My Biggest Fear with Pastors and AI
My Biggest Fear with Pastors and AI
And how I believe we can do better
As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in our daily lives, it is met with a mix of fascination and fear. In many secular circles, AI is often viewed skeptically as a potential harbinger of societal disruption or ethical dilemmas. For pastors, this perception presents a challenge and a unique responsibility in integrating AI into our ministries.
In my context, I’ve been constantly tempted to dive headfirst into the latest and greatest tech from this emerging new field.
Yet, I hold back and take my time exploring the ethics of AI.
Time and again, I find myself as a lonely voice holding back my peers who are perhaps too hungry to use the technology and put it before their call to serve their flock. Many pedal to the metal to keep up with the times, but I consistently encourage church leaders to wade the waters a bit before rushing ahead.
I’m not skeptical out of fear—I’m a skeptic that we might be missing the forest for the trees. In the words of a certain Goldblum, perhaps we’ve been so obsessed with what we can do that we’ve forgotten to ask if we should.
Addressing AI Skepticism in Pastoral Care
Pastors must be acutely aware of their congregations' concerns about AI, reflecting the broader societal unease that often portrays AI as a threat rather than an aid.
Many of my parishioners are terrified for their jobs or livelihoods. Many are genuinely concerned about a technocratic takeover.
Regardless of the veracity of such things, I have found the voices of my pro-AI peers to be quite defensive in the face of this pushback. The pro-AI pastor seems more concerned with avoiding guilt behind potentially using engines built on the backs of stolen resources and taking out their stress on the concerned church member. We must reckon with this guilt instead of taking it out on our parishioners.
Once we’ve addressed our fears, the pastor should seek out the root of the fear plaguing our people. It can be based on issues ranging from job displacement to deeper, existential fears about human obsolescence. Pastors can—and should—address these fears by:
Acknowledging Concerns: Openly discussing the potential dangers and ethical dilemmas posed by AI, showing that the church is not blind to these issues.
Providing Balanced Views: Offering a nuanced perspective that recognizes both AI's benefits and risks, helping congregants navigate their understanding and expectations of technology.
Being Transparent, Setting Trends: Pastors should be at the forefront of acknowledging their use of AI and go above and beyond in their transparency. We ought to be ahead of the ethical expectations and not play catch-up.
The Pastoral Role in Technology Discussions
Pastors occupy a pivotal role that can either be used to soothe fears or, if mismanaged, exacerbate them. We are being looked to by the members of our churches who want to understand the theological impetus here.
Our unique position allows us to guide discussions in a way that is grounded in theological reflection and ethical consideration.
I believe our time might be better spent providing space for these discussions in safe and trusted spaces. Consider providing educational initiatives and bringing in experts in the field—I recommend my friend and mentor Jason Moore—to wade through the shifting sands of this unstoppable field.
Write articles, stand up for movements of justice for AI and fair use, and perhaps even see how the pastor can embody healthy AI integration (transparently, as mentioned before).
Maintaining the Primacy of Love and Connection
Above all, pastors must ensure that the deployment of AI in church settings does not replace the fundamental human interactions central to Christian ministry. AI should be seen as a tool to enhance, not replace, the relational aspects of church life. This includes:
Augmenting Pastoral Care: Using AI to manage routine tasks, thus freeing up time for more personal interactions.
Enhancing Accessibility: Leveraging AI to make church teachings and resources more accessible to those with disabilities or those unable to attend in person.
Facilitating Global Outreach: Employing AI-driven translation services and communication tools to extend the church’s reach across linguistic and cultural barriers.
World 2-2 Complete
In navigating the complexities of AI, pastors must lead with empathy, wisdom, and a deep commitment to the pastoral care of their flock. By actively engaging with the ethical concerns surrounding AI and positioning it within the broader narrative of Christian stewardship and care, pastors can help shape a future where technology serves the church’s mission to love and serve faithfully.
Q: Why did the digital pastor go viral?
A: Because they had a lot of soul-cial media followers!