Pastors and AI

Should pastors ever use AI?

It seems like every week I come across an article, a post, or have an in person discussion on whether or not pastors should ever use AI. I do think there is a place for the use of AI by pastors. I do not think it is inherently demonic. However, I have a lot of reservations about the use of AI. One of the best pieces I have read that gives expression to some of my concerns is Alastiar Robert’s Slop. (You should read that before continuing, if you don’t make it back, it’s OK. His essay is better than this.)

I reserve the right to change my mind on any of these things, but I will list what I think are some of the most helpful uses of AI for pastors.

1. Images: As you can tell from the image, I don’t have a problem with using AI for making some (key word here) images. We use them for some banners on our website that are only up for a few days. I use it for articles like this where I don’t have the time or talent to create something - and I really hate using Canva. Admittedly, this is probably one use that I could be convinced of that I should stop using. I would not do this for something that we print and give to everyone - like our bulletins. For those we paid for the artwork we use on the covers.
   

2. Data analysis: I use AI to compare attendance and giving trends. I can upload the data quickly and get a break down of the numbers and what they could possibly mean in seconds. This is not something I would ever spend much of my own time doing. But it has been very useful. AI is great at analyzing data, so why not let it analyze it for you. I think most pastors have far better things they can spend their time on than analyzing data.
   

3. Administrative Tasks: I use a program/app called Notion. It is really fantastic and has been a huge blessing to me and my ministry. The AI bot has built a variety of useful things for me - a prayer request tracker, ministry project tracker (for long term projects), a follow-up data base, etc. I was also able to have people fill out a form for the best times they could meet with me (as I try to meet with as many people from the congregation as possible), and then the AI bot took the data and showed me what days and times people were available. In other words, it has helped me be better organized and stay on top of important things. I have a large congregation, and this has been invaluable.
   

4. Research Assitant: I think this is a great use of AI, but one you need to be careful with. For example you can give it a prompt like this, “I need an analysis of 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - including the Greek and English, words, grammar, syntax, etc. - also all the connections to the LXX, MT, and other NT passages.” Within in seconds you will get an impressive study on the passage. It’s often better than what you will find in many commentarires. I wouldn’t start with this since you need to be able to evaluate anything it gives you, but it can be quite helpful - especially as it makes connections to other passages of Scripture. One big danger of this use is that it will ask you if you want it to create a sermon or something from what it found - that I think would be a terrible use of AI. Logos now has an AI feature that summarizes commentaries and answer questions - and it will show you where the answers are from.
   
   Related to this use, you can put your sermon outline (I only use an outline) into it and ask it to evaluate your flow of thought, logic, etc. This can give you some helpful critiques. Again, there is the danger of letting it do more than just critique what you have. And, of course, you don’t have to listen to the critique, but you may find it helpful.