“Sometimes the greatest opposition to what God wants to do next comes from those who were on the cutting edge of what God did last.” – R.T. Kendall
Let’s face it: Churches don’t have the best track record with new methods.
We took a while to warm up to drums, microphones, projectors, and live-streaming services. Many churches still haven’t.
Why? Because we’re cautious. We care deeply about our mission and sometimes confuse it with our methods.
But when the method becomes the mission, the mission suffers.
Take artificial intelligence (AI), for example. It’s a game-changing tool that could revolutionize ministry, yet many churches hesitate to use it. Why? Fear. Fear of losing relational connection. Fear of doing something “unspiritual.” Fear of diving into the unknown.
Here’s the good news: AI isn’t here to replace the mission of the church—it’s here to amplify it. Let’s explore why churches resist AI, what it can do for your ministry, and, most importantly, how to get started.
Why Are Churches Afraid of AI?
It’s no surprise that many churches hesitate to adopt AI. It confused me for a while. These four common fears often hold them back, but they don’t have to.
1. “It’s Not Personal Enough.”
Relationships are the heartbeat of the church, and AI can feel like a cold, mechanical substitute. But the truth? AI isn’t a replacement for relationships—it’s a tool to help you invest in them more effectively.
2. “It’s Too Complicated.”
AI can seem like it’s only for tech experts or megachurches with massive budgets. It’s not. Many AI tools are simple, affordable, and user-friendly—even for non-tech-savvy leaders.
3. “It’s Unethical or Unsafe.”
Concerns about privacy, control, and ethics are valid. However, with clear policies and responsible oversight, you can ensure AI aligns with your church’s mission and values.
4. “We’ve Never Done It That Way Before.”
Churches have historically been slow to adopt innovations. Yet, each of these tools has eventually expanded the reach of the Gospel. AI is no different.
What Can AI Do for Your Church?
Let’s move past fear and get practical. I will write more about these spaces soon, but let’s begin with an overview.
Here are six ways AI can revolutionize your ministry today:
1. Supercharge Sermon Prep
AI can save hours of research by summarizing commentaries, exploring Greek or Hebrew meanings, and generating outlines tailored to your style. That means more time for prayer and reflection.
To help pastors and church leaders like you, I created several custom AI tools to help with message or sermon series ideation, outline generation, and more. You can check them out here.
This article may help, too: You Aren’t Using AI for Sermons? Here’s Why You Should Start Today
2. Personalize Discipleship
AI can help you create customized discipleship pathways for different segments of people in your church community. Imagine sending tailored Bible plans, small group recommendations, and personal notes based on a member’s spiritual journey.
3. Improve Communication
From drafting emails to creating social media posts, AI streamlines your communication efforts. Need a 12-post Easter campaign? AI can do it in minutes. And, this is important, you can customize the style and tone of these emails to match your church’s style and tone. We’ll address how in a future post.
4. Strengthen Small Groups
AI can suggest discussion guides and resources based on sermon series, allowing leaders to focus more on relationships and less on prep work.
As I mentioned for sermon prep, I built a custom GPT tool to help you write small group questions from your sermons. All you do is upload your sermon outline or transcript, and the AI tool will create customs for your groups. You can check them out here.
5. Empower Volunteers
Automate volunteer training, send reminders, and even craft personalized thank-you notes. AI doesn’t replace gratitude—it amplifies it.
6. Provide Actionable Insights
AI can analyze trends in attendance, giving, and engagement, helping you make informed decisions. For example, noticing a dip in small group participation early can help you address the issue before it escalates.
The Method Is Not the Mission
The church’s mission hasn’t changed in 2,000 years: making disciples and spreading the Gospel. But the methods must evolve. AI isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool to help you fulfill your mission.
God has always used innovation to expand His kingdom. The question is: will we embrace what He wants to do next, or will we cling to the methods of the past?
Call to Action:
What’s one area of ministry where AI could save you time or improve your effectiveness? Start there. Remember, the mission is timeless, but the method doesn’t have to be.
Quotes for Inspiration:
- “The method is not the mission. AI is just another tool to amplify the Gospel.”
- “Innovation in ministry isn’t about replacing relationships; it’s about enhancing them.”
Resources for Further Learning:
- Book: “Analog Church” by Jay Y. Kim
- Tool: Church Accelerator Custom AI Tools
- Article: “You Aren’t Using AI for Sermons? Here’s Why You Should Start Today“
One More Thing…
Our Church Accelerator site offers thousands of resources beginning at ONLY $49. Check it out today.
I offer consulting and leadership coaching to churches and church leaders. Don’t hesitate to ask about how we can work together. Please reply to this email or complete this form so we can get to work.
Leading With You,
Dr. Gavin Adams