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AI Goes to Church: Pastoral Wisdom for Artificial Intelligence
Thinking Theologically About Artificial Intelligence
AI Goes to Church unpacks one of the most significant technological advancements of our time—artificial intelligence—and what it means for the ministry. More than just another tech fad, AI presents both profound challenges and extraordinary opportunities for the church. This book equips pastors, ministry leaders, and thoughtful laypeople to engage with AI through a biblical and theological lens, fostering human flourishing while remaining grounded in Christ's teachings.
Writing in an accessible, nontechnical style, pastor and missiologist Todd Korpi seamlessly integrates theological reflection with practical application. Whether you're grappling with ethical concerns, curious about leveraging AI for mission, or simply seeking clarity in this rapidly changing landscape, this book provides the guidance you need to steward AI wisely in service of God's kingdom.
With its emphasis on thoughtful, lasting principles over fleeting technical hacks, AI Goes to Church serves as your road map to faithfully navigating the complexities of faith, technology, and human flourishing.
In AI Goes to Church, you'll
A Theological Gain a deep understanding of how AI intersects with Christian theology, exploring implications for human identity, the image of God, and the church's mission.Ethical Learn to critically evaluate AI's potential to enhance human flourishing while remaining vigilant to its risks, such as harm to vulnerable populations.Practical Explore actionable insights for leveraging AI in areas like discipleship and mission, while staying true to the gospel.A Missional Understand how to see digital spaces as mission fields and use AI creatively to engage those who might not be reached otherwise.Hopeful Approach the technological age with confidence, holding on to biblical principles while discerning how to innovate with integrity.AI represents a profound challenge—but also extraordinary opportunities—for today's church. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or thoughtful believer—discover how faith and technology can intersect in meaningful ways. Get your copy of AI Goes to Church today and navigate this new era with a gospel-centered vision.
AI Goes to Church unpacks one of the most significant technological advancements of our time—artificial intelligence—and what it means for the ministry. More than just another tech fad, AI presents both profound challenges and extraordinary opportunities for the church. This book equips pastors, ministry leaders, and thoughtful laypeople to engage with AI through a biblical and theological lens, fostering human flourishing while remaining grounded in Christ's teachings.
Writing in an accessible, nontechnical style, pastor and missiologist Todd Korpi seamlessly integrates theological reflection with practical application. Whether you're grappling with ethical concerns, curious about leveraging AI for mission, or simply seeking clarity in this rapidly changing landscape, this book provides the guidance you need to steward AI wisely in service of God's kingdom.
With its emphasis on thoughtful, lasting principles over fleeting technical hacks, AI Goes to Church serves as your road map to faithfully navigating the complexities of faith, technology, and human flourishing.
In AI Goes to Church, you'll
A Theological Gain a deep understanding of how AI intersects with Christian theology, exploring implications for human identity, the image of God, and the church's mission.Ethical Learn to critically evaluate AI's potential to enhance human flourishing while remaining vigilant to its risks, such as harm to vulnerable populations.Practical Explore actionable insights for leveraging AI in areas like discipleship and mission, while staying true to the gospel.A Missional Understand how to see digital spaces as mission fields and use AI creatively to engage those who might not be reached otherwise.Hopeful Approach the technological age with confidence, holding on to biblical principles while discerning how to innovate with integrity.AI represents a profound challenge—but also extraordinary opportunities—for today's church. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or thoughtful believer—discover how faith and technology can intersect in meaningful ways. Get your copy of AI Goes to Church today and navigate this new era with a gospel-centered vision.
- GenresChristian Non Fiction
240 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2025
13 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 16, 2026
This is the first book I've read on AI from a Christian perspective, and it was excellent. Todd Korpi does an outstanding job avoiding both hysteria and apathy regarding AI and the future. Addressing topics like AI and ethics, the future of work, pastoral care, social justice, and Christian higher education, Korpi helps readers think practically about the future we're facing—one that's arriving sooner than we think (and in many ways is already here).
Throughout the book, he points us back to our ultimate hope in Jesus and explores how the church can continue to partner with God using new and important AI tools. Any pastor or Christian leader wondering how AI will and should impact the church would benefit greatly from this book.
