How to Make Positive Use of AIs in the Christian Church

 

In a world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping everything from how we shop to how we learn, it’s no surprise that the Church is also beginning to explore how these tools can be used for ministry. But for many believers, especially those concerned about preserving the sacredness of worship and human connection, the big question is: can AI be used in a way that honors God?

I believe the answer is yes—and it starts with understanding that AI is just another tool, like many others God has allowed humans to develop and use for good.

God’s Pattern: Using Instruments and Assistants

 

Throughout Scripture, God has shown a pattern of working through people, tools, and even seemingly ordinary objects. Moses had a staff. David had a sling. Paul had letters. The early church had scribes and messengers to carry the gospel from one city to the next. In each of these cases, God used something—someone—as a medium for ministry.

In Exodus 4:17, God tells Moses, “But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.” It wasn’t the staff that performed miracles; it was God through Moses, using the staff as a tool.

Similarly, AI can be seen as a modern “staff”—a tool in the hands of God’s people. When used thoughtfully and prayerfully, it has the potential to expand the reach of the gospel, strengthen discipleship, and meet people where they are in an increasingly digital world.

What AI Can Do for the Church?

So what does AI look like in the Church today? We’re not talking about robots replacing pastors or sermons being written by machines. Instead, we’re seeing helpful innovations that free up time, enhance communication, and improve how we serve our communities.

 

Here are some positive, practical ways AI is being (or could be) used:

1. Enhancing Bible Study and Teaching – AI can quickly compare translations, explain historical contexts, and even help pastors prepare sermons with well-organized research.

2. Improving Communication and Outreach – Churches can use AI-driven tools to send personalized messages to members, keep track of prayer requests, or automate routine communications.

3. Translating and Transcribing Services – AI translation tools can instantly convert sermons into multiple languages and provide accessibility for the hearing-impaired.

4. Analyzing Ministry Impact – AI can track engagement trends, assess sermon reach, and help plan events tailored to the needs of the community.

5. Supporting Pastoral Care – AI chatbots can offer initial support, answer common spiritual questions, and direct users to further help.

Addressing Concerns and Keeping the Faith Central

It’s understandable that some Christians might feel cautious or even skeptical about AI. But just as with the printing press or the internet, it's all about how we use it.

Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” In the same way, our use of AI should be guided by godly principles, not worldly trends.

Biblical Principles for Using AI in Ministry

When considering how to bring AI into the life of the Church, here are a few scriptural principles to keep in mind:

·       Stewardship (Colossians 3:23–24): Use time and resources wisely.

·       Discernment (1 Thessalonians 5:21): Test everything.

·       Service (Galatians 5:13): Use technology to serve others.

·       Love (1 Corinthians 13): Prioritize love and relationships.

A Balanced Approach

Think of AI like the sound system in your church. It doesn't preach the Word, but it helps ensure everyone hears it clearly. In the same way, AI can amplify ministry—not replace it.

 

Final Thoughts

We shouldn’t be afraid of AI—we should be prayerful about it. Like Moses with his staff or Paul with his letters, we can use what’s in our hands to serve God’s purpose in our time.

As long as we stay rooted in Scripture, led by the Holy Spirit, and focused on loving people, AI can be a valuable helper in building the Kingdom.

So let’s stop asking, “Should the Church use AI?” and start asking, “How can we use it in a way that honors Christ?”

Similarly, AI can be seen as a modern “staff”—a tool in the hands of God’s people. When used thoughtfully and prayerfully, it has the potential to expand the reach of the gospel, strengthen discipleship, and meet people where they are in an increasingly digital world.

It’s a powerful reminder that God works through instruments. Whether it’s a shepherd’s staff, a sling and stone, parchment and ink—or today, a smartphone or AI assistant—God can use the tools in our hands to carry His message forward.

Imagine that: God didn’t shout His commandments from the clouds or carve them in fire on the mountain wall. Instead, He used tablets—yes, ancient ones!—that Moses could carry and pass on. Those tablets became foundational teaching tools for generations to come.

Throughout Scripture, God consistently used people and tools to accomplish divine purposes. One of the most iconic examples is Moses, who received the Ten Commandments on stone tablets—a divine message delivered using a tangible medium. Exodus 31:18 says, “When the Lord finished speaking to Moses… he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.”

God’s Pattern: Using Instruments and Assistants