Churches across the UK are being encouraged to take a more intentional approach to artificial intelligence following the publication of new guidance designed to help Christian leaders navigate the opportunities and risks of rapidly evolving technology.
The AI Christian Partnership (AICP) has published “AI Guidelines for Christian Mission.” Developed in partnership with the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, this is a practical resource to help church leaders think carefully about how to use AI in ministry.
As AI is being “quietly implemented” in many churches, this guidance focuses on using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot across preaching, pastoral ministry, and church management.
It explores the ethical, pastoral, and practical implications of AI and provides recommendations for its everyday use, along with template statements that churches can adapt to clarify their position on AI.
Although written primarily for church leaders, the ethical principles and practical recommendations are relevant to all Christians, the authors say.
Chris Goswami, founder of AICP, warned that churches should not default to adopting AI.
“AI could be a great asset to ministry, but it could also leave us with a fast-food version of ministry,” he said. “As with social media, with hindsight, we may not see the impact of AI until much later. So we encourage forward-thinking churches to seriously consider this now.”
The guidelines were piloted with churches from four denominations earlier this year, reviewed by UK experts and revised based on feedback.
Among the themes considered are not only how churches should use AI, but also when they should choose not to use it.
The report highlights benefits such as management, research, translation, and creativity support. However, it also warns of risks such as inaccurate information, loss of critical thinking, data privacy concerns, diminished mental formation, and the potential for meaningful human interaction to be replaced by AI.
The document argues that AI can never replace human service because it lacks specificity, moral agency, and the capacity for “relationship with God.”
It also encourages churches to treat AI “as interns rather than experts,” recommending that materials generated by AI be carefully checked by humans and used primarily to critique and improve the work rather than to create it.
Ruth Bancewicz, director of church engagement at the Faraday Institute and member of the AICP core team, said churches need practical help to deal with AI responsibly.
“These guidelines are a welcome contribution that encourage Christians to approach AI thoughtfully and with accountability,” she said.
This resource aims to strike a balance between policy-focused documents, academic discussions on AI ethics, and oversimplified advice, making it accessible to churches of all sizes and traditions.
The publication comes amid growing debate over the role of AI in Christian ministry.
Last year, the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion launched the ‘AI for Humanity’ research hub, led by Graham Budd, to explore how advances in artificial intelligence could impact human dignity, relationships, spiritual formation and human nature.
The initiative brings together theologians, philosophers, psychologists, and computer scientists to explore ways to develop and use AI in ways that support, rather than stifle, human flourishing.
A study published earlier this year by Barna and Pushpay found that while many church leaders are already using AI to assist with tasks such as writing, communication, and content creation, relatively few churches have formal policies governing the use of AI.
The survey also found widespread concerns about plagiarism, data privacy, the authenticity of sermons, and the potential for erosion of trust between pastors and congregations.
This theme has also been raised by major Christian thinkers.
Speaking at the Christian Broadcasting Council’s Revive 2026 conference in London in May, Oxford mathematician John Lennox welcomed the potential of AI in fields such as medicine and Bible translation, but warned that over-reliance on technology could weaken critical thinking and effectively make society lazy. He also warned of the increasing risk of deception through misinformation and deepfakes.
