Embracing Technology for the Kingdom: How Churches Can Use AI and ChatGPT to Reach Their Community

As the world changes, so must the ways the Church connects with people. While our message never changes, our methods can—and should—adapt. One of the most powerful emerging tools for ministry and outreach today is artificial intelligence (AI), and specifically, tools like ChatGPT.

I've been using ChatGPT for a year now.  It amazes me how we now have all the information of the world available to us instantly.  Here is how I have found AI to be useful to churches.

Used wisely, AI can be a valuable assistant for pastors, church staff, and volunteers, helping churches better serve their members and reach the lost. Here’s how:

1. Writing and Planning Content for Ministry

ChatGPT can help pastors and ministry leaders generate sermon outlines, small group discussion questions, devotionals, newsletters, and even blog posts like this one. It won’t replace the Holy Spirit or good theological study, but it’s a great helper for brainstorming and polishing messages.

Example: A youth pastor could ask ChatGPT for 10 discussion questions about identity in Christ, tailored to middle school students.

2. Improving Communication with Members

Churches can use AI to draft personalized emails, event reminders, prayer follow-ups, or social media posts. Whether it’s reminding someone of a small group meeting or encouraging regular attendance, ChatGPT can help you speak with clarity and consistency.

Tip: Use ChatGPT to write variations of a message for different age groups—youth, seniors, parents, or newcomers.

3. Community Outreach and Evangelism

ChatGPT can help write door hangers, gospel tracts, welcome letters, website content, or social media ads designed to engage your local community. By asking ChatGPT to rewrite materials with different tones (casual, professional, warm, humorous), churches can better connect with diverse audiences.

Idea: Create a “New to Town?” landing page for your website and let ChatGPT help write content that feels inviting and helpful.

4. Equipping Volunteers and Leaders

Training materials can be time-consuming to create. Use ChatGPT to help draft guides, FAQs, and training manuals for greeters, children’s workers, ushers, and more. It can also help develop quizzes, summaries, or quick-reference handouts.

5. 24/7 Engagement via Chatbots

Imagine a church website that answers questions any time of day: service times, beliefs, directions, or prayer requests. A ChatGPT-powered chatbot can be set up to handle basic inquiries or point people to next steps like joining a small group or attending a service.

6. Encouragement and Spiritual Support

Pastoral care is deeply personal, but sometimes members need encouragement outside office hours. You can use ChatGPT to create uplifting Scripture-based texts, devotionals, or encouraging emails. Think of it as a way to multiply your pastoral presence during the week.

Important Reminders

AI tools are just that—tools. They must be used with wisdom, biblical discernment, and accountability. AI doesn’t replace prayer, pastoral counsel, or real human connection, but it can free up time for deeper ministry and extend your church’s reach in powerful new ways.

The Bottom Line:
AI, including ChatGPT, isn't a threat to the Church—it's a tool the Church can redeem and use for the glory of God. As we seek to make disciples in a digital world, let’s not fear technology. Let’s steward it well, using every tool at our disposal to reach the lost, encourage the faithful, and proclaim the Gospel.