Many NZ churches using AI, but some concerns remain

A survey referenced by Carey Centre for Lifelong Learning researchers gathered insights from 55 pastors and ministry leaders, showing that most are using the technology regularly (36 per cent) or occasionally (33 per cent).

Sermon preparation is the primary area of engagement – particularly for research, structuring ideas and generating illustrations. Beyond this, pastors are using AI to assist with devotionals, study materials, emails and presentations.

The most popular tool used by survey participants was ChatGPT, followed by Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini.

It was noted that most of the churches represented – 49 out of 55 – have no formal policy or guidance for AI use. Three-quarters of respondents expressed a lack of confidence in using these tools, highlighting the need for greater education.

Pastors’ primary concerns regarding AI include the risk of misinformation, loss of authenticity of voice and ethical and theological concerns. Many are asking questions such as: If AI helps shape my sermon, is it still truly my work? Beneath that lies a deeper concern about whether the drive for efficiency might quietly erode dependence on the Holy Spirit. These concerns reveal a desire to steward new tools without compromising ethical Spirt-led ministry.

Pastors need models that guide a “human plus AI” approach, the researchers stated, where AI serves as an assistant, not an authority.

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AI assisted ministry (Glenn Melville and Lily Melville/Baptist Churches of NZ)