How Churches Can Use AI for Comms with Integrity
Hey, ministry leaders and pastors! Let's talk about the elephant in the sanctuary—AI.
Maybe you think AI is for corporations and tech companies (doubt it). Or, maybe you're worried that using AI means losing the authentic voice that makes your ministry unique (quite possible). Or worse, you feel that it's leading you away from the Spirit-led work you're called to do (we’re in the vein now).
Meanwhile, your congregation is using ChatGPT to draft emails. Your staff is asking AI for event ideas. You and your people are already using AI. So, the question is simple: Are you stewarding AI or is it stewarding you?
The Reality Check: You're Already Stretched Too Thin
Let's be honest about what ministry communications look like right now:
You're writing the weekly bulletin, managing social media, responding to dozens of emails, planning events, creating graphics, updating the website, and somehow still trying to focus on the actual ministry work you were called to do.
Sound familiar?
AI isn't here to do your job. It's here to handle the tasks that keep you from doing your job. It's the assistant that helps you draft that event announcement so you can spend more time with the family that just lost their home. It's the tool that organizes your sermon notes, so you can focus on hearing from God instead of wrestling with formatting.
Efficiency is stewardship. When you use AI to reclaim time, you're being strategic about where your energy goes.
What AI Can Actually Do for Your Ministry
Content Creation Support
Draft social media posts that you edit and add your personal touch to
Create first drafts of newsletters or announcements
Generate event descriptions or program outlines
Brainstorm sermon series themes or small group discussion questions
Administrative Assistance
Organize meeting notes or action items
Create templates for recurring communications
Summarize long documents or reports
Draft responses to common questions
Planning and Strategy
Generate ideas for community outreach events
Create content calendars for consistent posting
Develop communication workflows
Organize volunteer schedules or ministry timelines
The Big Mistake: Overreliance Without Discernment
Here's where churches get it wrong: they either avoid AI completely or they hand over the keys without any training.
AI is an assistant, not authority. You're the creative director. You set the vision, the values, and the voice. AI simply follows your lead.
When I work with churches on AI implementation, one of the first things I do is help them train AI to sound like them. For example, I might pick 2-3 other churches whose voice resonates—like blending the theological depth of Alfred Street Baptist Church with the friendliness of Union Church—and use that to create a unique voice guide.
But here's the key: you still have to edit everything. AI gives you the first draft. You add the Spirit. You add the stories. You add the humanity.
Training AI to Sound Like Your Ministry
Think of AI like hiring a new staff member. You wouldn't hand them your social media passwords and say "figure it out." You'd train them on your mission, your values, how you talk to your community.
Here's how to train AI for your ministry:
Feed it your best content - Give AI examples of your best sermons, newsletters, or social posts
Define your voice - Are you formal or casual? Prophetic or pastoral? Joyful or contemplative?
Set clear boundaries - Tell AI what you will never say and what topics require extra care
Give context every time - Don't just say "write a post." Say "write a post for our congregation that's multigenerational and values tradition but is open to innovation"
The Ethical Balance: Using AI With Integrity
Let's address the concerns head-on because they're valid:
"Won't AI make our content feel robotic?" Only if you let it. AI generates drafts. You add personality, scripture, stories from your community, and the unique flavor of your ministry.
"Isn't this somehow less authentic?" Is using a microphone less authentic than shouting? Tools amplify your voice; they don't replace it. Just as we’ve always evolved to use better tools, we’re continuing to do so now.
"What about job security for our communications staff?" AI doesn't replace people—it changes what people focus on. Your communicator can spend less time drafting and more time on strategy, relationships, and creative work that actually moves people.
In the beginning, God created. We're made in the image of a Creator who brings order out of chaos, who names and organizes and builds. AI is just another tool - like pen and paper, like printing presses - that helps us organize and communicate the message we've been given.
The Bottom Line: AI Is a Tool for Stewardship
AI should never replace the sacred work you do.
When you use AI wisely, you don't lose your voice—you amplify your reach. You don't compromise your calling—you create space to fulfill it. You don't automate the anointing—you steward it better.
The Spirit of God sets the standard. Strategy matters, but discernment matters more.
Your ministry has a message the world needs to hear. AI can help you say it more often, more clearly, and to more people. But you're still the one who sets the tone, shapes the message, and ensures every word points back to your mission.
AI doesn't lead. You lead your people and teach them how to lead AI, with the help of God.
Want to learn how to use AI ethically and effectively in your ministry? I'm developing "Made to Create: AI + Anointing"—a workshop for faith-led leaders who want to use AI with integrity, strategy, and Spirit. Let's talk about bringing this training to your team.
