Seems like 2024 is the year of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and it now seems to be integrated with many of my ministry tools like Logos Bible Software, WordPress.com web hosting, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Office 365 has Copilot, Google now has Bard and Gemini, and more. I’ve been watching and learning from other ministry leaders how they are using these new tools for ministry. It seems like there is a new AI tool being released every week.
I have enjoyed Opus Clip making sermon video clips much easier. Recently I used Chat GTP to help me write a few business-type letters, give us ideas for our youth group curriculum, and suggest 100 Bible verses every Christ-follower should know. This week I’ve been enjoying having actual conversations with Chat GTP.
Currently, I don’t think it is going to replace ministry leaders but I do see how it will help give pastors more time for praying, sharing the Gospel, teaching the Word, and caring for people.
I noticed that using Chat to get Bible cross references on a topic was like using a digital version of the Thompson Chain Reference Bible, Naves Topical Bible and Strong’s Concordance. Sermon Outlines it produces are similar to the endless outlines published in commentaries and preaching books available in print for past decades. It’s not really giving new information but it is giving existing information at hyper-speed. It can give you a lot of ideas and options for you to choose from. The new technology reminds me of how we were able to switch from paper maps to Google Maps which is often helpful but not 100% correct
I have been wondering about the ethics of ministry and AI and decided to ask Chat GTP. Here is that transcript:
MY QUESTION:
I’m a pastor of a church, and it seems some people think that it would be unethical to use ChatGTP to help prepare sermons and write Bible study material and do small group stuff. What can you give me to tell them about the ethics of using your service for ministry?
CHAT GTP RESPONSE:
You could explain to them that using Chat is like consulting a digital research assistant. Just as pastors use commentaries, books, and online resources to inform their understanding, Chat can offer insights, generate ideas, and help with crafting messages. The key is to use such tools responsibly, ensuring that the final message is biblically sound and personally tailored to the congregation’s needs. It’s all about using the available resources wisely to enhance, not replace, the pastor’s own study and spiritual preparation.
MY QUESTION:
“Do you know of any references or resources that I could cite when sharing that information with people?”
CHAT GTP RESPONSE:
1. **”The Pastor’s Library” by Robert A. Yost** – This book discusses various tools and resources for pastoral ministry, including the ethical use of technology.
2. **”Christian Ethics: Contemporary Issues and Options” by Norman L. Geisler** – This book covers a range of ethical issues, providing a framework for discussing technology’s role in ministry.
3. **”Ministry in the Digital Age: Strategies and Best Practices for a Post-Website World” by David T. Bourgeois** – This book offers insight into how technology can be ethically integrated into ministry.
Using these resources, you can show that technology, when used thoughtfully, can be a valuable tool in supporting and enhancing ministry work.
A couple of weeks ago I spent some time on a Zoom call with author, seminary professor, and megachurch pastor Bill Giovannetti at MinistryAi.ai learning about helpful AI techniques for churches and pastors. He pointed out that even Charles Spurgeon had ministry assistants to help him do his work. Also, Bill has an interesting video from March 2023 discussing some problems with AI and test the theology shared by Chat GTP here
I knew a pastor of a large church in the 1990’s who had an associate pastor help him with sermon research and these tools can serve in that type of role. You have to be careful because I have found some results that aren’t accurate and we must be discerning because AI can make mistakes.
Last Tuesday I watched the Ministry AI Conference online where I learned how to set up Chat GTP to know how to help you more efficiently while understanding your roles and goals. I see many ways these resources can help us be more productive and hopefully more effective. It will be interesting to see how this all develops in the coming months.
WordPress AI wanted to generate the excerpt for this post and the image below so I let it. Looks like an OK image since the man seems to have all five fingers LOL!
“In 2024, AI tools are increasingly integrated into ministry resources, enhancing productivity for pastors. Technologies like Chat GTP assist in sermon preparation and curriculum development. While there are ethical concerns, using AI responsibly can support pastoral work, allowing leaders to focus on core ministry tasks. New AI tools continue emerging regularly.”
Logos Bible Software with AI Update
Allen Parr demonstrates using AI for Bible Study
Chat GTP Prompts for Pastors “Word of Caution”
A video from last year. Chat GTP has been upgraded since this review.