How Does AI Fit Into Ministry?

AI has been a huge topic recently, particularly since ChatGPT went live in late 2022. Ever since we (the general public) found that we could use a language-producing AI model like ChatGPT, the world has changed. From when I graduated from Calvin with my bachelor's degree in 2022 until now, for example, academic work has drastically altered. I didn't have a computer program to help me write reflections and sermons for my ministry classes in 2022; today, as I'm preparing for finishing my master's degree thesis, it's an entirely different ballgame.

Generative AI (programs like ChatGPT) have changed how the world works. School is different. Work is different. AI models help guide your Google searches, the spellcheck on your word processor, and quite possibly help write the papers and problem sets that your kids and grandkids use on a daily basis. I've used it to help me lesson plan, make problem sets for the classes I'm TAing for, as well as to do simple work tasks like translate or cut out fluff out of my writing to reach a particular word count. Yet as much as I know it's helped me, I have a lot of questions about how AI fits into a Reformed theological framework. And despite how AI has radically changed how I work and study as a young adult and graduate student, I haven't witnessed nearly as substantial discussion about the technology in church or ministry. In a tradition so steeped in the Word and its importance, what's the implication of a machine that can produce high-quality written work in a fraction of the time as a human?

So I thought I'd put out feelers: What do folks on the Network think about AI that is trained to produce human language? Have you used AI at all in ministry? Has it helped, harmed, or done a little bit of both? I'm curious to see everyone's responses! And if you have read any good books, seen any good podcasts or videos, or found other helpful resources to explore this topic, feel free to share that, too.

(And, just for the record, this whole post was written without any generative AI help).