The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention has issued a strong caution to church leaders about the growing influence of artificial intelligence in ministry. In a 39-page guide titled “The Work of Our Hands: Christian Ministry in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” the ERLC outlines clear biblical and ethical boundaries for the use of AI in the Church.
The document firmly opposes using AI to replace the Spirit-led labor of sermon preparation, stating: “AI can assist the pastor in preparation, but it should never be used to replace or substitute for the distinct calling upon the man of God to preach God’s Word to God’s people.” It further warns that bypassing the work of personal study and prayer can strip sermons of their spiritual depth and authenticity.
Jason Thacker, ERLC Senior Fellow, emphasized the need for pastors to shepherd their people faithfully amid rapidly evolving technology. The guide reminds Christians that “any faithful approach to AI and emerging technologies must be rooted in the transcendent nature of God and his sovereign control over all things.”