No. But we should be paying attention.
Technology isn’t the enemy. And AI doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, when used wisely, it can be one of the most powerful tools for ministry in this generation. AI isn’t here to replace pastors—it’s here to equip them.
If you’re willing to embrace it with discernment, AI can help you reach more people, communicate more clearly, and lead more effectively.
Here are five ways AI can elevate your ministry.
1. Enhance Outreach and Engagement
AI is changing the way we connect with people—and churches shouldn’t be the last to catch on. With the right tools, you can launch targeted social media campaigns that reach your city in specific, strategic ways. You can customize content for different demographics, follow up automatically with guests, and respond to questions instantly through website chatbots. That’s not gimmicky—it’s intentional.
Imagine someone visiting your church website at 11:30 p.m. because they’re going through something. A chatbot helps them find your counseling page, submit a prayer request, and plan a visit—all before anyone on staff even wakes up. That’s ministry happening while you sleep.
AI isn’t about doing less ministry. It’s about doing more of the ministry that matters.
2. Streamline Administrative Tasks
Let’s be real—administration isn’t why you got into ministry. But it’s a part of leading well. And when it takes too much of your time, it pulls you away from people.
AI-powered systems can help manage your church database, track engagement trends, and even alert you when someone hasn’t shown up in a while. These tools help you lead proactively—not just reactively. When the admin side of ministry is dialed in, your team is freed up to do what they’re best at—connecting with people.
The more you automate the routine, the more you can focus on the relational.
3. Improve Sermon Preparation and Teaching
AI shouldn’t write your sermon for you. But it can help you sharpen it.
When I was reading through Revelation 7 recently, I was struck by the image of the tribes of Israel standing before the throne, waving palm branches. It reminded me of the crowd welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem. I wanted to understand the cultural significance of palm branches—so I asked AI.
In seconds, I got helpful historical context that brought the passage to life. That one insight added depth to my teaching and saved me hours of research.
AI won’t give you your message. But it can help you understand the Bible better, faster—and that’s a win for every communicator.
4. Enhance Worship Experiences
When I was growing up, my dad was a lead pastor, worship leader, and pretty much everything else. I remember watching him sit in our living room with his guitar and binder, piecing together Sunday’s worship set, listening for the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Some of you are doing the same thing right now. You’re preaching, leading worship, managing volunteers, and running point on everything in between. What if AI could help take some of that pressure off?
Imagine telling AI what your sermon is about and getting a list of 10 songs that align with your message. You could build a worship experience that reinforces your teaching—and you didn’t spend three hours flipping through old set lists to do it.
This isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about multiplying impact.
5. Foster Deeper Connections Through Personalization
This is where AI gets really personal—in a good way. Imagine being able to identify someone who hasn’t attended in a few weeks and automatically sending them a personalized email or note. Not just a “We missed you” message, but something that speaks to who they are and where they are spiritually.
AI can help you recognize patterns in your community and recommend small groups, Bible studies, or serving opportunities based on someone’s needs or interests. It’s not about turning people into data—it’s about using data to better serve people.
When used well, AI won’t distance you from your congregation. It’ll help you care for them more intentionally than ever before.
God has given us incredible tools in this digital age. And just like the printing press once revolutionized the spread of the Gospel, AI holds the potential to do something powerful in this generation. So should the church be afraid of AI? No.
Let’s be wise. Let’s be prayerful. But let’s not fall behind.
Because if we’re willing to embrace what’s possible, we’ll reach more people, build stronger communities, and lead with even greater effectiveness than ever before.