The Church's Response to AI
The future of the church may depend less on competing with technology
and more on showing up as fully human in ways that only people made in God‘s image can.
The Church's Response to AI was a breakout session led by Bryan Brock at Mid-Atlantic CBF's What's Next Conference, September 13, 2026 at Village Baptist Church.
Bryan shares five take aways from the session.
I. AI is already here and is being used.
A. We presented two text messages to an imaginary church member who had
just lost their brother. One of the messages was written by a human the other by AI. The group had a hard time telling which one was which.
B. The text from the AI said “we are praying for you”. We discussed what it
means to have an AI say it will pray for you and concluded that while an AI can sound compassionate and spiritual, only a human with soul can pray and really have meaning behind the words.
II. We examined Psalm 115 which describes idols with mouths than cannot speak and eyes that cannot see. In the end the Psalmist warns “those who make idols are just like them as are all who trust in them.” The church needs to be on the forefront of making sure technology does not become an idol.
III. While the Industrial Revolution took over 100 years to complete, the AI revolution is taking just decades or shorter. It is here now and will only increase. So what is the church’s response? Ultimately one phrase: be deeply human.
VI. We brainstormed ways that the church can be more human and lean into our
humanity in the face of AI.
We asked the question, what can the church do that AI cannot do?
A. Build Real Community
Pray for each other. Connect with each other. Build deep relationships.
B. Experience Time
Mark the seasons and times of life.
C. Express Awe
At nature. At what God is doing. Something that puts our attention on God and God alone.
D. Lament
AI cannot cry with you.
E. Create
AI collates but does not create. The church can lean into its artistic side –
being a home for artists and creatives.
F. Love
AI can only fake love. The church can be love in action.
Bottom line: The future of the church may depend less on competing with technology and more on showing up as fully human in ways that only people made in God‘s image can.