Detroit’s Black Churches Embrace Technology to Enhance Ministry and Connect Communities

Detroit’s Black churches are experiencing a digital revolution, as new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) reshape how religious institutions serve their communities. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a major catalyst, pushing these churches to adopt digital tools for the safety of their congregants. Even as the pandemic’s effects have diminished, the technology-driven approaches have become an enduring part of their ministry, transforming how these churches connect with their members and address critical community issues.

As part of American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series, host Stephen Henderson sat down with two prominent Detroit pastors to discuss how their churches have adapted to these new technologies. Rev. Carnel Richardson of New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Aramis Hinds of Breakers Covenant Church International shared their insights on the journey from in-person worship to online platforms, and how the pandemic accelerated their digital transformation.

Both pastors acknowledged that the adoption of technology has not only enabled their churches to continue serving their communities during the pandemic but has also opened up new ways to engage with a broader audience. These tools have allowed for more effective outreach and deeper connections with people who may not have been able to participate in traditional, in-person services.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the role of AI in modern ministry. The pastors emphasized the need for their congregations to remain vigilant, carefully considering how AI and other emerging technologies are used. While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI, they also expressed concern about how it could be misused for manipulation or harm. Both leaders stressed that while innovation can be useful, it must never be placed above the core principles of faith and devotion to God.

The conversation highlighted the balance that churches must strike in integrating technology while staying true to their spiritual mission. For Detroit’s Black churches, technology has become more than just a tool for survival—it’s a powerful means of advancing their ministry and addressing the evolving needs of their communities.

For more on this story, you can read the full article on Detroit PBS.