Shepherding in the Age of AI: Wisdom, Discernment, and Ministry in the Digital Age…

is a one-day conference designed specifically for pastors and church leaders. The goal is not to promote AI uncritically, nor to encourage pastors to adopt every new technology, but to help pastors understand what is happening and think biblically and pastorally about how these technologies will affect the church. That emphasis grew directly out of our early planning conversations about technology, human limitations, pastoral responsibility, and Christian discernment.

The conference will focus on three primary areas:

1. Understanding AI and its impact on the church. We want to give pastors a practical, nontechnical understanding of what AI is, what it can currently do, where the technology appears to be headed, and how it is likely to affect pastors, church members, families, work, education, and the broader culture.

2. Thinking biblically about the proper use—and misuse—of AI in pastoral ministry. We will spend significant time considering where AI may legitimately assist a pastor and where it may undermine or replace work that properly belongs to the pastor himself. Sermon preparation will be an important part of that discussion, including serious concerns about allowing AI to substitute for the pastor’s own study of Scripture, theological reflection, prayer, and preparation.

3. Practical ways AI can help churches serve their people. We also want this to be useful and hands-on. We plan to demonstrate practical applications that can reduce administrative burdens, help organize information, improve communication, assist with research and planning, and otherwise free pastors and church staff to devote more attention to shepherding people. Where possible, these will include live demonstrations rather than simply talking about the technology.