Guidance Issued for Churches on AI Usage by Southern Baptist Convention
In an era where technology is reshaping every facet of daily life, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention has released a comprehensive guide aimed at helping church leaders navigate the ethical complexities of artificial intelligence. This guide is part of a broader effort to ensure that emerging technologies complement, rather than replace, human ministry.
Entitled “The Work of Our Hands: Christian Ministry in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” the 39-page document was published on Thursday. It details general principles and potential scenarios churches might encounter as AI technology becomes more prevalent. A key caution from the document is against using AI to shortcut the development of wisdom and maturity, especially in sermon preparation.
“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,” the guide warns. It emphasizes that sermon development is a crucial process for refreshing and refining the preacher’s heart, best approached after thorough exegesis, research, and prayer.
The ERLC aims to provide tools for pastors and ministry leaders to shepherd their congregations amid technological changes impacting areas from family life to education and business. Jason Thacker, ERLC Senior Fellow, highlights the urgency of this guidance: “As we know, we can no longer keep the issues surrounding the ethical use of AI at arm’s length.”
RaShan Frost, director of research and senior fellow at ERLC, underscores the challenge of evolving technology outpacing our ethical understanding. He notes, “Thankfully, God’s Word provides us with timeless insights, commands and principles to draw from to guide us in all aspects of life and faith.”
The guide suggests theological and ethical principles derived from scripture to help church leaders navigate AI’s integration while cautioning against using AI in roles that might replace human ministry aspects. It advises that AI should complement the holistic transformation, including mind, body, and heart development.
The ERLC stresses, “AI must only be used in ways that complement [the] holistic transformation” and should not replace the rich community experience with God and others. The document underscores the importance of maintaining the dignity of all people and ensuring AI technologies serve as a tool for good.
As discussions on AI’s rapid development continue, The Christian Post, Colorado Christian University, and Gloo will host a summit titled “AI For Humanity: Navigating Ethics and Morality for a Flourishing Future” on October 7th. The event at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado, will offer keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at integrating AI responsibly within a faith-informed framework.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
