The rapid emergence of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT has prompted a wave of interest among Christian leaders, theologians, and ministry workers. Some have focused on AI’s existential and long-term implications; others on immediate applications, tools, and prompting techniques. Between these extremes lies a pressing theological and practical need: a framework for how ministry workers—and those who train them—should understand and use AI in Christian ministry. How should AI be approached and used in ministry by those who, in the words of Nicaea, “believe in the Holy Spirit”?
This paper argues that Christian ministry is not a human activity augmented by advanced tools. Rather, it is God’s work, accomplished by his Word and Spirit in and through his suffering servants. Therefore, any use of AI in ministry must be governed not only by prudence, but by a robust theology of divine agency, the nature of Christian ministry, and the Spirit’s empowerment.
This paper engages Ethan Mollick’s influential book, Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI, to examine where his human-centred vision of AI resonates with—or diverges from—a theological understanding of ministry. Mollick’s emphases on initiative, expertise, teamwork, values, and hope offer valuable insights—and even surprising resonances with the nature of Christian ministry. Yet his framework ultimately lacks the theological categories needed to guide ministry rooted in dependence on God.
Drawing on theological reflection on technology, AI, and Christian ministry, this paper proposes a framework for how ministry leaders and trainers may use AI. It offers guiding convictions rooted in Scripture and historic Christian theology to help pastors, educators, and ministry workers think wisely and faithfully about AI’s role in the life of the church. In doing so, the paper contributes to emerging theological conversations and pressing practical needs by recovering a Spirit-shaped vision of ministry in an age of artificial assistance.
Morgan Renew
B. Engineering (University of Technology, Sydney); M.Div., PhD. (Sydney Missionary and Bible College)
Associate Pastor, Redeemer Church of Dubai
Adjunct Professor, Gulf Theological Seminary, United Arab Emirates