The Implications of AI for Church Consulting, Administration, and Discipleship

by Church Consultant Dr. Christson Adedoyin, MSW, MATS, PhD.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and the church is no exception. AI is already being used in a variety of ways in church consulting, administration, and discipleship.

In church consulting, AI can be used to help churches to conduct needs assessment of its congregation and neighboring communities, develop strategic plans, and track the overall progress of a church. For example, AI can be used to analyze data on church attendance, giving, and volunteerism to identify areas where the church can improve. AI can also be used to generate reports and presentations that help church leaders make informed decisions.

In church administration, AI can be used to automate tasks, such as scheduling meetings, managing finances, and processing paperwork. This can free up church staff to focus on more important tasks, such as ministering to people. AI can also be used to provide customized and tailored services to church members, such as answering questions and resolving specific faith-related problems.

In discipleship, AI can be used to create personalized spiritual growth and development experiences for church members. AI can track a person’s progress through a discipleship program and recommend resources that are relevant to their unique and individualized spiritual growth needs. AI can also be used to provide feedback and encouragement to help new and mature believers grow in their calling of Christlikeness.

Undoubtedly, there are several potential benefits to using AI in church consulting, administration, and discipleship. AI can help churches to be more efficient, effective, and personalized. However, there are also some potential risks associated with using AI in the church. For example, AI could be used to manipulate people or to create echo chambers where people only hear information that confirms their existing beliefs.

It is important for churches to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of using AI before implementing AI-powered solutions. Churches should also make sure that AI is used in a way that is consistent with biblical doctrines and the teachings of Christ.

Here are some Bible passages that speak to the implications of AI for the church:

• Matthew 22:37-39
  

  “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”

• Romans 12:2
  

  “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

• 1 John 4:19
  

  “We love because he first loved us.”

These passages remind us that the church is called to love God and love our neighbors. AI can be a tool that helps us to do this, but it is important to use AI in a way that is consistent with these teachings of Christ and His apostles.

AI has the potential to be a powerful tool for the church. It can help the body of Christ (i.e. the Church) to be more efficient, effective, and personalized in our ministry. However, it is important for us to use AI wisely and to be aware of the potential risks. With careful consideration, AI can be a powerful force for good in the church and the kingdom of God and His Christ.