Wrestling With AI: Making More And Better Disciples

AI may have "knowledge," but it lacks wisdom

Having spent more than a decade teaching students at the High School, college, and graduate levels, I have developed a keen interest in AI and its possible impact — both positive and negative — on learning. At the same time, I’ve spent over two decades in pastoral ministry so I’m equally interested to explore the potential impact of AI — both positive and negative — on the way we choose to fulfill our missional purpose to make more and better disciples. Specifically, I want to look at the broad category of AI and its potential impact on how Christians read, interpret, and train others to live out the truth of Scripture.

My interest in the impact of AI on disciple-making was inspired by a recent online panel discussion where some highly influential Christian leaders discussed AI in ministry. This dialogue is relevant — not just because the panelists are respected leaders — but because it was also hosted by one of the most well-funded Christian magazines in the United States. Consequently, the ideas put forth by these men and women will have a wide reach. Here is what I see as the potential value and potential pitfalls of AI.