Ministry is based on human relationships. That is something that Artificial Intelligence cannot replace. It can, however, be an effective tool for managing those human relationships. But it takes balance between using the AI to manage and actual human contact to relate. Like all technology, AI can be used for good or bad.

The challenge for Technical Ministry is how to use AI tools in a balance approach. AI can never replace personal Bible study, prayer and conversation with other people in the Church. If we ever find ourselves in a place where we can’t worship, we can’t function without the technology, then we have become too dependent. What happens if the power goes off right before the worship service begins? (I have seen that event happen.) Do you cancel worship? People are already on their way to the Church. No, you still hold the worship service. You can sing familiar songs acapella. You can pray together using the Lord’s Prayer. The preacher can still preach, but maybe they do it in the aisle instead of the pulpit so people can hear them better. In other words, you adapt to the loss of the technology and still hold the worship service. It works, and people will perhaps remember the sermon more because it was an atypical service.

The Church should use AI technology, but must never become overreliant upon it. Our calling is to use the technology with humility, grace, love and a commitment to build the Kingdom of God! We do that with or without the technology. It all comes down to one human being sharing with another human being the story of the Gospel. AI can multiply our efforts at that point, but it must never replace our commitment.