The AI-Powered Church: How to Steward the Tool of Our Time

The AI-Powered Church: Multiplying Time, Fueling Creativity, & Keeping the Gospel Central

Guest: Anthony Hunt, Next Gen Pastor & Author of The AI-Powered Church

From performing as a professional mascot for over 20 years to leading in Next Gen ministry, Anthony Hunt brings a unique energy to the conversation about the future of the church. In this episode, Anthony breaks down the walls of fear surrounding Artificial Intelligence, arguing that when used correctly, AI isn’t just a shortcut, it’s a partner that can help us reclaim our time for what matters most: discipleship and people.

If you are a ministry leader feeling burnt out, a tech skeptic worried about the “soulless” nature of digital tools, or a creative looking to amplify your impact, this episode offers a theological and practical framework for moving forward.

💡 AI: Your New Creative Teammate

Many leaders fear that AI is simply a tool for plagiarism or a “easy button” that kills creativity. Anthony challenges us to flip the script and view AI as a creative partner rather than a replacement.

  • The “Teammate” Mindset: Imagine a teammate who has a PhD in everything, never sleeps, and doesn’t talk back. That is the potential of AI when used as a collaborator.
  • Amplify, Don’t Offset: The goal isn’t to remove the human artist but to amplify human expression. Just as filmmakers and 3D printers have expanded what is possible, AI can widen the possibilities of ministry.
  • Protecting Deep Work: The best use of AI might simply be automating the mundane to protect the creative time only you can do.

Insight: “We don’t need to build 45 studios in an actual parking lot… maybe we can actually be even more creative with using some of these tools.” — Referencing Tyler Perry’s approach to AI production.

⏳ Sustainability & The Theology of Time

Productivity isn’t just about doing more; it’s about stewardship. We discuss how digital tools can either blur the lines between work and rest or help us enforce them.

  • The “One Man Band” Myth: Ministry Architects emphasizes that you don’t have to do it all. We are called to equip the saints, not do all the work of the ministry.
  • Jesus’ Model of Time: Jesus saw time and energy management as a spiritual issue. He knew his purpose, abided in the Father, and frequently said “no” to good things to focus on the vital few.
  • Systematized Purpose: Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix or “Getting Things Done” methodology to be ruthless with your calendar. If you don’t define your “vital few,” the “trivial many” will consume you.

🚧 Addressing the Tech Skeptics

Is the church’s slow adoption of technology a badge of honor or a missed opportunity?

  • Barna Research: 3 out of 4 practicing Christians have ethical concerns about AI.
  • The Printing Press Parallel: In the 1440s, people feared the printing press would spread evil ideas. Instead, it mass-produced the Bible. Technology is amoral; it amplifies the intent of the user.
  • Contextualization (Acts 17): Paul entered the Areopagus and used the idols of the culture to point to Jesus. AI is the defining issue of our day; we must understand it to contextualize the Gospel for the next generation.

✅ Practical Wins: How AI is Serving the Church Now

Anthony shares incredible stories of how AI is removing barriers and making the Gospel more accessible:

  • Disability & Inclusion:
    • The Challenge: A blind student in kids’ ministry couldn’t engage with “watch the screen” curriculum.
    • The AI Solution: Using AI to rewrite the lesson weekly, adding descriptive audio cues and tactile instructions specifically for that child.
    • Neurodivergence: Instantly adapting lessons for high-energy kids (movement-based) vs. those needing low stimulation.
  • Translation & Missions:
    • Spanish Services: Using AI voice translation to create “huddle videos” where the pastor speaks fluent Spanish to welcome the Espanol service.
    • Global Church Planting: Translating resources into French for a church plant in Africa without needing a massive translation budget.

🛑 Guardrails & Considerations

While we embrace the tool, we must remain aware of the dangers, especially regarding children.

  • No Soul: AI cannot empathize, it cannot pray, and it is not made in the Image of God. It never replaces pastoral care.
  • The “Drill” Analogy: You wouldn’t hand a child a power drill without teaching them how to use it. We cannot leave kids to navigate AI alone.
  • Emotional Substitutes: Watch out for kids using chatbots as substitutes for parents, small group leaders, or counselors. We must disciple them to seek human connection and Godly wisdom, not just algorithmic answers.

👉 Actionable Next Steps

Don’t let the “tech jargon” intimidate you. Here is how you can start this week:

  • Develop AI Literacy: You don’t need to know how to code, but you do need to understand the world your people are living in.
  • Just “Play”: Go to ChatGPT and ask it to do something fun to break the ice.
    • Prompt Idea: “Create a biblically accurate, non-explicit rap battle between the Apostle Paul and Peter referencing their writings.”
  • The “One Task” Challenge: Identify one workflow that drains your time this week (writing emails, newsletters, policy documents). Try using an AI tool to draft it for you, then edit it with your voice. See if you can buy back 4 hours of your week.+1

Resources Mentioned:

Contacts

Renee Wilson – renee.wilson@ministryarchitects.com

Brandon Collins – brandon.collins@ministryarchitects.com

Anthony Hunt – anthony@mercyroad.cc

http://ministryarchitects.com