Will AI Replace Church Jobs? How to Respond Faithfully

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes many industries, church leaders are increasingly asking what roles in their ministries might be replaced by AI. A new article from Biblical Leadership identifies 12 church jobs that AI could likely impact in 2025, ranging from administrative and communication tasks to creative and technical functions.

Tasks most susceptible to automation include scheduling appointments, arranging travel, bookkeeping, data entry, creating sermon slides, developing curriculum, and handling newsletters, emails, and social media. AI could also assist with newcomer follow-up, matching individuals to small groups, and technical support. More controversially, AI tools might create liturgies, select worship songs, answer theological questions, aid sermon research, and evaluate ministry programs.

However, the article strongly warns that churches must not rush to replace volunteers and staff with AI tools without careful consideration. Many church roles are filled by people serving out of spiritual calling, not just fulfilling a task list. Citing passages from 1 Corinthians 12, the article emphasizes that the Holy Spirit distributes unique gifts to believers for service, mutual growth, and spiritual maturity.

Instead of replacing human service with AI for efficiency’s sake, leaders should follow two steps:

• Step 1: Talk with volunteers or staff currently serving. If they find joy in their work, they could act as a human safeguard to oversee AI outputs, which can sometimes produce inaccurate content.

• Step 2: If someone does not enjoy their current task, help redirect them into a new ministry role that matches their gifts and continues to foster their growth.

The central message is clear: while AI may be a helpful tool, it should never substitute for the deeper mission of the church — connecting people to one another and to God through service, growth, and fellowship.

For more details, refer to the original article on Biblical Leadership.