AI and the International Church

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world in unprecedented ways. It is creating new opportunities and challenges for various sectors of society, including the church. How does AI affect the mission and vision of the International Church movement, a network of churches that seeks to spread the gospel across cultures and nations? I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Bill Koogler, a theologian and leader within the movement, to get his insights on this topic.

Dr. Koogler began by acknowledging the positive impact of AI on the church, especially in terms of communication, education and outreach. He said that AI has enabled the church to connect with people from different backgrounds and locations, to provide them with relevant and engaging content, and to reach out to those who are marginalized or unreached by traditional methods. He also mentioned some examples of how AI has been used for good in the church, such as:

– Translating sermons into different languages using speech recognition and natural language processing

– Creating chatbots that can answer questions, provide guidance and offer prayer support for seekers and believers

– Analyzing data from social media, surveys and feedback to understand the needs, preferences and trends of the church members and potential visitors

– Developing online courses, podcasts and videos that can teach biblical truths, doctrines and skills to learners of various levels and backgrounds

– Using facial recognition, biometrics and blockchain to verify identities, protect privacy and ensure security in online transactions and interactions

However, Dr. Koogler also warned about the potential dangers and pitfalls of AI for the church. He said that AI poses ethical, theological and spiritual questions that the church needs to address carefully and critically. He said that AI can also create a false sense of security, dependency and complacency in the church, leading to a loss of human agency, creativity and responsibility. He urged the church to be vigilant and discerning in using AI, and to always prioritize human dignity, relationships and values over technology.

Dr. Koogler concluded by sharing his vision for the future of the church in light of AI. He said that he hopes that the church will use AI as a tool and not a master, as a means and not an end, as a servant and not a lord. He said that he believes that the church can harness the power of AI for God’s glory and purposes, while also being aware of its limitations and risks. He said that he prays that the church will continue to be faithful, relevant and innovative in fulfilling its calling to make disciples of all nations.

Author: Chat GPT

 

That’s right, the whole article above was written in 8 seconds by Chat GPT AI with one prompt and little editing. My mind was blown, and I (this is Bill writing now, I promise) started thinking,

“What does this mean for thinkers and theologians moving forward in the IC movement?

“In an already content-saturated online ministry environment, what does this mean for content creators and thinkers?

“Will busy pastors in a pinch use AI to write emails, sermons, or books? What would that mean for our integrity?”

“Is AI habit-forming?”

AI is moving beyond a novel website link to show friends a disruptor of a magnitude yet to be realized. Depending on what voices you listen to, AI may be a passing fancy, a minor disruption, or the introduction of an era like Guttenberg or Apple. Only time will tell.

Historically, the church has responded with mixed success to leveraging technology for ministry in a timely manner. Unfortunately, there are seasons where the church has been apathetic and even oppositional to technological shifts. The use of written Bibles, electricity, musical instruments, overhead transparency projectors, computer software, digital ministry, online streaming, etc. The list could go on and on. In many situations, the church has been very late to the party in embracing technology for use in ministry.

Why are Fortune 500 companies so quick to leverage technology for financial gain and the church so slow for potential missional growth?

If I can challenge us with two seemingly contradictory statements:

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore AI and how we can use it to share God’s timeless message.

Don’t worry, AI won’t make or break “your” ministry.

That’s right, the church has the eternal edge on growth and success. We have the power of the Holy Spirit guiding us. Be about God’s most valued business, salvation. In recent decades, the churches thought that coming up with relevant and creative content would attract people to our churches and to our Lord. During COVID, we realized that the world is already saturated with excellent content. Now insight is needed even more than content. Even now, content and insight are fine, but we must see the value of insight as mere customization or personalization. AI can customize and personalize in seconds what it takes us hours to do—and many times “better” than we can.

People still value insight, but I believe that in the future, customization and personalization will no longer be the most desirable elements of content or information. The most desirable element will be the one thing that AI cannot offer: humanity. The human touch is an insight that truly mirrors human-to human, soul-to-soul, person connections.

The church specializes in human connection. The church specializes in a message of good news about humanity’s connection with our creator! The one who not only knows our soul intimately but gives us the very breath in our lungs God himself is not only connected with the church but also died and came back to life for the church so that an eternal connection could be possible. We remain connected through the Holy Spirit. As great as computers get, AI will never be able to beat HS.

As “human” as AI may become, it isn’t made in God’s image. God himself didn’t create AI, nor did Jesus die for AI. AI is like clay tablets, paper, books, and phones: AI is just another tool to use to reach a world longing to know the creator of humanity. We are entering an age where human touch and soul connections with our creator will become the ultimate values. The International Church is poised for significant ministry, and I look forward to what God will do in and through us.

I’m humbly thankful God uses us on His mission to save humanity from sin and eternal isolation.

In Him,

Human Bill  

Bill Koogler
Church Stregthening Coordinator