Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping nearly every aspect of modern life, from healthcare and education to finance and communication. Now, it is increasingly finding its way into churches, raising new questions about how technology should—and should not—be used in Christian ministry.
Recognizing the growing influence of AI, leaders associated with Southern Baptist life recently released “The Brentwood Statement on AI and Christian Ministry,” a document intended to help pastors and churches think biblically about artificial intelligence. Developed with input from pastors, theologians, ethicists, and ministry leaders, the statement emphasizes that AI can be a useful tool but must never replace the God-given responsibilities of pastors, teachers, and local churches.
The statement follows research showing that many churchgoers are both curious and cautious about AI’s expanding role in ministry. Some churches already use AI-assisted tools to summarize meetings, organize administrative tasks, translate content into multiple languages, and assist with research.
Mission organizations are also exploring AI-powered translation to help make biblical resources available to people groups that have historically had limited access to Christian teaching.
Supporters argue these technologies can save valuable time and help churches devote more energy to discipleship, evangelism, and pastoral care.
Others, however, express concern that AI could gradually replace the deeply personal aspects of ministry that Scripture reserves for qualified, spiritually mature leaders.
Those concerns deserve careful consideration.
The New Testament consistently presents pastoral ministry as deeply relational.
A shepherd knows his flock.
He prays with them.
He weeps with them.
He rejoices with them.
He counsels them through suffering.
He models Christlike character before them.
No computer can faithfully carry out those responsibilities.
Artificial intelligence can generate words.
It cannot exercise biblical wisdom.
It can summarize information.
It cannot shepherd souls.
It can imitate conversation.
It cannot love people.
The Bible teaches that pastors are called by God, meet biblical qualifications, and are accountable for the souls entrusted to their care.
Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, overseeing not under compulsion, but willingly, according to God; and not for dishonest gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (1 Peter 5:1-4)
The Apostle Paul exhorted pastors to be diligent in teaching the Word.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
That distinction matters.
Christianity has never been built primarily upon information.
It is built upon truth lived out through faithful relationships.
Throughout history, the Church has adopted many new technologies.
The printing press dramatically expanded access to the Bible.
Radio carried sermons into homes.
Television extended the reach of evangelists.
The internet made biblical teaching available around the world.
Artificial intelligence may become another useful tool in that progression.
But it must remain a tool.
It should never become a substitute for prayer, biblical study, Spirit-led wisdom, or the personal relationships that define faithful ministry.
Churches should also exercise discernment regarding accuracy.
AI systems are capable of producing convincing—but incorrect—information.
Pastors who use AI for research, outlines, or administrative support should carefully verify everything against Scripture and reliable sources.
Technology should always remain under the authority of God’s Word, never the other way around.
As Christians, we need not fear every technological advance.
Neither should we embrace every innovation without thoughtful evaluation.
Wisdom requires both gratitude and discernment.
Artificial intelligence may help pastors organize their schedules or translate biblical resources.
It may assist missionaries in reaching unreached people groups more efficiently.
Those are meaningful opportunities.
Yet the mission Christ gave His Church has not changed.
People are not ultimately transformed by algorithms.
They are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit working through the faithful proclamation of God’s Word.
As technology continues to evolve, Christians should ask not only, “Can AI do this?”
But also, “Has God called His Church to do it this way?”
That question will help ensure that innovation never replaces faithfulness.
In every generation, the Church must embrace useful tools while remaining anchored to timeless truth.
Technology may assist ministry.
Only Christ builds His Church.