As pastors and ministers, we’ve all had those moments where we are put on the spot suddenly. We may be asked to pray, MC, or give our perspective on a scripture. We may even be asked to deliver a sermon. What happens when you are asked and unprepared? Is it okay to utilize AI to fill the gap? Let’s talk about it.
AI is a predictive technology that allows users to generate content on demand. The content is generated by choosing the most likely next phrase, character, or punctuation that the user would approve of. It is not producing the most God-led or Spirit-filled prayer or sermon, but it may give you exactly what you are looking to hear.
I asked my ChatGPT:
Write me a short Christian prayer for children in a Southern Baptist style.
ChatGPT said:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for this beautiful day and for loving us so much.
Help us to listen, learn, and show kindness to everyone we meet.
When we get things wrong, please forgive us and help us do better next time.
Fill our hearts with Your joy, our minds with Your truth,
and our lives with Your light.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Then I made this request:
Write me a short Christian prayer in the style of a contemporary evangelical church.
ChatGPT said:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being here with us right now.
We invite Your Spirit to move in our hearts and remind us that You are good, faithful, and in control.
Help us to walk in love, speak with grace, and shine Your light wherever we go.
We trust You with today and everything ahead.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Two prayers. Two styles. No Spirit.
Spirit is something that can only be added by a human. The heart speaking may be expressed through the addition of personal conviction in words or actions. While AI is an effective tool, it is not a suitable replacement for being led by the Spirit of God, and frankly, it never will be.
One may argue that this is why someone might use AI, to provide a guide, a prayer framework, so to speak. But isn’t that already included in the Good Book in Matthew 6:9–13? What do we lose when we start to look outside of God’s Word for answers on how to minister to His people?
Another pitfall to be wary of is the fact that AI operates on an algorithm, feeding the user information it would find most pleasing. The goal of generative AI is not to produce truth or even to respond honestly, but to respond in a way that the user would find most acceptable. This is something we were most definitely warned about.
2 Timothy 4:3–4 tells us, “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” (NLT)
This begs the question: Is there a responsible way to utilize AI in ministry?
Yes. There are key components to utilizing AI in environments where people are influenced and deeply impacted by AI usage. Transparency, fairness, consent, and governance are all as valuable in the church as they are outside the church. The key is not to be so cautious that you miss the benefits, or so quick to adopt that you inherit risks.
I teach churches and ministry teams how and where to draw the line on AI involvement. There are processes to streamline and research, and it starts with understanding both how AI works and how God moves. Just like I tell my corporate clients, you start with values and end with process.
Are we in the time of chasing myths? Is this the kind of customizable gospel we were warned about? What are your thoughts?
For more information on establishing a customized AI plan for your church, contact me.
LeeAnah James 