Theology of AI Resource Guide
A curated library of 150 resources for church leaders navigating artificial intelligence — from theological foundations to practical tools to community protection.
Resources to help church leaders theologically engage artificial intelligence — examining Imago Dei, human creativity, ethics, and the nature of intelligence itself.
Missional AI Conference 2026
The premier global gathering for Christian leaders exploring AI and Kingdom impact. The 2026 summit (April 7–9, Silicon Valley/San Jose) features theological frameworks grounded in Scripture, Christian AI ethicists, and Spirit-integrated worship. Especially relevant for Bay Area church leaders.
Christianity Today — AI Issue (July/August 2025)
CT’s landmark AI-focused issue, anchored by Russell Moore’s cover essay. Gathers futurists, theologians, artists, and practitioners on how technology shapes us. Contributors include Miroslav Volf on transhumanism, Kelly Kapic on efficiency vs. purpose, and Makoto Fujimura on beauty and justice.
4AI Cohort — Faith Work Tech
A cohort-based course equipping church and ministry leaders with a four-part framework for navigating AI faithfully. Taught by Paul Taylor, the course provides the theological scaffolding behind TELOS’s CONSIDER, LEVERAGE, and PROTECT structure.
AI & Faith
A multifaith organization bringing time-tested, faith-based values to the ethical AI conversation. Connects and equips technologists, theologians, ethicists, and faith leaders. Hosts events, research, and a member directory of scholars at the intersection of faith and technology.
Notre Dame DELTA Framework
Launched at Notre Dame’s September 2025 Summit on AI, Faith, and Human Flourishing. DELTA stands for Dignity, Embodiment, Love, Transcendence, and Agency — five pillars drawn from Christian tradition. Backed by a $50.8M Lilly Endowment grant.
The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity
Jason Thacker (ERLC) builds a theological framework rooted in the imago Dei and the Great Commandment for addressing every major AI question. The go-to theological introduction to AI for pastors and church leaders.
The Life We’re Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World
Andy Crouch argues that the deepest human longing is for personal, knowing, loving relationship — and that technology increasingly promises this while delivering only its simulacrum. The most theologically rich recent book on what it means to be human in a technological age.
2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity
Oxford mathematician and Christian apologist John Lennox provides a compelling response to the biggest philosophical and theological questions raised by AI and transhumanism. Engages thinkers like Harari, Kurzweil, and Bostrom.
Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age
By Jay Kim, lead pastor at WestGate Church in Silicon Valley. Asks how followers of Jesus should cultivate contentment, resilience, and wisdom as the digital age inclines us toward the opposite. Locally and theologically relevant for Bay Area church leaders.
“An Image of God for an Era of AI” — Russell Moore
The cover essay from CT’s July 2025 AI issue. Moore argues that what makes humans different from machines is not efficiency or intelligence but our identity as image-bearers. Free to read online; accessible enough to assign as required reading.
“Evangelical Statement of Principles on AI” — ERLC
The first major evangelical statement on AI ethics, signed by 70+ faith leaders in 2019. Addresses human dignity, data privacy, warfare, bias, labor, and the distinction between human and artificial intelligence from a biblical worldview. Free to download.
Notre Dame Summit on AI, Faith, and Human Flourishing (Sept 2025)
The landmark September 2025 summit that launched the DELTA framework, featuring Catholic and ecumenical theologians, AI researchers, and educators. Keynote livestream recordings are available. Represents the Catholic Church’s most serious institutional engagement with AI to date.
Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age
Jay Kim’s first book — written from his experience as a Silicon Valley pastor — grapples with how digital culture reshapes worship, community, and Scripture engagement. Foundational for thinking about AI’s effect on church life.
God, Technology, and the Christian Life
Crossway, 2022. Tony Reinke (Desiring God) draws from nine key scriptural texts and engages Calvin, Bavinck, Berry, and Musk to dismantle twelve myths Christians hold about technology. Reformed-flavored and practical.
Shaping a Digital World: Faith, Culture and Computer Technology
IVP Academic, 2013. Derek Schuurman (Calvin University) situates computer technology within the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. A shorter, foundational text ideal for study groups.
From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology
Kregel, 2011. John Dyer (DTS) traces a theology of technology from Genesis to Revelation, arguing technology is not neutral — it shapes us even as we shape it. An essential foundational text.
