What do a few in ministry think about using AI?

Danger

Another golden calf for the digital age—demonic at its core, soulless in its counsel, godless in its design. It promises power, insight, and ease, but delivers distortion, distraction, and spiritual decay.

OPPORTUNITY

Wow—remind us not to invite you to the next tech team meeting! The TRUTH is AI is a TOOL. Not a SAVIOR. It reflects the HEART of the person using it.

It was built by MAN, and MAN was created by GOD. That doesn’t make it divine—but it does mean it’s not automatically demonic.

ALGORITHMS already shape your Bible app, your worship playlist, your GPS, and your YouTube sermons reach. If the Church could use the printing press to spread truth in the 1500s, we can use AI to do the same today.

Let’s not fear any TOOL. Let’s fear staying SILENT while the world listens to everything else. We’ll expose the dangers of misused AI, teach how to spot the fakes, and use the best tools available to fight deception with truth.

The Lie?

The Truth?

Thoughts from Todd Thornton

AI is neither savior nor serpent.
It can be a servant of Scripture or a seducer of souls.
It can bring the Bible to life or blur its boundaries.
It can deepen doctrine or distort devotion.
It can be a megaphone for the gospel or a mask for lies.
It can serve saints or elevate the satanic.
It WILL become as holy—or as hollow—as the heart behind it!

(1) EXAMPLE OF EVIL AI THAT SHOULD SCARE US ALL

Avoid this ONE TYPE Of AI at All Costs

Relationship AI is the most dangerous forms of artificial intelligence and it’s gaining traction fast, particularly among young people.

These AI tools are designed to simulate emotional connection, offering companionship, intimacy, or even romance without the messiness of real human relationship. Children are especially vulnerable because their emotional development is still in progress, making them more easily influenced and less equipped to discern what’s real from what’s artificial.

Whether you’re a pastor, parent, or grandparent—this is a line worth drawing. Do not let AI take the place of real human connection. The cost is too high, and the outcome is rarely good.

Danger, But We Can Use AI to Detect AI

With real time searches, we can detect problematic AI’s that warrant additional scrutiny. These include Character.AI, Replika, Nomi, Candy AI, Kindroid, and Romantic AI. New services are popping up daily so even a super simple prompt can help you stay on top of things.

Note: You must use very specific prompts if you want the best results.

Prompt to Copy and Include in an AI Search
Over the past 30 days, what are the most popular “Relationship AI” apps or services gaining traction among teens? Include even if the AI has a usage rule of 13+ or 18+ as many have weak authentication.

Need a detailed course on all the dangers of Relationship AI?
Let us know and we’ll create and provide it free of charge. It’s that important.

Yet, Every Other Type of AI CAN BE HARNESSED FOR GOOD

You Will Never Ever Change My Mind About AI in Ministry

That’s completely understandable, and we respect your conviction. Ministry decisions should never be taken lightly, and your concerns likely come from a place of protecting what’s sacred.

Below, we’ll simply share some real examples of how other ministries are using AI to serve their communities better—not to change your mind right now, but to show what’s happening in the field on the off chance you decide to revisit the issue later on.

A partial list of AI features currently used in Ministry

This barely scratches the surface—we haven’t even explored Children’s or Music Ministry applications, so more examples are definitely on the way.

AI

Pastors

  • Explaining complex theological topics in simpler terms
  • Conducting research on historical context, theological insights, and scriptural connections
  • Finding relevant Bible verses, illustrations, and metaphors
  • Transcribing sermons into text for accessibility or further use.
  • Transforming sermon content into blog posts, articles, devotionals, and small group study materials
  • Creating social media snippets and video clips from sermons
  • Generating images for sermon presentations or promotional materials
  • Assisting with word studies by exploring ancient Greek or Hebrew terms
  • Organizing thoughts and structuring long-form content.
  • Developing ministry-related plans and schedules
AI

Church Staff

  • Automating repetitive tasks like scheduling, data entry, and generating reminders
  • Managing member databases and tracking engagement
  • Organizing volunteer efforts and communication
  • Compiling policies, handbooks, meeting agendas, and official communications
  • Creating custom forms, surveys, and signage
  • Developing and personalizing communication with congregants
  • Managing social media accounts and creating engaging content
  • Answering frequently asked questions via chatbots on church websites.
  • Directing visitors and new members to relevant information and groups.
  • Analyzing congregational trends, attendance patterns, and giving data to inform decision-making
  • Transcribing meetings or other audio content.
AI

Youth Ministers

  • Brainstorming and outlining lesson plans, sermon series, and small group materials
  • Explaining complex theological concepts with relatable analogies and age-appropriate examples
  • Adapting Bible passages for different age groups within the youth ministry
  • Generating discussion questions to improve engagement
  • Drafting emails or texts to parents, social media posts, and event announcements
  • Creating volunteer onboarding materials and schedules.
  • Planning event logistics and generating supply lists.
  • Creating interactive content like quizzes, polls, and icebreakers.
  • Developing personalized growth plans or devotional guides for students
  • Creating scripts or storyboards for short videos or animations
  • Repurposing existing content (sermons, studies) into various formats for wider reach

“The future is as bright as the promises of God”