AI in the Pulpit: A Church Service Created Entirely by Artificial Intelligence

In a bold experiment that merges technology and faith, Rev. Dwight Lee Wolter of the Congregational Church of Patchogue, Long Island, led an entire church service written by artificial intelligence (AI) on July 14. Using the AI program ChatGPT, the service included a call to worship, prayers, hymns, and a sermon, raising questions about the role of AI in the future of church leadership and worship.

Wolter’s goal was to replace fear and resistance to AI with curiosity and open-mindedness. He acknowledged that while AI may seem controversial, it is already present in many churches, assisting with tasks like research, writing, and administration. His AI-led service aimed to explore how AI might shape the future of church life.

The service attracted a curious congregation, and despite some initial hesitation, Wolter reports that the experience was well-received. Music for the service, generated by AI from a one-line prompt, helped set a calm and welcoming tone. Wolter also took moments during the service to explain how AI works, comparing it to commonly used technologies like Amazon’s Alexa.

Although Wolter intentionally avoided making the service about AI, he will host a follow-up discussion with his congregation on July 21 to gather feedback and explore how AI could be used in ministry. This service will be streamed live on the church’s Facebook page.

Wolter believes that AI will continue to have a profound impact on various aspects of church life, including ministry, community, and even the way people cope with loneliness. As the world moves forward, Wolter encourages churches to embrace AI as a tool that can support their mission in times of clergy shortages and changing congregational needs.

For more on this unique experiment, you can read the full article on United Church of Christ.