Following Jesus in a Digital Age
B&H Books, 2022. Jason Thacker’s more accessible companion to The Age of AI, written for everyday believers and small groups. Ideal for adult Sunday school or a church small group series.
Art and Faith: A Theology of Making
Yale UP, 2021. Makoto Fujimura — 2023 Kuyper Prize recipient — offers a rich theology of human creativity. In a GenAI moment that threatens to commodify creativity, this book offers a counter-vision of making as sacred, costly, and distinctly human.
Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age
IVP, 2021. Felicia Wu Song (Westmont College) examines how our relationship with devices reshapes personhood, community, and spiritual life. Grounded in social science and Christian anthropology.
The Tech-Wise Family
Baker Books, 2017. Andy Crouch’s practical guide for families navigating screens and devices from a Christian framework. Barna Group research-backed. Still one of the most widely read resources for church families.
“Antiqua et Nova” — Vatican Document on AI (Jan 2025)
Released by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved by Pope Francis. Addresses the nature of human intelligence vs. artificial intelligence, insisting that true intelligence is spiritual, embodied, and relational. The most authoritative Catholic statement on AI.
“Technology and the Church” — Free Mini-Course by John Dyer (DTS)
A free four-lesson mini-course from Dallas Theological Seminary. Covers how technology shapes Christian life — from AI and social media to architecture and digital Bibles. Self-paced and accessible to anyone.
Wisdom in the Age of AI Conference — Calvin University (Oct 2026)
October 8–10, 2026 in Grand Rapids. Co-sponsored by the CCCU. Six focused tracks cover AI in education, church, business, healthcare, the arts, and technology. A more academic complement to Missional AI.
ERLC (Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission) AI Resources
The SBC’s primary ethics organization has produced more evangelical resources on AI than any other organization. Jason Thacker leads their AI ethics work. A one-stop shop for evangelical theology of AI.
NAE (National Association of Evangelicals) AI Hub
Multiple articles, podcasts, and statements on AI, including a podcast interview with Andy Crouch on “Redemptive AI.” Represents 45,000 churches across 40 denominations.
Lausanne Movement AI & Mission Resources
November 2024 Global Analysis focused on AI’s impact on global mission, drawing from 1,030 mission leaders across 119 countries. Proposes a four-part ethical framework for ministry AI use.
“The Ultimate Guide to AI for Pastors and the Church” — Carey Nieuwhof
A comprehensive, free guide co-authored with Kenny Jahng giving pastors a practical and theological orientation to generative AI. Widely shared among pastoral networks.
“AI and the Church: How Pastors Can Lead with Wisdom” — Barna Group
Barna’s landmark research on AI adoption among U.S. pastors. Key findings: 77% believe God can use AI; only 12% comfortable with AI-written sermons; 30% of adults trust spiritual advice from AI as much as from a pastor.
“The Work of Our Hands” — ERLC AI Ministry Guide
A free, scenario-based ministry guide giving church leaders a theological framework for twelve specific AI scenarios in ministry. Covers AI in discipleship, education, counseling, and family ministry.
Missional AI Podcast
Deep-dive conversations with Christian AI ethicists, theologians, tech professionals, and mission leaders. Free on all major podcast platforms.
“Redemptive Artificial Intelligence” — NAE Podcast with Andy Crouch
A key conversation between Andy Crouch and the NAE exploring what “redemptive AI” might look like — technology shaped by Kingdom values rather than merely market values.
Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast — AI Episodes
Multiple episodes on AI and the church with tech leaders, futurists, and pastors. One of the most downloaded church leadership podcasts in the world.
Colson Center / Breakpoint — AI & Worldview Articles
Extensive worldview analysis on AI covering intelligence, creativity, human uniqueness, transhumanism, and spiritual deception. Their “Church in an AI Future” series is a standout. Free and accessible.
Christianity Today AI Topic Hub
CT’s continuously updated collection of AI articles. Notable: “AI Won’t Get Us to Heaven” (Oct 2025), “When We Make Intelligence in Our Image” (Jul 2025), and “AI Will Shape Your Soul” (Sep 2023). Bookmarkable for ongoing reading.
First Things — AI and Theology Articles
The leading Catholic/ecumenical journal of religion and public life. Serious theological essays on AI, human dignity, transhumanism, and the soul from Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions.
