Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s already embedded in our daily lives. From predictive text on our phones to complex machine learning models shaping social media feeds, AI is quietly revolutionizing how we interact with the world. For churches, the question isn’t if AI will impact ministry, but how to engage with it in a way that aligns with biblical values and enhances the mission of the Church.
I promise you: AI isn’t just another tech trend — it’s an inflection point that will redefine much of the culture and society we know today. Churches that ignore it risk being left behind, while those that embrace it wisely can unlock unprecedented opportunities for outreach and engagement.
AI Is Already Shaping Ministry
AI isn’t theoretical; it’s practical and operational right now in 2025. If your church uses social media, email automation or video streaming, you’re already engaging with AI.
Tools like Sermon Shots generate sermon snippets for digital platforms, while AI discipleship chatbots help answer theological questions instantly while adhering to your personal theological fundamentals. AI-driven analytics allow pastors to understand attendance trends and personalize ministry approaches.
Rather than fearing AI, churches must see it as an ally in amplifying gospel reach. AI-powered translation tools can make sermons accessible across languages, while automated transcription turns spoken messages into blog posts, devotionals or study materials.
The key is strategic implementation — using AI to support, not replace, the relational heart of ministry.
AI-Enhanced, Not AI-Dependent
A major concern is AI’s potential to replace human roles in decision-making, teaching and pastoral care. AI can analyze data, but it cannot shepherd hearts. It can draft a sermon, but it lacks the spiritual discernment to preach with authority. Churches must adopt an AI-enhanced, not AI-dependent, mindset.
Think of AI as an intelligent, capable seminary intern at your disposal. It reduces administrative burdens, allowing pastors to focus on higher-value, people-centered ministry. But just as churches wouldn’t outsource pastoral care to an intern, they shouldn’t use AI as a shortcut for spiritual leadership.
Strategic AI Adoption for Churches
Rather than passive adoption, churches must intentionally integrate AI where it adds the most value. Here’s how:
- Deepening Discipleship – AI can personalize spiritual growth plans, recommending sermons, devotionals and study materials based on an individual’s learning style and faith journey.
- Enhancing Engagement – AI-powered chatbots on church websites can provide immediate answers to visitors’ questions, improving accessibility and outreach.
- Optimizing Administration – AI tools can automate email responses, transcribe meetings and streamline scheduling, freeing up church staff for relational ministry.
- Sharpening Decision-Making – AI-driven analytics can identify trends in giving, attendance and volunteer engagement, helping leaders make data-informed decisions.
Churches must be discerning, implementing AI in ways that honor their mission rather than simply adopting technology for technology’s sake.
Navigating Ethical and Theological Considerations
With great power comes great responsibility. Churches must navigate AI’s ethical implications with wisdom. AI algorithms can introduce bias, raise privacy concerns, and blur lines between human creativity and machine-generated content. Here are key ethical questions churches should consider:
- Data Privacy – Are we protecting our congregation’s data when using AI-driven insights?
- Bias Awareness – Are AI-powered recommendations unintentionally reinforcing biases in church messaging or outreach?
- Transparency – Are we disclosing when content has been AI-generated or human-curated?
Every church needs an AI policy that sets guardrails for ethical use. Staying informed and participating in conversations with peers will help churches navigate AI’s opportunities and risks wisely.
The Church’s Role in an AI Age
Beyond technology, the Church must champion what AI cannot: authentic community, deep discipleship and genuine spiritual formation. In a world where automation is increasing, human connection becomes even more valuable.
Churches should lead the charge in cultivating spaces where people experience God’s presence while thoughtfully optimizing the digital experiences that go along with it all. AI can serve the mission, while not reducing it or derailing it. The best strategy for an AI-powered future is not just adopting technology but doubling down on what makes the church irreplaceable: authentic relationships, transformative teaching and Spirit-led ministry.
Final Thoughts
AI is here, but it’s not the main character — the people are. Used wisely, AI can amplify outreach, streamline operations and enhance discipleship. But the core of ministry remains unchanged: real people, real relationships, and a real God at work.
Are you ready to counter your impulses of resisting AI, and instead dive into thinking through how you can steward it well? It’s the only way to ensure that technology serves the mission rather than co-opts it. You have the opportunity to lead your church to greater kingdom impact with AI on your side, all the while staying grounded in biblical truth. Are you ready for the challenge?
AI Tools for Church Leaders
AI for Church Leaders Facebook Group – Join thousands of pastors and church staff in discussing and sharing notes on how to use AI for ministry work with discernment and efficiency.
ChatGPT for Churches – Master AI in a week and see specific use cases for how AI can be applied to everyday ministry work.
Sermon Shots – An AI tool that provides short, engaging video clips from sermons to highlight key messages and inspire viewers.
Tapos – An AI-powered platform that helps churches transform their sermon content into an interactive resource, allowing congregants to access and apply biblical teachings after they are preached.
Fathom Video – A free AI-powered meeting assistant that automatically records, transcribes and summarizes Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams calls, enabling users to focus on conversations without the distraction of notetaking.
Check out Kenny’s article, “Why You Need an AI Policy for Church Before It’s Too Late,” published by Church Tech Today.
Kenny Jahng is an entrepreneur, pastor and strategic advisor in digital marketing and innovation for faith-based organizations. He serves as the founder and CEO of Big Click Syndicate, editor-in-chief of ChurchTechToday.com and the founder of AiForChurchLeaders.com, a platform dedicated to helping church leaders navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence tools. Jahng has spearheaded campaigns for notable organizations such as the American Bible Society, Biblica, CDF Capital, Leadership Network, Redeemer Presbyterian Church and The United Methodist Church. Previously, he served as the online pastor at one of Outreach Magazine’s Fastest Growing Churches in America. Jahng earned a B.A. from Duke University, an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary.
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