A Digital Age
There’s a growing hum in the background of our lives these days—a relentless invitation to “do more, faster.” Productivity gurus praise the latest apps. Creatives marvel at what AI can generate. Leaders scramble to stay relevant in a digital age that won’t slow down.
Artificial Intelligence, in particular, has surged from a futuristic curiosity to a functional necessity. From sermon prep and marketing to scheduling and strategy, AI is increasingly woven into our workflows. But as technology accelerates, Christian leaders must pause to ask deeper questions:
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Is this helpful or harmful to my spiritual walk?
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Can I use this tool without compromising my calling?
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Will I stay faithful in a world that rewards shortcuts over sanctification?
Let’s clear away the hype and fear and return to what matters most:
How does a disciple of Jesus engage AI
in a way that glorifies God, guards the truth,
and reflects the heart of Christ?
The answer is not found in trending tools or viral productivity hacks. It’s found in the unchanging Word of God. The Bible doesn’t need an upgrade—it demands obedience.
Not Just a Tool — A Test
Let’s be honest: AI is not inherently evil. But it is deeply revealing.
It shines a light on how we think, what we prioritize, and where we truly find our security. It presses into the soft spots of our character: our craving for control, our addiction to speed, our hunger to be seen as capable.
Scripture reminds us that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). What we’re facing now in AI is not fundamentally different from the tools of past generations—it’s just faster, smarter, and easier to trust without thinking.
The machine is not the danger.
The unexamined heart of the user is.
Technology always presents a test:
Will we depend on the Spirit… or on the shortcut?
The Bible Is Still the Standard
You don’t need a new AI policy as much as you need a solid biblical posture. That means returning to Scripture—daily, dependently, and discerningly. Consider three biblical pillars for engaging AI faithfully:
1. Tools Can Glorify God or Grieve Him
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31
2. Wisdom Is Measured by Fruit, Not Speed
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
— Ephesians 5:15–16
3. Truth Must Be Tested, Not Taken at Face Value
“Test everything; hold fast what is good.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Cautions with AI: Where We Must Be Watchful
While AI offers incredible utility, Christian leaders must be aware of its dangers—especially when it comes to spiritual formation, truth, and dependency.
1. Temptation to Replace Spiritual Discipline
AI can produce quick answers, but it cannot replace the life-giving discipline of time in God’s Word and prayer.
“Blessed is the man… whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
— Psalm 1:1–2
Speed is no substitute for spiritual depth. Don’t let automation steal the intimacy of divine revelation.
2. Erosion of Discernment
AI can subtly erode your responsibility to think critically, test ideas, and seek the Lord.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
— Proverbs 2:6
Just because content sounds biblical doesn’t mean it is. God has given us His Spirit to discern truth—not to outsource that work to machines.
3. Feeding the Flesh Instead of the Spirit
The convenience of AI can lead to laziness, pride, or self-promotion if we’re not careful.
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
— Romans 8:5
Don’t use AI to inflate your platform. Use it to glorify Christ.
4. Replacing Community with Isolation
AI makes it easy to work alone, but the Church is called to walk together.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…”
— Hebrews 10:24–25
AI is a tool—not a replacement for the Body of Christ.
Blessings with AI: How It Can Serve the Mission
While there are cautions, we must also acknowledge that AI, like many tools, can serve God’s Kingdom when approached with humility and wisdom.
1. Equipping the Saints with Excellence
AI can help leaders be more organized, clear, and focused—freeing time to shepherd people and study the Word.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40
Used wisely, AI can enhance the ministry of the Word, not distract from it.
2. Spreading the Gospel Further
Technology has always extended the reach of the Gospel—from scrolls to printing presses to livestreams. AI can help write, translate, and distribute truth faster and wider.
“The word of God is not bound.”
— 2 Timothy 2:9
With discernment, AI can assist in getting biblical truth into hard-to-reach places and languages.
3. Supporting Pastors and Leaders
For bivocational pastors, solo church planters, or overextended ministry leaders, AI can save hours of administrative time, allowing more energy to be poured into people and prayer.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2
AI can serve as a silent helper—not replacing calling, but lightening the load.
4. Encouraging Creativity in the Body
AI tools can spark ideas, sharpen communication, and generate resources that equip others.
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.”
— Romans 12:6
Creativity is not ungodly. It is God-given. Use AI to steward your gifts—not to escape your growth.
The Real Danger: Skipping the Struggle
The greatest threat of AI is not what it produces—it’s what it tempts us to bypass.
We are tempted to skip the late-night prayer.
To skip the long, slow digestion of God’s Word.
To skip the heart work that God does in the tension.
But the struggle is sacred.
David didn’t compose psalms with a prompt. Paul didn’t write epistles with autocomplete. Their words came from deep wells—of pain, prayer, surrender, and revelation.
Technology offers convenience. But Christ forms character through consecration.
How Should a Christian Leader Use AI?
Here’s a four-part filter to guide your use of AI—or any tool, for that matter.
1. Start with Scripture
Let God’s Word shape your desires before you shape your content.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
2. Pray for Wisdom
AI gives you answers. The Holy Spirit gives you understanding.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God…” — James 1:5
3. Test Every Output
Don’t assume truth—prove it. Check the theology, the tone, the heart.
“Test everything; hold fast what is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21
4. Stay Human. Stay Holy.
AI can help produce content. But only you can walk with God.
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16
What You Must Never Do with AI
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Don’t use AI to replace the Word.
It’s not a shortcut to divine revelation. Start with the Bible. Stay with the Bible. -
Don’t use AI to impress.
Use it to serve. Use it to instruct, encourage, and build up the body of Christ—not to polish your platform. -
Don’t let AI lead.
You are the steward. AI is not your pastor, not your teacher, not your guide. Let God’s Word lead.
Final Thoughts: We’re Not Behind—We’re Being Refined
Christian leader, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re behind because you’re not keeping up with the latest tools.
You don’t need to race forward. You need to kneel lower.
More than ever, the Church needs leaders who are:
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Scripture-saturated
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Spirit-led
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Surrendered in heart
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Steady in purpose
God will use what’s in your hand. He always has.
He used Moses’ staff.
He used David’s sling.
He used Paul’s pen.
He can use your keyboard.
“But He will never let the tool become the source of the power.
Use the tool. But never forget the truth.”
AI is not the enemy.
It’s not the answer either.
It’s just a tool.
Jesus is the Way. The Truth. The Life.
And that will never change.
by Donnie Lafferty-ONEPASTOR PODCAST
Follower of Jesus. HR leader. Founder of OnePastor.com
Encouraging the weary. Anchored in truth. Building with purpose.
Eyes on Jesus: Our OnePastor