Praxis — Redemptive Entrepreneurship
Andy Crouch’s organization helping Christians in tech and business build technologies that serve human flourishing. Hosts events, publishes essays, and supports founders. Key for Bay Area church leaders who also work in tech.
The Gospel Coalition — AI Articles Collection
Steady stream of AI articles including “Can You Rely on AI for Theology?,” “4 Questions Pastors Should Ask Before Using AI,” and pieces on AI worship and digital discipleship. Free and Reformed-evangelical.
John Dyer — Theology, Technology, Society (Blog)
John Dyer (DTS) maintains one of the most theologically rigorous blogs on faith and technology. Includes annual roundups, essays on AI in theological education, and resources on digital formation.
Jason Thacker — Website and Blog
Articles, book recommendations, podcast episodes, and speaking content on AI ethics from an evangelical Christian perspective. The most prolific evangelical author on AI ethics.
AI for Churches Podcast
Hosted by Cassandra Robinson. Airs twice monthly with church leaders and AI innovators. Covers both practical AI application and Christian thought leadership.
Church Tech Today Podcast with Kenny Jahng
Covers AI and digital ministry for church leaders with best practices, theological reflection, and pastor interviews. Kenny Jahng is one of the most connected voices in church-tech.
Pastors.ai
A free AI platform that turns church sermon videos into Bible study guides, devotionals, discussion questions, and chatbots. Raises important questions about creativity, pastoral voice, and AI-assisted ministry.
AI for Church Leaders Community
Membership and resource hub with workshops, recipes, and how-to guides for pastors and church staff. Includes a large Facebook group for sharing practical applications.
America Magazine — AI Coverage
The Jesuit Catholic magazine has published thoughtful theological and ethical articles on AI, including coverage of the Vatican AI document. A valuable supplemental Catholic perspective.
American Scientific Affiliation (ASA) — AI & Faith Resources
A network of Christians in science and technology bringing rigorous scientific thinking to theological questions. Organized multiple AI and faith events. Valuable for TELOS attendees who work in tech.
12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You
Crossway, 2017. Tony Reinke’s highly accessible book on smartphone formation. Its framework for understanding how devices shape attention, identity, and community applies directly to the GenAI moment. Excellent small group resource.
Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE)
Evangelical theological reflection on work, economics, and technology from a creation-mandate framework. Resources on AI and the future of work are directly relevant to pastoring congregations of tech workers.
“Digital Life: Reframing Christian Presence” — Lausanne
Scholarly occasional paper on how Christians can maintain faithful, embodied presence in a digitally mediated world. Addresses presence, community, witness, and formation.
“AI Won’t Get Us to Heaven. But It Might Be There When We Arrive.” — CT
A provocative October 2025 CT essay on AI and eschatology, critiquing technicism and dataism from a Reformed eschatological perspective.
“When We Make Intelligence in Our Image” — CT
July 2025 CT essay examining the creation mandate in light of generative AI — asking whether building AI is an extension of the mandate to “fill and subdue” the earth.
Resources, tools, and platforms helping ministry leaders harness AI to amplify gospel impact — from sermon prep to church management to communication.
Gloo AI Platform (CALLM, Aspen, Data Engine)
Gloo’s suite of AI tools built specifically for the faith ecosystem. CALLM (Christian-Aligned Large Language Model) provides faith-centered AI responses. Aspen offers AI-based search and chat personalized for faith-aligned answers. Data Engine helps churches analyze giving, attendance, and engagement data. Steele Billings (Chief AI Officer) leads AI strategy. Free and premium tiers available.
@thattechpastor / Justin Lester — PastorGPT & TheoXTech
Rev. Dr. Justin Lester (Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church, Vallejo, CA) is the creator of PastorGPT, an AI platform built to serve pastors and churches. He founded TheoXTech, a national conference exploring theology, innovation, and emerging technology. His That Tech Pastor AI Toolkit Collection offers 10+ downloadable AI toolkits for ministry. A Bay Area voice at the intersection of AI and pastoral ministry.
Church.tech — AI Tools for Church Staff
A suite of AI tools designed to help church staff spend less time with technology and more time with people. Offers AI-powered content creation, communications, and administrative tools purpose-built for ministry contexts. Growing rapidly among mid-size and large churches.
