Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15
As technology increasingly integrates itself into our world, communities of faith must be careful.
The introduction of an AI-powered Jesus avatar at St. Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, (the experiment lasting only a few months in 2024), explored the intersection of artificial intelligence, religion and human trust. The researchers aimed to understand how people interact with technology in a scared and intimate setting, such as a confessional booth.
This raises a troubling question: Can artificial intelligence truly fare the spiritual needs of humanity? The notion that a digital entity can dispense wisdom on life and faith undermines the deep, personal connection that defines the pastoral role. Spiritual guidance requires empathy, understanding, and a relationship with God - which no program can have.
While supporters of AI in ministry claim benefits like efficiency and 24/7 availability, we must scrutinize the ethical implications. An AI sermon created by a chatbot may be structured well, but it lacks spiritual discernment. In an age where 64% of pastors are reportedly utilizing AI tools for sermon preparation (approximately 10% daily, 78% weekly, 32% experimenting), and 12% feel comfortable allowing the technology to compose their entire sermons, as revealed in a survey with hundreds of pastors and church leaders, Church Tech Today & CBN, the integration of AI in religious practices is gaining traction. However, the hesitance highlights an underlying recognition of the limitations and potential dangers of integrating AI into the pulpit.
The biblical mandate for pastors is clear: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them— not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:2-3.
This tells us that they are to be shepherds of their flocks, intimately connected to their congregations and God. The essence of ministry lies in personal labor, as emphasized in 2 Timothy 2:15, which urges ministers to handle the Word of Truth with care and integrity. AI may offer data-driven insights, but it lacks the lived experiences, genuine pastoral care, and relationship with God that shape the very role. The effort and guidance from God a pastor puts into sermon preparation cannot be replaced by algorithms; it is fundamentally an act of service requiring authenticity, human connection, and spiritual life.
As we deal with the implications of AI tools in ministry, we must confront the ethical concerns they raise. According to the internet, nearly a third of pastors cite “theological misalignment” as their top worry regarding AI, while many express fears that these technologies could weaken the bond between pastor and congregation. The risk of deception is also a concern, as AI systems are known to produce false information- a fact that could lead to teaching errors and misinterpretations of scripture. Though, it is worth pondering, why would a pastor that knows God’s Word and has a relationship with Him, use AI to write a sermon?
The argument that AI can serve as a complementary tool for pastors fails to recognize the irreducible essence of ministry. While AI can assist in administrative tasks, the act of preaching requires a depth of conviction and authenticity that only human beings possess. As Galatians 1:10 reminds us, our primary calling is to serve God, not merely to please people with polished performances. The urgency of our mission demands an unapologetic commitment to integrity and transparency in all aspects of ministry.
In these evolving times, we must uphold the principles laid out in scripture. The pastoral calling requires not just knowledge but wisdom, the ability to connect with people on a spiritual level, and to have a relationship with God. Why do I keep repeating this? Because it is paramount. We need shepherds who are present and engaged, capable of conveying the Bible in the way God intended. The idea of delegating this sacred task to a machine undermines the calling of being a pastor itself.
Let’s remember that the foundation of authentic ministry rests on a relationship with the Trinity, human connection, heartfelt service, and a commitment to the truth. The use of AI in the church may seem efficient and innovative, but we must resist the temptation to replace genuine pastoral care with an artificial substitute. The world needs real shepherds who can lead with empathy and insight, not just digital avatars programmed to respond or pastors relying on AI without a solid grasp of scripture. If we actually care about Him and His Word, we need to stay committed to preserving the church’s integrity and the authenticity of our faith.
'In regard to this Great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong.” - Abraham Lincoln