Great quotes:
“If the people in our churches and in our ministries are going to use Al in greater and greater capacities as the technology evolves (and they will, isn't dialoguing about what it means to steward Al from a Christian perspective a matter of urgent discipleship? If our commission is to join the Holy Spirit in his reconciliatory mission in the world, beckoning people to be reconciled to the Father through the victory and present reign of Christ (and it is), shouldn't we explore how AI can aid in our participation in that mission?”p7
“If we're to affirm the image-bearing status humanity possesses by virtue of God's providence and authority, then we must affirm that "humanness" is not something that can be attained, but rather an ontological (concerning one's innate being) and teleological (concerning one's function or purpose) designation given by God. Thus, to the great lament of Lt. Commander Data, the future capacity for an artificial being to learn, become self-aware, possess emotion, or any other anthropomorphic qualities may cause them to be like humans, but the capacity to be human is something assigned by God.” p57
“The future I long to see is one where God's people steward AI in such a way that it makes space in our lives for deeper human-to-human connection. If the future promises us humanoid robots who can cook and clean for us, then by all means let's use that freed time for meaningful dialogue with our spouse and children, to make music and art, to write poetry, to bake a pie for our neighbor, to plant a community garden, or to volunteer at a senior center. Let our Al future break us free from the shackles of outdated approaches to work and call us toward something meaningful and people-prioritizing.”p200
Throughout the book, he points us back to our ultimate hope in Jesus and explores how the church can continue to partner with God using new and important AI tools. Any pastor or Christian leader wondering how AI will and should impact the church would benefit greatly from this book.
Great quotes:
“If the people in our churches and in our ministries are going to use Al in greater and greater capacities as the technology evolves (and they will, isn't dialoguing about what it means to steward Al from a Christian perspective a matter of urgent discipleship? If our commission is to join the Holy Spirit in his reconciliatory mission in the world, beckoning people to be reconciled to the Father through the victory and present reign of Christ (and it is), shouldn't we explore how AI can aid in our participation in that mission?”p7
“If we're to affirm the image-bearing status humanity possesses by virtue of God's providence and authority, then we must affirm that "humanness" is not something that can be attained, but rather an ontological (concerning one's innate being) and teleological (concerning one's function or purpose) designation given by God. Thus, to the great lament of Lt. Commander Data, the future capacity for an artificial being to learn, become self-aware, possess emotion, or any other anthropomorphic qualities may cause them to be like humans, but the capacity to be human is something assigned by God.” p57
“The future I long to see is one where God's people steward AI in such a way that it makes space in our lives for deeper human-to-human connection. If the future promises us humanoid robots who can cook and clean for us, then by all means let's use that freed time for meaningful dialogue with our spouse and children, to make music and art, to write poetry, to bake a pie for our neighbor, to plant a community garden, or to volunteer at a senior center. Let our Al future break us free from the shackles of outdated approaches to work and call us toward something meaningful and people-prioritizing.”p200
October 6, 2025
In AI Goes to Church, Todd Korpi presents pastoral wisdom for artificial intelligence. This is a thought-provoking book that pushes the conversation of how Christians live in a world with AI.
Foundational Principles
Interestingly, Korpi categorizes AI with the same sort of designation we use for plant and animal life, recognizing that those who are created in the image of God are responsible to steward our resources appropriately and carefully.
Korpi offers several foundational principles that should shape our theological ethics of AI and of a world in which humans coexist with AI: (1) the image of God, (2) the goodness of creation, (3) the mission of God, (4) inaugurated eschatological hope, (5) power and the kingdom, and (6) human connection and culture care.
Mission and Work
I was most interested to see how Korpi relates AI to the mission of the church, especially in how it pertains to translation and accessibility, content personalization, AI frontline contact, predictive engagement, and forming people for mission.
I was particularly intrigued by the idea of how AI can counteract human toil. Korpi challenges the local church to navigate a shift away from the current commitment to toil and bondage to mechanical time, and instead to leverage the benefits of technology for the purpose of human flourishing.
Thinking Carefully as a Christian
Korpi takes AI into the realm of pastoral care. While I am much slower to embrace Korpi’s conclusions regarding the use of AI in basic counseling roles, I appreciate his desire to alleviate some of the routine functions of a pastor’s week.
I don’t agree with everything Korpi presents in this book. However, I see the value in thoughtfully engaging with these issues, and I can understand where he is coming from. Reading this book brought to my attention topics I had not previously considered, and it has given me the opportunity to reflect on them carefully and thoroughly as a Christian.
I received a media copy of AI Goes to Church and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
Foundational Principles
Interestingly, Korpi categorizes AI with the same sort of designation we use for plant and animal life, recognizing that those who are created in the image of God are responsible to steward our resources appropriately and carefully.
