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AI in the Church: Tools, Temptation, and Truth

 


A Declaration to the Church in an Age of Misplaced Trust

Artificial intelligence is not a threat to the Church—
until it is used as one.

It is not a voice from heaven, nor is it a voice from hell. It is a tool—no different in essence than a hammer, a concordance, or a spreadsheet.

But when a tool is mistaken for a transformer, or worse a truth-creator, it becomes treachery to the Church by the ones who use it.

The fear is not that AI will think for us. The real danger is that we will stop thinking at all, and allow clarity, conviction, or even theology to be outsourced to something that cannot believe, cannot repent, and cannot follow God.

We can use AI to organize, clarify, and challenge our reasoning—but never to replace the Spirit, the Scriptures, or the community of believers.

When AI is used to assist, it serves.
When it is used to replace, it deceives.

Consider this: if a pastor uses AI to generate a sermon without conviction, discernment or a burden from the Spirit, the congregation may be hearing truth—but not receiving it from God. A mirror can reflect scripture. A mouth can say it.  But God can only speak through those being lead by Him, not AI.

Or imagine a theology student using AI to construct a doctrinal position without wrestling through scripture, historical tradition, and real communion with the Spirit. What’s formed is not theology. It’s theology-flavored data—without the pressure, precision, or presence required for faith.

Even worse, the church itself may begin to lean on AI not just for efficiency, but for direction. And if that direction begins to shape what is taught, how it is presented, or what is left unsaid—not because the Spirit is guiding, but because the algorithm is optimizing—we are no longer being led by God.

The real treachery is not in the tool.  It is in the transfer of trust
by those no longer following Jesus....

That’s why this conversation must happen now, not later.  Not as a reaction to fear, but as a response to opportunity—to disciple our use of AI before it begins discipling us.

Call to Action

This is not a warning out of suspicion.
It is an invitation for clarity—to those who see the horizon forming.

If you are a pastor, teacher, theologian, technologist, or believer with a burden to see this handled rightly, I invite you to join me in dialogue, study, and authorship.

Let’s not merely write about how AI is used. Let’s explore what it means, where it fits, and how the Church can model humble clarity in an age of confusion and seduction.  Let's faithfully use the tools God provides according to His will, instead of putting our faith in tools to tell us who God and what He is telling us to do.

We don’t need fear. We need fearless discernment. And that begins with one sentence:

AI is a tool, not a transformer--and never a substitute for the Spirit of God.

Let’s reason and write this together.


Here is a list of books already in print regarding this subject: 

"AI and the Church: A Clear Guide for the Curious and Courageous" by Jason Moore: This book explores how AI can streamline administrative tasks, assist in crafting sermons, and create immersive worship experiences, while also addressing ethical concerns and biblical principles guiding the Church's approach to AI. ​Available through Amazon

"AI Goes to Church" published by InterVarsity Press: This publication challenges the Church to approach AI with faith, wisdom, and responsibility, offering insights for leaders seeking to navigate AI's role in ministry. ​Available through IVPress

"The Age of AI" by Jason Thacker: This book provides a foundation for reflecting on life in a world intertwined with AI, offering practical tools for navigating these changes from a faith-based perspective. ​Jason Thacker


The artwork comes from a related article published by fishhook.us. 

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