A Lutheran church in Germany recently hosted a very “21^st century” church service! A young theologian and philosopher asked ChatGPT (a form of artificial intelligence) to write a 40-minute church service, which was then delivered by an avatar “with an expressionless face and monotone voice” on a screen. Now, is AI the future of the church?

The man behind this “church service” said “ It is not his intention to replace religious leaders with artificial intelligence. Rather, he sees the use of A.I. as a way to help them with their everyday work in their congregations.” But should pastors rely on AI to write, or help them write their sermons?

I would say, NO. One of the duties of the pastor is to study and preach the Word of God with excellence.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 1 Timothy 4:13

If a pastor is relying on someone else—or, in this case, something else—to do the hard work of digging into God’s Word for him, he is not growing and learning himself—and that will have a detrimental impact on both himself and his congregation.

A biblical pastor will carefully select the resources he uses, relying on godly theologians who likewise carefully handle the Word of truth.

AI is just pulling information from good and bad theologians across the internet! Although I must admit I was impressed with what chatGPT produced when I asked it what the Bible teaches about Jesus soon coming, Millennial Kingdom. Check it out in my May 18th post – ChatGPT produced this response to my question on the Millennial Kingdom.

Pastors, I encourage you at this cultural moment to continue to do what pastors have done for 2,000 years: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2

And remember this as you serve the Lord: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” James 3:1