Pastors.ai — Free Sermon-to-Resource Platform
Enter a YouTube URL of your church service or upload a manuscript and receive AI-generated sermon clips, Bible studies, devotionals, discussion questions, and church chatbots within 30 minutes. Completely free. Turns one sermon into dozens of ministry resources without additional staff time.
Pulpit AI (Subsplash)
Instantly generates 20+ pieces of content from one sermon: social media clips with captions, small group discussion guides, daily devotionals, blog posts, newsletters, and sermon summaries with timestamps. Acquired by Subsplash in 2024 (Roper Technologies, $800M). Now available to Southeastern University ministry students.
Faith Assistant (Gloo) — Custom AI Chatbots for Churches
Creates custom AI models and chatbots trained on your church’s sermons and content. Captures prayer needs, gives biblical guidance, and drives community engagement. Free tier built on Gloo’s CALLM; enterprise options for larger ministries. Partners include Luis Palau Association, Concordia Church, The Christian Post.
ChatGPT for Churches Course — AI for Church Leaders
The #1 course on the basics of AI and how to use ChatGPT for ministry. Step-by-step recipes and workshops built with pastors and church staff in mind. Covers sermon prep, communications, social media, event planning, and administrative workflows.
The Church of AI — Justin Lester
By @thattechpastor Justin Lester. Explores theology, ethics, implications, and possibilities of artificial intelligence for the local church. Written by a pastor who uses AI daily in ministry — practical and theologically grounded. One of the few books written by a pastor actively deploying AI tools.
Exponential “AI in the Church” Resources
Exponential’s 2025 State of AI in the Church Survey Report (with ChurchTechToday) found 91% of church leaders support AI in ministry; 45% currently use it. Exponential offers live AI training tracks at their National and Global conferences. Reports, articles, and top-12 AI tools lists available free online.
Pushpay “2025 State of Church Tech” Report
Comprehensive annual report on how churches use technology. Key findings: 45% of leaders use AI (up 80% year-over-year); 86% say tech enhances participation and discipleship; 82% believe AI will make churches more effective in five years. Free to download.
Bobby Gruenewald / YouVersion on AI and the Church
YouVersion founder Bobby Gruenewald takes a cautious but measured approach to AI. He warns that churches are experimenting faster than understanding risks, and that AI chatbots are too opaque for spiritual formation. An essential counterbalance voice for responsible AI adoption. Featured at Gloo’s AI & the Church Hackathon.
“The Ultimate Guide to AI for Pastors and the Church” — Carey Nieuwhof
Comprehensive, free guide co-authored with Kenny Jahng. Gives pastors practical and theological orientation to generative AI. Covers benefits, challenges, ethics, and future implications. One of the most widely shared church AI resources.
AI for Church Leaders — Membership & Community
Workshops, step-by-step recipes, and a large Facebook group where thousands of pastors and church staff discuss AI for ministry. Features both free resources and a membership tier with advanced training.
ChurchTechToday — “10 Recommended AI Tools for Pastors”
Kenny Jahng’s ChurchTechToday publishes regularly updated lists of the best AI tools for pastors, including reviews of ChatGPT, Pulpit AI, Canva AI, and more. Also co-produced the Exponential State of AI survey. Essential bookmark for church tech decisions.
Kenny Jahng / Church Tech Today Podcast
Kenny Jahng is one of the most connected voices in the church-tech space. His podcast covers AI and digital ministry with best practices, theological reflection, and interviews. Co-authored the Nieuwhof AI guide and co-produced the Exponential AI survey.
Canva (Free Pro for Nonprofits)
Canva’s AI design tools (Magic Media, Magic Write) let church teams create professional social media graphics, sermon slides, event posters, and more. Canva Pro is free for eligible nonprofit churches. Its AI features generate images and text, adjust layouts, and export — all in one interface.
Church Canvas AI — Church Graphics Generator
An AI-powered graphics generator purpose-built for churches. Create sermon series artwork, social media posts, event graphics, and bulletin designs using AI. Understands church-specific design needs and language.
Gloo AI & the Church Hub
Gloo’s “Your AI Primer” is a comprehensive guide for church leaders covering everything from AI basics to advanced ministry applications. Includes articles, videos, and downloadable resources. Free.
Exponential Global 2026 Conference (AI Track)
The largest gathering of church planting leaders in the world. Includes dedicated AI tracks with live training, workshops, and networking. Thousands of church leaders attend annually for practical teaching on multiplication and innovation.
