The presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life is no longer a distant concept—it’s here, woven into the fabric of how we work, communicate, and even engage in ministry. From AI-assisted sermon preparation to chatbots answering theological questions, from social media algorithms shaping public discourse to deepfake voices reading Scripture, AI is already impacting the Church.

But as with all technological advancements, the real question is not whether AI should exist in ministry, but how it should be used.

Ministry leaders today find themselves somewhere along a broad spectrum of response to AI. Some embrace it as a valuable tool that enhances efficiency—reducing time spent on administrative tasks, sermon research, or even digital outreach. Others view it with deep skepticism, worried about its implications for authenticity, theological integrity, and the future of human creativity. Still, others stand in the middle ground, acknowledging AI’s potential while remaining cautious about its risks.

Where do you fall?

AI as a Copilot, Not a Replacement

Our Ministry Forum Podcast episode this week, featuring a conversation between John Borthwick and ChatGPT, explores how AI might assist ministry leaders in navigating today’s challenges. The key takeaway? AI is a copilot, not a creative replacement.

That sentiment is echoed in Ryan Panzer’s article on sermon writing with AI. He argues that AI can help preachers connect dots between lectionary readings or identify helpful resources, but it cannot replace the prayerful, Spirit-led process of crafting a sermon. AI can assist, but it should never be our exclusive source.

This micro-credential course at Acadia Divinity College is a great place to start for those who want to learn more about how to engage thoughtfully with AI—learning how to balance innovation with ethical and theological discernment. The course explores the theological and ethical considerations of AI while equipping learners with practical skills for integrating AI into ministry tasks.

So, what does responsible use of AI in ministry look like?

• Efficiency without Sacrificing Integrity – AI can speed up sermon research, generate administrative emails, or help create social media content. We talk a little bit about this in our Beginner’s Guide to Using AI in Ministry

• Innovation with Ethical Guardrails – The Church has always wrestled with how to integrate new technology. The printing press, the microphone, the internet—each was met with hesitation before being harnessed for kingdom work. How do we ensure AI serves ministry rather than reshaping it in unintended ways?

• Engagement Without Losing Authenticity – AI-driven social media, as Brady Shearer discusses in this episode of the Carey Nieuwhof podcast is changing how people discover and engage with churches. But how do churches maintain authentic relationships when much of that engagement is mediated by algorithms?

As you reflect on AI’s role in your ministry, here are a few questions to consider:

• Are you already using AI in your ministry? If so, how?

• What aspects of AI make you excited? Which ones concern you?

• How can churches ensure AI is a tool that serves rather than a force that shapes theology, relationships, or worship in unintended ways?

• Is there a theological framework for AI use in the Church? How does your understanding of human creativity, the Holy Spirit, and the incarnational nature of ministry shape your approach?

• Where is the middle ground? How can we embrace AI’s benefits without losing the core of what makes ministry human, relational, and Spirit-led?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment on our socials, reply to this post, or listen to this week’s podcast to dive deeper into this discussion.

Listen to the latest Ministry Forum Podcast episode with guest ChatGPT
Check out the micro-credential at Acadia
Read Ryan Panzer’s reflections on AI & sermon writing
Explore AI and other Tech Church Trends in the Carey Nieuwhof podcast with Brady Shearer