Churches Turn to AI for Outreach Amid Declining Attendance
Churches adopt AI for outreach amid declining attendance, raising ethical and theological questions about technology's role in faith.
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Churches Embrace AI to Fill Empty Pews, Sparking Debate on Faith and Technology
As church attendance continues to decline in many parts of the world, religious leaders are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to save time, reach new audiences, and even deliver spiritual guidance. From AI-powered chatbots that answer questions about service times to virtual sermons and digital avatars of Bible characters, churches are experimenting with technology in unprecedented ways. But as AI becomes more embedded in ministry, ethical and theological questions are emerging about the role of technology in spiritual life.
The Rise of AI in Ministry
Churches are increasingly adopting AI tools to streamline administrative tasks and enhance outreach. Many congregations now use AI chatbots on their websites to provide instant answers to common questions about service schedules, directions, and ministry opportunities. For small churches or pastors with limited staff, these tools free up valuable time, allowing leaders to focus on pastoral care rather than paperwork.
Some churches have gone further, using AI to assist with sermon preparation. Pastors can quickly research cultural contexts, historical interpretations, and sermon ideas, tasks that once required hours of reading and study. In Finland, one church made headlines by hosting an entire Sunday service created by AI, including the sermon, music, visuals, and even on-screen avatars of Bible characters. While attendance increased, attendees reported that the experience lacked warmth and human connection, highlighting the limitations of AI in replicating the relational aspects of faith.
Ethical and Theological Concerns
The use of AI in ministry is not without controversy. Many religious leaders caution against relying too heavily on technology, emphasizing that AI cannot replace the personal, Spirit-led conviction that comes from spending time with God and connecting with people. A fully AI-generated sermon may be factually accurate, but pastors report that such sermons often feel hollow and lack the empathy necessary to relate to congregants.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued guidelines for the use of AI, emphasizing that technology should serve as a tool to support, not replace, spiritual stewardship. The Church will not use AI to create images of Jesus Christ or to prepare conference talks, underscoring the importance of human agency and personal revelation in religious practice.
The Role of AI in Outreach and Education
AI is also being used to enhance outreach and education. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints employs AI to speed up family history work by reading old records and connecting families. Church historians use AI to transcribe handwritten journals, catalog photos, and make Church history more accessible. AI tools can also help prepare meeting agendas, organize notes, and follow up on assignments, saving time for administrative tasks and allowing leaders to focus on personal service.
However, there are concerns about the potential for AI to amputate God-given capabilities. Some Christian thinkers warn that over-reliance on AI chatbots for writing, research, and advice can lead to a dependency that diminishes human creativity and critical thinking. The challenge is to use AI as a force for good while preserving the unique qualities of human interaction and spiritual discernment.
The Future of AI in Ministry
As AI continues to advance, its role in ministry is likely to expand. Pluralistic community AI evaluations are being developed to ensure that AI systems are accurate, respectful, and morally based, reflecting the diverse beliefs of faith communities. Leaders from various religious traditions are collaborating with academic institutions and technology companies to establish protocols and benchmarks for ethical AI use.
The integration of AI in ministry offers both opportunities and challenges. While AI can help churches reach more people and operate more efficiently, it also raises important questions about the nature of faith, community, and human connection. As churches navigate this new landscape, the key will be to use AI wisely, ensuring that technology serves the spiritual mission rather than replacing it.