Subsplash Church App Platform
One of the leading church app platforms, now integrated with Pulpit AI following their 2024 acquisition. Offers AI-powered content generation, giving tools, streaming, and engagement analytics. Used by thousands of churches worldwide.
Planning Center
The most widely used church management platform. While not AI-native, its API integrations increasingly connect with AI tools for scheduling, volunteer management, and service planning. Essential infrastructure for any church tech stack.
“Enhancing Ministry with ChatGPT” — Lifeway
Lifeway’s practical guide on using ChatGPT in ministry contexts, particularly children’s and family ministry. Covers content creation, lesson planning, and parent communications. Free and accessible.
“Three Takeaways on How Pastors Can Use AI” — Barna
Barna’s focused research brief on pastoral AI adoption. Key insight: pastors who use AI report it saves 5–10 hours per week on administrative tasks, freeing time for relational ministry. Includes data on which tools pastors prefer.
“AI Policies Made Simple” Masterclass
A step-by-step masterclass helping churches create AI use policies for their staff and volunteers. Covers transparency, attribution, data privacy, and ethical guardrails. Essential for any church deploying AI tools.
YouVersion for Churches
YouVersion Bible App now offers YouVersion for Churches with church profiles, sermon linking, and engagement insights. Bobby Gruenewald’s team is cautious about AI integration but exploring trusted, ethical applications. Over 700M installs worldwide.
“Should We Bring AI into the Church?” — Christianity Today
CT’s May 2025 profile of Gloo’s AI initiatives, including interviews with Steele Billings and an examination of ethical questions around AI in worship, discipleship, and church operations. A balanced assessment.
Missional AI Conference 2026 (LEVERAGE Sessions)
Beyond the theological CONSIDER track, Missional AI offers practical LEVERAGE workshops and demos. Hands-on sessions let attendees try tools, hear from practitioners, and connect with church tech innovators. April 7–9, Silicon Valley.
Discipls / ChurchSocial.ai
AI-powered social media management for churches. Generates sermon clips, event posts, and graphics, then schedules them across platforms. Integrates with Canva designs. Designed specifically for church communications teams.
“Leveraging AI for Ministry — A New Tool for the Church”
leaders.church provides a comprehensive overview of how churches can leverage AI for sermon preparation, communications, counseling support, and strategic planning. Includes practical examples and ethical considerations.
MAGAI — AI for Churches Guide
A thorough guide covering everything churches need to know about AI, from basic concepts to advanced applications in ministry. Includes tool comparisons, use cases, and implementation strategies.
AI for Churches Podcast
Hosted by Cassandra Robinson. Bimonthly episodes with church leaders and innovators using AI to amplify the gospel. Balances practical application with biblical integrity. Good for ongoing learning.
“The Church AI Revolution: Why 91% of Pastors Are Betting on Big Tech” — Exponential
Exponential’s deep-dive into the 2025 State of AI in the Church survey data. Breaks down adoption rates, use cases, concerns, and opportunities by church size and denomination. Free and data-rich.
“Top 12 AI Tools for Pastors and Church Leaders in 2025” — Exponential
Exponential’s curated and reviewed list of the best AI tools for church ministry. Covers content creation, sermon prep, administration, design, and communications. Updated annually. Free.
“5 Strategic Ways Churches Can Implement AI Today” — Pushpay
Pushpay’s practical guide for churches ready to start using AI immediately. Covers communications automation, content creation, data analysis, volunteer coordination, and giving optimization.
“AI for Church Communications: From Overwhelmed to Automated” — Pushpay
A focused guide on using AI to streamline church communications. Covers email automation, social media scheduling, and personalized messaging. Practical for church comms teams.
“Navigating the Ethics of AI in Ministry and Sermon Writing” — Biola
Biola University’s thoughtful treatment of the ethical boundaries around AI-assisted sermon preparation. Addresses transparency, attribution, and the pastoral voice. Useful for developing church AI policies.
Google NotebookLM for Sermon Research
Google’s AI-powered research tool lets pastors upload commentaries, articles, and notes, then ask questions across all sources. Generates audio overviews (podcast-style summaries) of source material. Free and increasingly popular for sermon prep.
