is ever-evolving, the church has the opportunity to lead in modeling responsible and ethical use of AI, ensuring that it serves as a tool that supports ministry rather than detracts from the personal connections at the heart of our faith. By maintaining this balance, we can harness the potential of AI while preserving the depth and authenticity of our spiritual practices.