Korpi offers several foundational principles that should shape our theological ethics of AI and of a world in which humans coexist with AI: (1) the image of God, (2) the goodness of creation, (3) the mission of God, (4) inaugurated eschatological hope, (5) power and the kingdom, and (6) human connection and culture care.
Mission and Work
I was most interested to see how Korpi relates AI to the mission of the church, especially in how it pertains to translation and accessibility, content personalization, AI frontline contact, predictive engagement, and forming people for mission.
I was particularly intrigued by the idea of how AI can counteract human toil. Korpi challenges the local church to navigate a shift away from the current commitment to toil and bondage to mechanical time, and instead to leverage the benefits of technology for the purpose of human flourishing.
Thinking Carefully as a Christian
Korpi takes AI into the realm of pastoral care. While I am much slower to embrace Korpi’s conclusions regarding the use of AI in basic counseling roles, I appreciate his desire to alleviate some of the routine functions of a pastor’s week.
I don’t agree with everything Korpi presents in this book. However, I see the value in thoughtfully engaging with these issues, and I can understand where he is coming from. Reading this book brought to my attention topics I had not previously considered, and it has given me the opportunity to reflect on them carefully and thoroughly as a Christian.
I received a media copy of AI Goes to Church and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
October 24, 2025
"AI Goes To Church" by Todd Korpi is a great read on the reality of AI's presence in life, including the church. The author covers many topics and thoughts on "digital ministry", including:
- Different categories and types of AI.
- Before diving into AI, we need to understand what it means to be human.
- Foundational principles about the theological ethics of AI.
- Truths to remember when using AI to accomplish God's mission for the church and the world.
- Ways AI can tie into social justice.
- While AI can be helpful, be careful about being too dependent on AI lest we grow lazy and spiritually complacent.
- How AI can help pastors since their workload and congregational expectations are greater than years ago.
- Ways AI has caused shifts in the way educators think today.
- Various ways humans differ from AI.
- AI trends and different kinds of AI tools ministers can use.
The title is easy to read, very informative about the reality of AI and how it can help the church, includes a very helpful bibliography and footnotes section for further study, and is very informative. Like it or not, AI is here to stay and those in the church need to learn more about it without being overwhelmed.
Highly recommended.
I was given a review copy by IVP in exchange for a fair review and appreciate the opportunity.
- Different categories and types of AI.
- Before diving into AI, we need to understand what it means to be human.
- Foundational principles about the theological ethics of AI.
- Truths to remember when using AI to accomplish God's mission for the church and the world.
- Ways AI can tie into social justice.
- While AI can be helpful, be careful about being too dependent on AI lest we grow lazy and spiritually complacent.
- How AI can help pastors since their workload and congregational expectations are greater than years ago.
- Ways AI has caused shifts in the way educators think today.
- Various ways humans differ from AI.
- AI trends and different kinds of AI tools ministers can use.
The title is easy to read, very informative about the reality of AI and how it can help the church, includes a very helpful bibliography and footnotes section for further study, and is very informative. Like it or not, AI is here to stay and those in the church need to learn more about it without being overwhelmed.
Highly recommended.
I was given a review copy by IVP in exchange for a fair review and appreciate the opportunity.
November 25, 2025
Todd Korpi’s AI Goes to Church: Pastoral Wisdom for Artificial Intelligence (2024) is a practical and theological exploration of how pastors and churches can engage with artificial intelligence.
AI Goes to Church is best described as a pastoral primer on AI, offering theological grounding, ethical reflection, and practical advice. Its central message is clear: AI must be engaged with wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to human dignity and God’s mission, rather than fear or fascination.
AI Goes to Church is best described as a pastoral primer on AI, offering theological grounding, ethical reflection, and practical advice. Its central message is clear: AI must be engaged with wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to human dignity and God’s mission, rather than fear or fascination.
January 5, 2026
I am trying to develop a theological stance on AI and this was the first resource I jumped into. It’s long winded and burying good points in long preambles. Overall, helpful to start this journey but not the best resource.
January 18, 2026
The book had some helpful ideas. The chapter on AI Theology & Ethics was excellent. In the end, I disagreed with most of his conclusions because I am far less optimistic than he is about the use and future of AI - especially in ministry contexts.
December 26, 2025
A Must Read for Christian Formation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The author clearly lays out for the Big C church a strategy for engaging AI for the tool that it is.
The author clearly lays out for the Big C church a strategy for engaging AI for the tool that it is.
January 3, 2026
A book which offers more questions and topics for discernment than clear steps forward or broader Christian-based answers.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews