Faithful Innovation: Harnessing AI for the Future of Christian Ministry

A Series from LeaderWorks Part Two

Dear Friends and Readers of The Anglican,

As I mentioned last time, I have been exploring the fascinating field of Artificial Intelligence over the past few years. My son-in-law, who has a knack for this, has been helping me understand the revolutionary impact of these capabilities. Additionally, I have met a few friends who are developing aspects of the technology. Of course, I have also been exploring ways to use AI in my role as a coach, church consultant, and writer for LeaderWorks and The Anglican Newsletter.

Given all this, I am eager to develop as much of this series as I can to get it into the hands of my colleagues. If you signed up to read The Anglican, please know that I will be publishing this series faster than I had initially planned.

Grace and peace,

David Roseberry

PS: I will put several of these posts behind a paywall, so those interested can have exclusive access to the content. With that in mind, I will ask for readers to subscribe.

Introduction: What Is AI?

How can we, as pastors and ministry leaders, faithfully serve God in an age shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI)? This question is more than theoretical—it is pressing, complex, and deeply personal. AI is no longer just a concept of the future; it has become a constant presence in our lives. From the predictive text in our emails to the book recommendations on our screens, AI shapes how we live, work, and connect.

As shepherds of our congregations, we must grapple with the ethical implications and spiritual challenges that AI presents.

• How do we maintain authentic human connections in a world increasingly mediated by algorithms?

• What does it mean to be created in God's image when machines can mimic human creativity and decision-making?

These questions and others demand our attention and thoughtful engagement, as we seek to guide our flocks through the digital wilderness without losing sight of our eternal purpose.

But other questions arise too. These questions are as intriguing as they are exciting.

• How can we harness this technology to advance the Kingdom of God?

• How do we address the ethical challenges it brings?

• What does it mean for our ministry to engage with tools that feel as vast as the human mind itself?

This article is part of a series exploring AI’s transformative potential for ministry. Together, we will reflect on its practical applications, ethical considerations, and long-term implications.

But for now, let’s pause and consider a crucial misunderstanding about AI, which opens the door to a better way of thinking about its role in our work.

Why “Artificial Intelligence” is a Misnomer

What do we mean when we say “Artificial Intelligence”? The term itself often feels inadequate, even misleading. Does “artificial” suggest something fake, something contrived? If so, then AI is far from artificial. Instead, generally speaking, AI acts as an extension of human intelligence—a tool that enhances our God-given capacity to think, create, and serve.

For pastors, this distinction is critical. AI doesn’t replace the unique gifts God has given us for ministry. Instead, it equips us to serve more effectively. To better understand this, consider a 4-A Framework, a model that illustrates how AI can partner with us, enhancing our ministry without diminishing our role as God’s servants. In other words, there is a better name for the capabilities we see in this technology. You will not be surprised that since I have been a preacher for the last four decades, the next four heading will all begin with the letter “A”.

A 4-A Framework to Understand AI

1. Augmented Intelligence

What if AI could free us to focus on the most meaningful aspects of ministry? By augmenting our natural gifts, education, and training, AI could be considered “Augmented Intelligence”, enhancing what we already do. It can help us develop sermon content, conduct biblical or historical research, and generate ideas with greater speed and efficiency.

But AI can not be the pastor; it is the assistant. It does not replace the prayerful work of studying Scripture, discerning God’s will, and shepherding the flock. Rather, it enables us to devote more time to those relational and spiritual responsibilities that lie at the heart of ministry.

2. Apprenticed Intelligence

AI doesn’t lead—it learns. Like an apprentice, AI adapts to our preferences, styles, and focus over time. It becomes a helpful partner that refines and assists while remaining subordinate to us.

Understood in this way, AI can know our schedule and preemptively carve out time for study or writing. As an apprentice, it can learn my style, my methods of writing or communicating, and can act as a copyeditor to unify letters, reports, updates, and even the tone of a sermon.

For pastors, this means maintaining full control over the message and direction of ministry. AI technology serves, but the pastor shepherds. This dynamic ensures that it remains a tool, not a master, in the work of proclaiming the Gospel.

3. Amplified Intelligence

What if your sermons could reach beyond the pulpit and into the world? AI takes what we know—our words, ideas, and insights—and amplifies them across multiple platforms. A spoken sermon can be transcribed in minutes, then reframed as a blog post, a church-wide article for the newsletter, broken into a series of tweets on X, and beyond.

What if, for example, your sermon was the basis for a small group study series for Lent. Your hard work to preach well would be reformatted into a curriculum for your small groups complete with discussion prompts and a closing prayer. All in a few minutes and a few well-written prompts.

Through AI, the reach of ministry expands far beyond the church walls, helping pastors connect with people in new and diverse ways. The Gospel message remains the same, but its impact grows exponentially.

4. Actual Intelligence

AI’s strength lies in its ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data. It can identify patterns, organize information, and provide insights. This is more than convenience; it’s a way to approach challenges with clarity and confidence.

A friend of my recently told me he came prepared to teach a adult education class on the development of the Nicene Creed. As part of his handouts, he developed (with AI) a list of the top heresies that faced the church, and what modern heresies are similar today. He knew the material, of course. He received seminary training. And he could have compiled the information himself in about 4-5 hours in his study. But AI assembled in information in minutes.

AI is smart. And it is able to remember what all of us were taught but most of us forgot. However, we are uniquely smart enough to ask the question.

Imagine analyzing congregation trends, planning ministry strategies, or developing outreach initiatives with tools that make complex data accessible. AI doesn’t solve every problem, but it equips us to lead with wisdom in the face of complexity.

Closing Reflection

One more thing. AI is not just a tool—it is a profound opportunity to reflect on how God calls us to serve in a changing world. It challenges us to ask new questions, embrace new possibilities, and marvel at the creativity woven into the human mind.

As we explore this series, I hope we will approach these tools not with fear but with faith, seeking ways to use them wisely and humbly for the glory of God and the good of His people. Perhaps the question is not what AI will replace, but how it will deepen and extend the ministry we are already called to do.

Let us Pray

O God, eternal Source of all wisdom and truth, who has guided Your Church through every age with the light of Your Holy Spirit; grant us discernment and faithfulness as we employ new technologies in service of Your unchanging Gospel, that in our stewardship of artificial intelligence we may ever proclaim Christ's saving work and advance Your Kingdom with integrity and wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Next Time: How Does AI Work?

In simple terms, I’ll explain how AI works and how it can be taught and trained to work for us. Be sure to subscribe to The Anglican so you don’t miss an issue.

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About the Author:

The Rev. David Roseberry, an ordained Anglican priest with over 40 years of pastoral experience, offers leadership services to pastors, churches, and Christian writers. He is an accomplished author whose books are available on Amazon. Rev. Roseberry is the Executive Director of LeaderWorks, where his work and resources can be found. The Anglican is the newsletter for LeaderWorks.