By Prof. Oyewole Sarumi
In recent years, the term Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been bandied about with increasing frequency, and understandably so.
The global landscape is rapidly changing, with AI playing an increasingly central role in transforming industries, economies, and daily life. Yet, in many places, including within the church, there remains a deep-seated fear and skepticism surrounding this revolutionary technology.
As I sit to write this article, I am struck by the irony of a church that has often been at the forefront of embracing transformative technologies in the past, yet is now hesitant to fully accept the potential of AI. History offers us lessons—such as the early Christian fathers of the 1500s who embraced the printing press, an invention that revolutionized how knowledge was disseminated and the Gospel spread far and wide.
Yet today, there are still church leaders, particularly in Africa, who label AI as a tool of the devil, citing a variety of reasons that often do not hold up when scrutinized against the backdrop of history, innovation, and the real-time advancements of the modern world.
In this article, we will explore why it is crucial for the Church to understand and embrace AI, not as a threat, but as a tool of potential for good. The question is not whether AI will impact the church, but rather how we, as believers and leaders in the Church, can harness its power for the advancement of the Gospel and the flourishing of humanity.
AI and the Church: A New Opportunity to Embrace
In an age when technology influences nearly every facet of our existence, from how we work to how we interact with the world, it is important for church leaders to step forward with an open mind. If we are to remain relevant in the lives of our congregants, we must not ignore the tools at our disposal. While AI may seem like an overwhelming and unfamiliar force, it is, in fact, an opportunity—an opportunity for churches to connect with people in new ways, share the Gospel more effectively, and address pressing social needs.
The Relevance of AI in Today’s World
AI is already embedded in many aspects of life. From voice assistants like Siri or Alexa to personalized recommendations on platforms such as Netflix or Amazon, AI’s presence is far-reaching. However, many are still unaware of its broader applications and potential. While AI is often associated with automation, robotics, and futuristic technologies, it is also about enhancing productivity, making smarter decisions, and driving efficiency. This is where AI can significantly impact the church.
Just as computers revolutionized administrative tasks in the 1990s, AI holds the promise of transforming how the Church manages outreach, engages with congregants, and delivers sermons. AI, in its various forms, can enhance discipleship, foster global competitiveness, and create new opportunities for the Church’s mission in the 21st century.
The Basics of AI: Understanding the Terminology and Potential
Before diving deeper into how AI can be integrated into church ministry, it’s important to understand what AI is and how it works.
- What is Artificial Intelligence?
AI refers to the capability of machines or software to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This can include activities such as understanding speech, recognizing images, solving problems, and making decisions. It is a broad field that encompasses a variety of technologies, including:
- Machine Learning (ML): A branch of AI where machines learn from data.
- Deep Learning (DL): A powerful form of ML that uses layered neural networks for tasks such as facial recognition and voice assistants. AI works by collecting and processing vast amounts of data, then using algorithms to detect patterns and make predictions or decisions. Over time, the more data the system receives, the better it becomes at performing its designated tasks.
- Types of AI
- Narrow AI (Weak AI): This type of AI performs specific tasks very well, such as voice assistants (Siri, Alexa), recommendation systems, and spam filters. These systems are in widespread use today.
- General AI (Strong AI/AGI): AI systems that can perform any intellectual task that a human can. This type of AI is still in the realm of research.
- Generative AI: A new and exciting form of AI that creates content, such as text, images, and music. This includes tools like ChatGPT (which generates text) and DeepSeek (which creates written content). While powerful, it remains a subset of narrow AI.
- Superintelligent AI: A hypothetical form of AI that surpasses human intelligence in all aspects. This remains speculative and is unlikely to become a reality in the near future.
AI in the Church: Transforming Ministry and Engagement
The potential for AI in the Church goes far beyond administrative tasks. It is a tool that can elevate how we serve and minister to others. In many ways, AI can help the Church to:
- Enhance Sermons and Teaching
Generative AI can assist in sermon preparation by suggesting relevant Scriptures, creating outlines, or even generating thought-provoking illustrations to enhance the message. It can also help leaders craft devotionals, blogs, or other teaching materials. - Improve Pastoral Care
AI tools can enable pastors to better understand the needs of their congregants by analyzing data from communication platforms or church management systems. This data can highlight patterns and areas of concern that the pastor might address in counseling sessions. - Streamline Administrative Processes
From managing church schedules to organizing outreach events, AI can help automate many routine tasks. This reduces the administrative burden on staff and allows leaders to focus more on spiritual matters. - Reach a Broader Audience
With the use of AI-driven platforms, churches can extend their reach beyond their physical congregation. AI can help to personalize outreach efforts and target specific audiences with relevant content, making it easier for churches to engage people in different cultural and geographic contexts.
Ethical Considerations: Navigating the Use of AI in Ministry
While AI has tremendous potential, it also raises significant ethical questions, particularly for the Church. As stewards of moral and spiritual well-being, it is crucial for church leaders to be mindful of the potential risks and challenges associated with AI. These include:
- Bias and Fairness
AI systems can inherit biases from the data they are trained on. If not carefully managed, this can lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes. Church leaders must ensure that AI tools used in ministry are ethical and impartial. - Privacy Concerns
The Church collects sensitive data, from personal information of congregants to donations and prayer requests. AI tools can help analyze this data, but they must be used with caution to avoid breaches of privacy. - Misinformation and Manipulation
Deepfakes and AI-generated content have the potential to spread misinformation. Church leaders must be cautious about using AI in a way that could lead to the dissemination of false or misleading content.
The Path Forward: Becoming an AI-Ready Church
For the Church to truly embrace AI, a strategic approach is needed. Here are some steps that can help:
- Invest in AI Education
Pastors, church leaders, and members of the congregation need to understand the basics of AI. This can be achieved through online courses, workshops, and discussions to ensure that everyone is on the same page. - Collaborate with Technological Experts
The Church should seek partnerships with AI experts, tech companies, and academic institutions to ensure that AI tools are used responsibly and effectively. - Promote Ethical AI Use
It is vital to develop a clear set of ethical guidelines around the use of AI in ministry. This includes ensuring that AI is used in a way that aligns with Christian values, especially in the areas of transparency, fairness, and privacy.
Conclusion: AI and the Church’s Role in Shaping the Future
AI is not a passing trend. It is here to stay, and it is rapidly becoming an integral part of our world. The Church must not shy away from this technology but instead find ways to use it for the greater good. As Christians, we are called to be wise stewards of the resources and tools available to us. AI, when used responsibly and ethically, can be a powerful ally in spreading the Gospel, enhancing discipleship, and serving the community.
As we move forward, it is crucial that the Church remains proactive, embracing AI not just as a tool, but as an opportunity to reach the lost, uplift the marginalized, and bring about positive change in society. Let us approach this technological revolution with faith, discernment, and a commitment to ethical use—so that we may be AI-ready for the future that lies ahead.
