How Should CRCNA Members Use AI in Ministry Settings?

Dr. Derek Schuurman,  who is a professor of Computer Science at Calvin University, has given a lot of thought to AI and its place in the public life. You can find some of his talks on the subject here, and I think he represents a Reformed perspective on this topic well. Technology has the capacity for great good, but also can create great problems, and we should be thoughtful about our engagement with it. 

So I think just asking the question about whether using it in ministry settings is appropriate is a good idea. I've heard of several pastors and other ministry staff who have started using it to see what it might apply to and found it very useful. However just because it's useful does not necessarily mean it is good. I think it would be better to take a more careful approach to integrating it. It could be appropriate, but it could carry lots of "hidden consequences" as you say. There should be more conversation about this.

I think at minimum, its use in ministry should be transparent. It should be clear that AI tools were used in the process of completing some work. I also think that there should be some conversation around the parameters of its use in ministry. A lot of the work of ministry is very personal, and if we're using a Large Language Model to generate our communication, it's removing a human element from our work. If it's going to be integrated into our work at all, it should be done so carefully.

Apart from other considerations, the accurancy or reliability of AI depends upon its source material. Consider this. I asked AI who Lucifer was and this is the response I received:

"In the Bible, Lucifer is identified as a fallen angel, specifically Satan, before his fall from grace. He was once a high-ranking angel in heaven, known as "the guardian cherub" and "the morning star," but rebelled against God and was cast out. Lucifer's Latin name means "light-bearer," while "Satan" in Hebrew means "adversary". The Bible describes his downfall as being due to pride and a desire to usurp God's authority, leading him to become the "accuser" and the chief adversary of God. "

Wrong! "Lucifer" is clearly the King of Babylon. The AI answer is common thought but completely inaccurate.

I have used AI to summarize matrail, but it has always been material which I have written or could verify as being truthful and accurate. Garbage in, garbage out.

I thought it would be interesting to see how an AI would answer this question.  This is an answer provided by ChatGPT:

That’s a thoughtful and timely question. While there’s no single official answer from the CRCNA (as of my last update), I can offer a response that reflects current thinking around faith, discernment, and the responsible use of technology in ministry settings.

Is it appropriate or advisable for members of the CRCNA to use AI in ministry settings?

Yes, it can be appropriate and advisable—but with thoughtful discernment, accountability, and a clear understanding of both the strengths and limitations of AI.

AI, when used wisely, can support ministry in very practical ways:

• Drafting worship service elements (like calls to worship, prayers, or litanies)
• Generating ideas for Sunday School or youth group resources
• Streamlining administrative tasks such as meeting minutes, proposals, or policy documents
• Providing accessibility tools (e.g., generating summaries, translating documents, or enhancing communication for people with disabilities)

These uses can free up time for relational, pastoral, and creative work that’s better done by people—not machines.

However, your caution is also wise. Here are some important considerations:

1. Discernment and Discipleship

AI should never replace Spirit-led discernment, biblical study, or the communal wisdom of the church. Tools like ChatGPT can support creativity and structure, but the theological and pastoral responsibility always rests with human leaders guided by the Holy Spirit.

2. Transparency and Accountability

If AI is used in shaping sermons, prayers, or policies, leaders should be transparent about it with councils and congregants. It’s also wise to fact-check and theologically vet AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with Scripture and Reformed theology.

3. Ethical Use

There are ongoing questions about how AI models are trained, including issues around copyright, bias, and labor practices. Churches may want to reflect on whether their use of AI supports justice and stewardship. Using AI tools responsibly can itself be a form of witness.

4. Formation, Not Substitution

Ministry is about forming disciples, not just getting tasks done. If AI becomes a shortcut that prevents church members from engaging deeply with Scripture, prayer, or one another, it may undermine the very work it intends to support.

In Summary:

AI is not inherently unfaithful or inappropriate. In fact, it can be a helpful gift when used in ways that align with the values of the Kingdom of God—truth, love, justice, humility, and service. For members of the CRCNA and other churches, the key is not whether AI is used, but how and why it’s used.

As with any tool, prayerful discernment, wise leadership, and communal conversation are essential.

If you're part of a church leadership team, this could be a great topic for a council discussion or adult education session. Technology is not going away—but how we use it can reflect our deepest beliefs.