On the latest episode of the Church Solutions Podcast, Phil Thompson and Steve Lacy are thrilled to host Jason Moore, a technology and creativity expert with over 27 years in ministry, and now the author of 14 books. His latest work, AI and the Church: A Clear Guide for the Curious and Courageous delves into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and its potential to transform church ministry.
Exploring AI’s Role in Ministry
Jason’s journey into AI began in August 2022 with a tool many of us now know: DALL-E 2. As a graphic artist, Jason was initially apprehensive about AI’s impact on his profession. However, his perspective quickly shifted as he realized the opportunities AI could bring to the church, especially for smaller congregations with limited budgets.
Jason explains, “Not everyone can hire a graphic designer or communicator, but tools like AI can empower churches to create visually engaging content that connects with their congregation.”
Practical Applications for Churches
Jason highlighted some of the most transformative ways AI can be used in ministry:
- Image Generation: AI tools can produce high-quality visuals for sermon series, promotional materials, or social media, saving time and money.
- Voice Cloning: With tools like Eleven Labs, pastors can create personalized devotional audio content without spending hours recording.
- Sermon Planning: AI can assist in brainstorming creative ideas, generating metaphors, or even helping craft engaging sermon series tailored to the audience.
- Data Insights: By combining demographic data with AI, churches can better understand their community’s needs and tailor outreach efforts.
Ethical Concerns and Guardrails
While Jason encourages churches to embrace AI, he cautions against over-reliance on the technology. One key concern he raises is the risk of using AI to replace spiritual and pastoral work, such as sermon preparation.
“AI has no soul,” Jason warns. “Pastors need to ensure their work reflects their spiritual insights and connection with scripture. AI can sharpen and enhance content, but it should never replace the foundational work of ministry.”
Jason advises church leaders to think critically about how they use AI, categorizing tasks into three buckets:
- AI can do this for us (e.g., automating administrative tasks).
- AI can assist us (e.g., generating ideas or creating visuals).
- AI shouldn’t touch this (e.g., counseling, HR, or sermon writing).
What’s Next for AI and Video?
Jason also shared his excitement about the advancements in video AI. Tools are rapidly evolving, enabling the creation of realistic, high-quality videos that can bring biblical stories to life in new and engaging ways. He believes that by the end of the year, we’ll see even more sophisticated tools that make AI-generated video indistinguishable from reality.
A Call to Embrace Innovation
Jason’s passion for innovation shines through his work. For those curious about integrating AI into ministry, he offers a free chapter of his book and a six-month cohort program designed to help churches navigate this new frontier.
As Jason says, “AI is a neutral tool. What matters is how we use it. The church has an opportunity to harness its potential for good and tell our story in compelling ways.”
For more insights from Jason Moore and to explore the possibilities of AI in ministry, check out his book, AI and the Church: A Clear Guide for the Curious and Courageous, available wherever books are sold.
The folks at StreamingChurch.tv are also available to help you with your streaming video well as AI needs and questions. Reach out today at StreamingChurch.tv