Claude (Anthropic) for Ministry Use
Anthropic’s Claude AI is known for more careful, nuanced responses than competitors — making it well-suited for theological and ethical questions in ministry contexts. Helpful for drafting curriculum, counseling prep, and theological research.
Otter.ai for Meeting Transcription
AI-powered meeting transcription and notes. Useful for church staff meetings, board meetings, counseling session notes (with consent), and sermon transcription. Integrates with Zoom and other platforms.
Descript for Video/Audio Editing
AI-powered video and audio editor that lets you edit media by editing text. Ideal for creating sermon clips, podcast episodes, and social media content. Remove filler words, create captions, and produce studio-quality audio.
Opus Clip for Social Video
AI that automatically finds the most compelling clips from long-form video (sermons, talks, panels) and creates short, captioned videos for social media. Increasingly used by church media teams to repurpose Sunday content.
FaithGPT
An AI-powered Bible study companion offering personalized Bible study, prayer journaling, and theological insights. Designed for individual believers who want AI-assisted spiritual formation.
faith.tools — Christian AI Tool Directory
A curated directory of Christian AI apps reviewed for biblical accuracy and theological alignment. Covers Bible study, sermon prep, prayer, translation, and more. Helpful for discovering new tools.
Gamma.app for Presentations
AI-powered presentation builder that creates professional slides from text prompts. Useful for sermon slides, teaching materials, and ministry presentations. Faster than traditional slide-building.
Igniter Media — Church Graphics for Canva
Professional church video and graphic templates optimized for Canva. Covers sermon series, holidays, events, and social media. Combines human design quality with Canva’s AI-powered editing.
“7 Practical Ways to Integrate AI into Youth Ministry” — Fuller Youth Institute
Fuller Youth Institute’s practical guide for youth pastors wanting to integrate AI responsibly. Covers lesson planning, parent communications, event logistics, and creative content generation.
“How Pushpay Is Using AI to Serve Church Leaders Better”
Inside look at how Pushpay integrates AI into their church management platform. Covers AI-powered giving insights, communication optimization, and predictive analytics for church health.
“How Ministry Leaders and Churches Are Embracing AI with Purpose & Faith” — Hartford
Hartford International’s research-based look at how seminary-trained leaders are approaching AI adoption. Balances enthusiasm with theological caution.
FaithBased.ai — AI Church Assistants and Chatbots
Provides AI church assistants and chatbots for ministries and businesses. Offers tools for community engagement, visitor follow-up, and automated responses trained on church-specific content.
“16 Best Church AI Tools Reviewed in 2026” — The Lead Pastor
Comprehensive, annually updated review of the best AI tools for church ministry. Covers pricing, features, pros/cons, and use cases. A practical starting point for church staff evaluating AI options.
Resources for protecting children, congregants, and communities from AI's harms — covering digital wellness, youth safety, AI policy, and ethical governance.
AI & Faith — Safety & Ethics Resources
AI & Faith has partnered with the Institute for Security and Technology and the Future of Life Institute to launch the Religious Voices and Responsible AI Initiative. They bring faith-based values — justice, dignity, compassion — to AI policy conversations, connecting technologists with faith leaders to advocate for responsible AI development and deployment.
Ron Ivey / Noēsis Collaborative
Founded by Ron Ivey (Harvard Human Flourishing Program Fellow, Global Solutions Initiative Fellow). Noēsis convenes cross-sector leaders — technologists, policymakers, researchers, and faith leaders — to shape how AI is built and governed. Developed product design principles for AI interactions with children, presented to the G20, and informing bipartisan Congressional policy.
Future of Life Institute — Religious Voices Initiative
FLI’s Religions Initiative explores how faith perspectives can inform responsible AI. They’ve funded grants for religious groups to voice faith-specific concerns about AI, and partnered with AI & Faith and the Institute for Security and Technology. Resources help clergy teach and adapt AI safety materials locally.
Protect Young Eyes
Explains digital trends, social media, and AI to families through live talks, courses, and community. Provides biblical worldview presentations for Christian schools. Co-authored the Child Device Protection bill (Utah, 2025). Their “Complete Guide to Deepfakes and AI for Caregivers” is essential for parents and youth pastors.
