The News
Recent headlines have highlighted pastors creating AI twins trained on their sermons to answer faith questions, with some using artificial intelligence to extend their ministry reach. However, The Gospel Coalition has published a cautionary piece titled "Don't Treat AI as Your Pastor," questioning whether AI can authentically replace pastoral care.
Why It Matters
The temptation to automate ministry is real—especially when you're stretched thin. But there's something irreplaceable about a pastor who knows their flock, who asks follow-up questions, who sits with people in suffering. AI always has kind, commonsense answers. Real faith struggles often need real relationships. This isn't about rejecting technology; it's about protecting what makes pastoral ministry actually pastoral.
The Takeaway
Use AI to save time on admin work, not to replace the human presence that makes spiritual direction transformative.
Source: The Gospel Coalition