Ministry and artificial intelligence:

An unavoidable reality

Rogelio Paquini, DMin, is an assistant professor of youth and young adult ministries at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States.

What if the next time you go to worship at your local church, instead of a member greeting you, you saw a screen giving you information about the congregation and indications of how to behave and what to expect? Imagine that the next time you desire a visit from your pastor to anoint your loved one struggling with health issues, you receive an email with a link to a personalized and interactive video of your pastor ready to perform a virtual anointment.

We might consider such things as exaggerations of the use of technology in church ministry. However, they are not too far-fetched. Today, thousands of people experience similar cybernetic encounters at amusement parks, banks, and several industries. Such businesses are harnessing the capabilities of a technology called artificial intelligence (AI) to create lifelike environments and immerse their customers in unique and personalized experiences.

Encyclopaedia Britannica defines AI as “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.”1This definition suggests that computers can do tasks commonly performed by humans. It continues, “The term is frequently applied to the project of developing systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or learn from past experience.”2

In the digital age, AI has permeated nearly every aspect of human life, from business and healthcare to education and entertainment. However, one realm that might not immediately come to mind in connection with AI is pastoral ministry. This article explores the implications of AI in pastoral ministry, provides a biblical foundation for such technologies, and offers recommendations for their use.

Implications for AI in pastoral ministry

The use of AI in pastoral ministry has both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, it can significantly enhance the efficiency and reach of clerical work. For instance, AI-driven data analytics can help pastors understand their congregations better, tailor sermons to meet specific needs, and track trends in spiritual growth.

What about using AI for sermon writing? I tested the functionality of AI in writing a sermon. I typed, “Write a sermon using Revelation chapter 5 from an Adventist perspective.” The result was a well-crafted outline that, honestly, was preachable.

Though beneficial in some respects, integrating AI in sermon preparation carries considerable risks. One of the significant dangers is the potential for depersonalization of the preaching process. Sermons are traditionally grounded in the pastor’s personal relationship with God, their understanding of the congregation’s spiritual needs, and their carefully thought-out interpretation of Scripture. However, when employing AI for tasks such as gathering data on popular sermon topics or analyzing successful sermon structures, such sermons could become more formulaic and less personal. An even more significant danger is becoming more dependent on AI and less on Bible study.

AI use in ministry goes beyond writing sermons and pastoral care. One significant concern is the potential devaluation of human connection. Yes, AI chatbots can provide 24/7 pastoral care by answering questions, offering encouragement, and directing individuals to appropriate resources or people when necessary.3At the same time, we must never forget that pastoral work is deeply personal and relational. AI could become a substitute for such vital human interaction.

Scripture and the use of AI for ministry

While the Bible does not directly speak to AI, being written millennia before such technologies existed, it does offer timeless principles that can guide our understanding and application of AI in pastoral work.

Principle 1: Authority and stewardship. The first principle we find in the Bible related to technology comes from the book of Genesis. “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground’ ” (Gen. 1:26, NIV). The biblical narrative indicates humanity’s authority and dominion over the rest of creation. Verse 28 continues, saying, “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground’ ” (NIV). Traditionally, the passage has been interpreted as a charge to use and develop the earth’s resources responsibly. As big of a privilege as this is, it also comes with tremendous responsibility. The divinely given authority does not exist in a vacuum. It requires faithful administration of the resources found in creation for humanity’s sustenance, shelter, and enjoyment.

This dominion mandate provides a theological basis for developing and using technology, including AI. All technology requires good stewardship and oversight, especially concerning human dignity and the integrity of creation.

Principle 2: The value of wisdom and knowledge. The Bible places high value on the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, dedicating such books as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes to those themes. One can see the development and use of AI as an expression of this biblical value as it involves the pursuit of knowledge in various fields, such as computer science, linguistics, psychology, and of course, knowledge of God. The Bible says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7, NIV).

As we develop and implement such technologies, the wisdom literature of the Bible reminds us always to use knowledge responsibly and ethically. Although achieving wisdom is not the ultimate purpose of the Scriptures, developing deep relationships with God and other human beings is. Therefore, a third principle is especially important.

