Navigating AI in Ministry: Understanding the Personal Drivers of Comfort and Convenience
By Joel Murphy
“Advances in artificial intelligence have resulted in objects that deliver information, behave, or sound like humans and exude a more human feel. Therefore, the relationships between humans and technology have evolved, becoming more personal and complex” (Zimmerman et al., 2024, p. 1555)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been in existence since the 1960s, whether in the form of early chatbots or algorithmic music composition. But, with the emergence of ChatGPT from OpenAI, the “Pandora’s Box” of accessible and functional AI for the everyday person has been opened.
Without sounding too pessimistic or deterministic, AI has the capacity to reshape almost every part of our professional and personal lives. With promises of streamlined decision-making, greater accessibility, and time-saving efficiency, AI presents us with immense opportunities. However, areas of concern in AI adoption, such as cognitive offloading, dehumanization, bias, and privacy, all warrant consideration and reflection (Zhai et al., 2024; Xu, 2023).
With AI’s ability to support automation and increase human efficiency and productivity, the use of AI in the workplace is predominantly driven by economic and financial motivations (Trabelsi, 2024; Aguilar, 2024). Beyond the workplace, though, what are the drivers that contribute to an individual integrating AI into their personal life? As AI continues to shape the world, church leaders are uniquely positioned to help their communities embrace these tools in ways that enhance, rather than diminish, their spiritual journeys.
Convenience & Comfort in Daily Life
Considering Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, convenience and comfort would primarily fall under the “safety needs” level, as they contribute to a sense of security and stability–a key aspect of this tier. Maslow suggests that once “basic” needs like food and shelter are met, individuals naturally seek a comfortable and predictable environment, which includes convenience in daily life (Yang et al., 2023). It’s important to recognize that we have a natural desire for convenience and comfort, and this is not an inherently bad thing.
AI’s ability to reduce complexity and make life easier supports both a comfortable and relatively convenient life. From AI-powered personal assistants that simplify tasks, to recommendation algorithms that curate entertainment and shopping experiences, people turn to AI to create a smoother life which leads to a more comfortable and convenient life (Qiu et al., 2023). Again, this is not inherently wrong, but we do need to consider other impacts of AI’s promise of comfort and convenience.
First, let’s consider how our personal comfort and convenience could affect others and the broader world. For example, AI-powered automation in customer service and retail has led to significant job losses, as chatbots and self-checkout systems replace human workers (Trabelsi, 2024). On a global scale, these conveniences also raise concerns about environmental impact, as the data centers that power AI consume massive amounts of energy, contributing to carbon emissions (Biswas & Murray, 2024). Additionally, digital inequity is widening, with advanced AI tools disproportionately benefiting wealthier individuals and nations, while underprivileged communities face limited access to these technologies, exacerbating social and economic divides. Beyond these larger implications, with the advent of AI technology such as “AI companions”, “grief bots,” and “AI Jesus,” Christian leaders must consider how AI-supported convenience and comfort could impact healthy relationships, grief, or spiritual formation.
AI technology related to grief enables individuals to “speak” with deceased loved ones by sharing minimal content, bots can now replicate your loved one’s speech patterns. While this may offer some psychological benefits (Lindemann, 2022), the absence of professional oversight, policy regulations, and ethical safeguards raises serious concerns (Lim, 2024). A similar dynamic is emerging with AI companions, such as AI friends or counsellors, which are designed to simulate human relationships. It’s troubling that these technologies are primarily developed and controlled by for-profit companies. Their priorities often center on economic gain rather than the potential psychological risks associated with emotional attachment to AI.
AI technology, with its potential to simplify and streamline tasks, offers incredible opportunities, but it also raises critical questions about how these tools shape our relationships, spiritual practices, and understanding of community. As church leaders, it is crucial to engage thoughtfully with these technologies, discerning when they serve God’s kingdom and when they risk undermining the depth and intentionality of our faith.
Convenience & Comfort in the Christian Journey
Scripture and Christian tradition have wrestled with the role of convenience and comfort in the Christian journey since the dawn of creation. The journey of personal development and faith formation often is informed by discomfort and challenge which strongly contributes to growth and transformation (Crislip, 2022). Scripture calls us to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), practice sacrificial love (John 15:13), and engage in spiritual disciplines that require commitment and effort (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Authors such as Henri Nouwen, C.S. Lewis, and Sameet M. Kumar write extensively on the role of grief and loss in the Christian journey, where voices such as Ruth Haley Barton, Deitrich Bonhoeffer, and Jurgen Moltmann emphasize the role of discomfort and resiliency in Spiritual formation.
How can the church respond to this (pushing back or accepting)? How will you, as a leader, engage with these personal drivers (comfort & convenience) in your context? When church leaders thoughtfully engage with these forces, they can guide their communities in using AI in ways that align with God’s purposes. These conversations do not mean that you must agree and fully adopt AI, but instead it demonstrates a humility and willingness to engage in topics for the purpose of supporting your church community. The future of AI begins with conversations that are both hopeful and intentional. The future is not to be feared but engaged with faithfully.
What Church Leaders Can Do
To effectively navigate these personal drivers, church leaders can take the following steps:
- Engage with AI thoughtfully: Leaders should familiarize themselves with AI’s potential benefits and pitfalls to provide informed guidance.
- Teach discernment: Equip congregations to evaluate their use of AI through a lens of faith, emphasizing the importance of balancing convenience with spiritual depth.
- Create space for dialogue: Encourage open discussions about the role of AI in faith and life, inviting people to share their experiences and wrestle with questions of comfort and convenience.
- Model intentionality: Demonstrate ways to use AI tools responsibly while prioritizing relational and spiritual growth.
In conclusion, comfort and convenience are not inherently bad—God’s creation offers many gifts that bring ease and joy. Scripture reminds us that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17), inviting gratitude and discernment. Faith is not solely deepened through suffering, but when comfort becomes unexamined, it can hinder faith formation, community belonging, and spiritual freedom. By guiding people to reflect on the role of comfort and convenience in their lives, the church can foster a faithful and thoughtful approach to AI, rooted in God’s purposes for community, growth, and flourishing.
Acknowledgment of AI Assistance
This article was prepared with the assistance of ChatGPT-4o. The AI contributed to the organization of ideas, enhancement of clarity, and structure of content. The research supporting this blog was performed by Futuring Hub researchers. All revisions and content was critically reviewed, refined, and finalized by Joel Murphy to ensure alignment with the strategic goals and values of the Sandbox, Acadia Divinity College, and its stakeholders. The integration of AI in this process reflects ADC’s commitment to leveraging innovative tools in its pursuit of excellence and future-oriented theological education.
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