A couple weeks ago, I sent an email about using a cool new A.I. song writing tool called Suno. (You can read it here.) But I might have gotten ahead of myself. Maybe I should have started with the question, "Is it okay to use A.I. in ministry?"
Last week, I explored that question by conducting a poll in the I Love KidMin Facebook group. I asked the question...
"How comfortable are you with using A.I. tools in children's ministry?"
Out of 105 responses, here was the breakdown:
51% were either somewhat or very comfortable using AI
24% were neutral and hadn't explored AI much
25% were either somewhat or very uncomfortable using AI
Although it seems like most ministry leaders are on-board with using A.I. for ministry purposes, it's definitely not universal.
So let's talk about it!
If you've read any of my other "This or That" emails, you know know how it works. I debate with myself on both sides of a hot-button topic in children's ministry. But for this topic, I thought I would invite a guest blogger who knows more about AI than anyone.
"Who is that?" you might ask...
ChatGPT!
For context, this was my prompt:
"I want to write a blog post for children's ministry leaders called "This or That" where I argue both sides of a topic. The topic I want to write about addresses the question "Is it okay to use AI in children's ministry?" On one side I want to address the dangers of using AI for ministry purposes and on the other side I want to highlight the benefits of using AI. Each side of the argument should have 3 points."
So with no further ado, here is the unedited response from ChatGPT. After you read it, tell me what YOU think! I've conducted the same poll from above in our "Children's Ministry Hub" Facebook group.
YES! AI Can Be a Game-Changer for Children’s Ministry
AI is like a super-powered ministry assistant that never sleeps. Used wisely, it can help make ministry more effective, creative, and efficient. Here’s why:
It Saves Time and Energy: Children’s ministry leaders are BUSY. AI can help lighten the load by generating curriculum ideas, drafting emails, writing social media posts, or even creating engaging small group questions. Instead of spending hours on administrative tasks, AI allows you to focus on what matters most—building relationships with kids and families.
It Sparks Creativity: Ever feel stuck coming up with a fresh game, object lesson, or sermon illustration? AI can provide endless inspiration, brainstorming ideas based on your needs. It’s like having an unlimited creative team at your fingertips, helping you bring Bible stories to life in new and exciting ways.
It Personalizes Learning: AI has the potential to adapt content to meet kids where they are. Imagine a Bible memory app that adjusts its challenges based on each child’s progress, or an AI-driven chatbot that helps kids explore faith-based questions in a safe and engaging way. If used thoughtfully, AI can help make learning more interactive and fun.
NO! AI Has Risks That Could Hurt Children’s Ministry
Sure, AI is powerful—but should we trust it in ministry? Here’s why you might want to think twice before jumping in:
It Can’t Replace Human Connection: No matter how smart AI gets, it will never replace the love, wisdom, and personal connection of a real-life leader. Kids need mentors, not machines to guide them in their faith. Leaning too much on AI can make ministry feel impersonal and robotic—exactly the opposite of what children need.
It May Spread Misinformation: AI pulls information from vast amounts of data, but it doesn’t always get things right—especially when it comes to theology. If you rely on AI to generate lessons, you might end up with incorrect or even misleading interpretations of Scripture. Teaching God’s Word is too important to leave up to an algorithm!
It Raises Ethical Concerns: AI is a powerful tool, but it comes with privacy risks, biases, and ethical concerns. Who controls the data? How is AI shaping the messages we share? Should we be using tools that we don’t fully understand? These are big questions that ministry leaders need to wrestle with before diving in.
So… Should You Use AI in Children’s Ministry?
Like most tools, AI isn’t inherently good or bad—it depends on how you use it. AI can help with efficiency and creativity, but it should never replace human connection, biblical discernment, and Spirit-led ministry.
Maybe the best approach is this: Use AI as a tool, not a teacher. Let it assist you, but don’t let it take over the mission God has called you to.
So who do you think is right...ChatGPT or ChatGPT? Go to the "Children's Ministry Hub" Facebook page, then take the poll and let us know in the comments.
And if you haven't done so already, join me for a GO! Curriculum demo and find out how GO! lessons bring fun and Biblical depth together.
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