Your Church Is About to Be Disrupted By AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, and its potential impact is far-reaching, even into areas like ministry. AI’s influence promises to be bigger than the industrial revolution. It’s not just about generating quirky images; it’s poised to reshape society.

In case you are wondering why I haven’t written about it, I’ve been learning myself and wanted to give you an educated introduction rather than just repeating what online echo chambers talk about. I’ll be including it much more in the future.

Understanding the AI Landscape

Web evolution: To look forward we first have to look back. The internet has evolved from read-only Web 1.0 brochure style website to interactive social media and e-commerce (Web 2.0) to an immersive, interactive experience. We are now in Web 3.0 and that includes AI.

Different types of AI

Generative AI The AI you’ve likely encountered is generative AI, which creates content like images, video, music, and text.

Agentic AI AI that can perform tasks for you, such as booking flights and do other repetitive tasks. We are in the first few months of this.

Theory of Mind AI: An advanced form of AI that’s still under development, aiming to understand human emotions, beliefs, and social behaviors. This AI could eventually recognize and respond to human feelings and intentions in sophisticated ways.

Self Aware AI A theoretical and futuristic form of AI that possesses self-awareness, consciousness, and an understanding of its existence. Currently, it exists only in science fiction and philosophical discussions, not in practice.

Different Levels of AI

Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) Current AI is limited to specific tasks. This is currently what we are seeing right now.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) The next step is AI that exceeds human intelligence across a range of tasks but is not yet conscious.

Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) AI with consciousness and independent thought.

We are currently in between the ANI and AGI stages of AI development. AI was at the level of a PhD student last November, but now it has already mastered specialities. The advancements are happening faster than anyone predicted.

Practical AI Applications for Churches

AI isn’t just a ‘do it for you’ tool, it’s a ‘do it with you’ tool.

Sermon Preparation Instead of asking AI to write a sermon, use it to refine your content or adjust the length of your message.

Content Repurposing AI can repurpose sermon content into devotionals or reading plans, saving time and increasing efficiency.

AI Bible Tools Tools like Bible AI can provide devotionals or theological insights from the perspective of theologians like C.S. Lewis

Website Chatbots AI chatbots on church websites can answer theological questions, drawing from your sermons and beliefs.

Several products are available to help ministries with sermon preparation and content repurposing. These tools can extract key points, create quotable quotes, and generate discussion guides and devotionals.

Examples:

Read my post about Sermon Shots, Pulpit.AI, Church.tech, and Pastors.AI

Logos: it has an AI built in. I like their ethical approach on how they have integrated it, rather than replacing you, it assists you in your sermon preparation.

Magai: A great tool It gives access to all the AI tools to test and try out. All for one very price that you would usually pay for one AI tool.

The Future is Here – Why It Matters

AI is already integrated into many tools you use daily. The capabilities of AI are expanding rapidly. For example, text-to-video technology can create 4K videos from a prompt. It is predicted this technology will replace cinema as we know it.

In the same way the internet changed many aspects of ministry, AI will have a much more deeper and wider impact, for better and worse than we think.

Ethical Considerations

AI presents an ethical challenge. Some countries may prioritize advancement without ethical considerations. Bias is inherent in AI. AI’s biases need to be recognized.

Societal Impact and Pastoral Implications

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates AI will affect almost 40% of jobs worldwide. It will directly impact 60% of jobs in the first world. This could lead to job displacement and the need for pastoral care for those affected. There are concerns that AI could replace human connection and community, leading to loneliness and isolation.

Navigating the AI Revolution

1. Acknowledge the reality: AI is here and will continue to evolve.
2. Address one small problem: Identify a specific problem in your ministry and explore how AI can help.
3. Master a tool: Rather than getting overwhelmed by the multitude of AI tools, focus on mastering one that meets your needs.
4. Stay informed: Keep abreast of the latest developments in AI and their potential impact on ministry and society.
5. Consider ethical implications: Evaluate the ethical considerations of using AI in your ministry.
6. Remember the human element: AI should augment, not replace, human interaction and the work of the Holy Spirit.
7. Prepare for societal changes: Consider the pastoral implications of job displacement and other societal changes brought about by AI.

AI offers incredible potential for ministry, but it also presents challenges. By understanding AI and its implications, churches can harness its power for good while remaining grounded in faith and values.