Principle 3: Love and human dignity. The Bible teaches the inherent dignity of all human beings and the importance of love in all interactions. Jesus instructed, “ ‘ “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself” ’ ” (Matt. 22:37–40, NIV). When using AI in pastoral ministry, those principles should guide our actions, ensuring that we respect the dignity of individuals, prioritize genuine relationships, and employ technology to express love rather than depersonalized interactions.

AI and the future of ministry

In preparation for writing this article, we conducted an informal survey with young adults, both professionals and students. The reasons we chose this age group were that, first, they were the group closest to the age of our pastors and seminary students. Second, this age group is better equipped to understand academic and professional rigors and have the technological skills to handle AI proficiently.

The survey results showed some interesting perspectives on using AI, particularly in ministry. The survey’s first two questions focused on the frequency of the use of AI in school and work. When asked, Have you ever used any form of AI such as ChatGPT? 68 percent of the respondents affirmed having employed it in the past.4 The results do not indicate that the other third of participants will not use AI in the future. That means that the number employing it will possibly grow in the coming years.

The second question was, Do you use AI for your work or schoolwork assignments? Ten percent responded, “Regularly,” 44 percent stated, “Never,” and 46 percent of the participants acknowledged, “Sometimes.” Even though the regular use of AI for work or school appears to be low, that does not mean it will not increase with more awareness about its existence and advanced capabilities.

The last two survey questions centered on the morality or ethics of using AI. To the question, Do you think using AI for your assignments or work is morally acceptable? 24.5 percent of participants answered, “Not at all,” and 18.4 percent reacted, “Definitely.” While it might seem that AI is still not generally accepted as ethical when study assignments or work projects, for example, are expected to be original in nature, 57.1 percent of the surveyed young adults responded, “Possibly,” to the same question! Thus, more than half of the participants remain undecided about the question. Such a result might mean that for the next generation of ministers, using AI is not an issue of morality but rather of using the tools available for ministry.

Finally, to the question, Do you think education models should adopt the use of AI? an overwhelming 64 percent of respondents asserted, “Yes.” The reality is that AI is not going away, which means models of education and implementation in professional settings, including ministry, need to be part of contemporary life.

Recommendations for using AI in pastoral ministry

Given this reality, it is crucial to use AI in a manner that respects an individual’s dignity and privacy and complements rather than replaces human connection. Here are a couple of recommendations:

Use AI as a tool, not a replacement. Ministry can be a time-consuming practice. Finding techniques and technologies to expedite and improve the completion of all ministry responsibilities is a constant struggle. As a result, AI poses the danger of bypassing the spiritual element of sermon prepping. Therefore, ministers using AI regularly must intentionally employ it only as another resource to supplement their study, not as a replacement for their personal research. AI tools have been known to occasionally produce false information, known as “hallucinations.” Pastors should verify the facts and figures that AI tools provide.

Be transparent. When using AI in pastoral care, be open about it with your congregation. AI applications should be used to supplement human connection, not replace it. For instance, AI can analyze trends or provide initial responses, but human ministers should always carry out deeper pastoral care. People should know when they are interacting with an AI and always have the option to speak with a human minister.

Discernment

Artificial intelligence holds great potential for enhancing pastoral ministry, but its use must be guided by wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to the core values of pastoral care. There is still much to learn regarding this technology’s potential application in ministry. However, AI should be used as a tool rather than a replacement for human beings, and by continually learning and adapting, pastors can harness the benefits of AI while minimizing its potential drawbacks.


Editors’ note: The September 2023 issue of Ministry was dedicated to the topic of artificial intelligence in depth. For more information about AI in ministry and to find some practical AI tools you can use, please refer to that issue.

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica, s.v. “Artificial Intelligence,” accessed May 17, 2023, https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica.
  3. Nelson Musonda, “AI and Christianity: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Faith in Ministry Work,” Delmethod (blog), March 31, 2023, https://www.delmethod.com/blog/ai-and-christianity.
  4. The statistics of the survey group were as follows: n=50, professionals=34.7%, students=67.3%.
Rogelio Paquini, DMin, is an assistant professor of youth and young adult ministries at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States.

Digital delivery

If you're a print subscriber, we'll complement your print copy of Ministry with an electronic version.

Sign up
Advertisement - SermonView - Medium Rect (300x250)

Recent issues

See All
Advertisement - SermonView - WideSkyscraper (160x600)