Using AI in Ministry

🪜 Lesson Flow Overview

Introduction: The Moment We’re In

Understanding AI: What It Is and Why It Matters

Opportunities for Ministry: How AI Can Help the Church

Risks and Discernment: The Ethical & Spiritual Challenges

Redeeming Technology: A Biblical Framework for Using AI

Practical Applications: Real Tools and Examples

Conclusion & Discussion: Wisdom for the Road Ahead

1️⃣ Introduction: The Moment We’re In

“The sons of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” — 1 Chronicles 12:32

We are living in a technological revolution as significant as the printing press or the internet.

AI is reshaping how people learn, communicate, and even relate to truth.

The Church cannot afford to sit on the sidelines — we must engage, discern, and lead.

Opening question: “What do you think when you hear the word ‘AI’ — fear, curiosity, opportunity, or confusion?”

2️⃣ Understanding AI: What It Is and Why It Matters

AI = Artificial Intelligence — machines designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence (reasoning, learning, communication, creativity).

Key forms of AI:

Generative AI: text, image, and video creation (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL·E, Sora).

Predictive AI: used in analytics, planning, and recommendations.

Assistive AI: automation that enhances human work (e.g., scheduling, data entry, sermon research).

AI is not human — it mimics intelligence but lacks consciousness, soul, or moral agency.

3️⃣ Opportunities for Ministry

AI can be a servant, not a master — a “digital deacon” that helps the Church serve better:

Communication & Outreach: automated follow-up, sermon summaries, AI chatbots answering spiritual questions (e.g., AskBibleQuestions.com).

Education & Discipleship: Bible study tools, language translation, content personalization.

Administration: automating forms, scheduling, event coordination, and data management.

Creative Ministry: designing graphics, writing devotionals, planning series, generating teaching visuals.

Evangelism: digital conversations that lead seekers toward faith when guided by sound theology.

Example: “The same technology that can write an ad can also help write a sermon — if used prayerfully.”

4️⃣ Risks and Discernment

AI, like any powerful tool, amplifies both good and evil. Risks to recognize:

Dependence over discernment: outsourcing spiritual work to machines.

Truth distortion: AI can generate convincing but false or biased content.

Dehumanization: replacing relationship with automation.

Privacy & ethics: misuse of data and personal information.

Theological confusion: mistaking intelligence for wisdom or creation for Creator.

Key question: “Are we using AI to serve people, or are we letting AI shape people?”

5️⃣ Redeeming Technology: A Biblical Framework

Biblical anchors for engaging AI:

Stewardship (Genesis 1:26–28): We are called to subdue creation responsibly — that includes technology.

Wisdom (Proverbs 4:7): Knowledge is not enough; wisdom is required for righteous use.

Mission (Matthew 28:19): Every tool is ultimately for the Great Commission.

Discernment (Romans 12:2): Do not conform to this world’s patterns; test everything.

Love (1 Corinthians 13): The goal of technology must be to love God and people better.

“AI is not the image of God — but it can serve those who are.”

6️⃣ Practical Applications

Sermon & Teaching Prep: Study aids, illustration generation, language translation.

Pastoral Care: Automated reminders, encouragement messages, follow-ups.

Community Engagement: Chatbots answering visitor questions 24/7 on church websites.

Ministry Operations: Event planning, email campaigns, giving automation.

Education: Platforms like Renew University using AI to scale theological training.

AI Assistants: Tools like ChatGPT or custom-trained models to serve ministries safely.

Guiding principle: “AI should enhance the human work of ministry — never replace it.”

7️⃣ Conclusion & Discussion

Reflection Questions:

Where do you see AI helping your ministry most right now?

What dangers or boundaries should we set?

How can we ensure we’re leading people — not algorithms — toward Jesus?

Closing Thought:

“Technology is only as holy as the hands that wield it. Let us use every tool, old and new, to preach Christ more clearly, love people more deeply, and serve the Kingdom more effectively.”

📘 Optional Add-ons

Handout or Slide Deck Sections: Scripture references, AI tools for churches, ethics checklist.

Discussion Group Prompt: “If Paul had access to AI, how might he have used it to reach the Gentiles?”

Takeaway Challenge: Use one AI tool this week for ministry — then reflect on how it impacted your time, clarity, or reach.