Common Sense Media — AI Resources for Families
AI product ratings, AI literacy curricula, and original research. Their November 2025 “Talking to Kids About AI” toolkit covers privacy, bias, misinformation, and human connection. Key finding: 75% of teens use AI companion chatbots, but only a third of parents know. Free resources for families and schools.
Parent ProTech
An education platform giving communities everything they need to protect kids online. Vast library of videos and guides on parental controls, social media, and AI. Partnered with school districts and county agencies across the U.S. Free subscriptions available through many school districts.
Center for Humane Technology
Founded by Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin. Their 2026 initiative “AI and What Makes Us Human” is their most ambitious. The Ledger of Harms documents technology’s negative effects on society. Their “AI Dilemma” presentation is widely viewed. Not explicitly Christian, but deeply aligned with human dignity concerns.
ERLC “Evangelical Statement of Principles on AI”
The foundational evangelical statement on AI ethics addresses data privacy, algorithmic bias, warfare, labor displacement, and the protection of human dignity. Its protection-focused articles cover surveillance, deepfakes, and the dangers of AI-generated content. Signed by 70+ faith leaders.
The Anxious Generation — Jonathan Haidt
Not AI-specific, but the most important book on technology’s impact on children and teens, backed by extensive research. Haidt documents the mental health crisis linked to smartphones and social media, and proposes four reforms. Essential context for the PROTECT track. New York Times #1 bestseller.
Axis.org — Parent Guides for Teens
Since 2007, Axis has helped millions of parents navigate conversations with teens about digital culture. Gospel-minded researchers and content creators provide weekly culture updates, downloadable conversation guides, and videos. Covers AI, social media, and digital wellness. Used widely in evangelical churches.
“AI and the Church: How Pastors Can Lead with Wisdom” — Barna Group
The protection-relevant findings: 30% of U.S. adults trust spiritual advice from AI as much as from a pastor; only 12% of pastors feel comfortable teaching on AI; congregations are navigating AI without pastoral guidance. Churches that don’t address AI risk losing trust and relevance.
“The Work of Our Hands” — ERLC AI Ministry Guide
The ERLC’s scenario-based guide directly addresses PROTECT concerns: AI in counseling, AI-generated misinformation, data privacy in small groups, surveillance, and the dangers of AI chatbots posing as spiritual guides. Free and designed for leadership team discussion.
“Antiqua et Nova” — Vatican Document on AI (Jan 2025)
The Vatican’s landmark document specifically addresses AI risks in education, healthcare, military use, and surveillance. Warns against reducing human intelligence to computation and insists on the irreducibility of conscience. The most authoritative Catholic statement on AI protection.
Notre Dame DELTA Framework (Protection Dimensions)
DELTA’s “Dignity” and “Agency” pillars directly address protection: ensuring AI doesn’t erode human dignity or diminish human agency. The framework offers evaluation criteria for any AI deployment in church, school, or family settings.
“Designing AI to Help Children Flourish” — Noēsis / G20 Policy Brief
Ron Ivey’s policy brief (with Harvard and USC co-authors) presented to the G20. Proposes an AI design paradigm promoting children’s social and relational development, international technical standards, and independent third-party testing. Now informing bipartisan Congressional legislation.
“Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Generative AI” — Common Sense Media
Covers what generative AI is, how kids use it, privacy risks, and how to have productive family conversations. Research shows families that discuss GenAI together help kids feel more confident using it safely. Free.
“The Complete Guide to Deepfakes and AI for Caregivers” — Protect Young Eyes
Practical, accessible guide covering what deepfakes are, how they affect children, 10+ mitigation strategies for families, and how to talk to kids about AI-generated content. Written for parents and youth workers, not tech experts.
“AI in Churches 2025: 91% Adoption Rate Reveals Dangerous Policy Gap” — Exponential
While 91% of church leaders support AI, 73% have no AI policy. This article unpacks the risks: data privacy, theological accuracy, pastoral credibility, and congregational trust. Essential wake-up call for church boards and leadership teams.
“Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Church AI Policy”
Church Executive’s practical guide walks churches through creating an AI use policy covering transparency, attribution, data privacy, ethical guardrails, and accountability. Includes template language and discussion questions for leadership teams.
“Why You Need an AI Policy for Church Before It’s Too Late” — ChurchTechToday
Kenny Jahng makes the case for proactive AI policy in churches. Covers the specific risks of unguided AI adoption: liability, misinformation, pastoral credibility, data breaches, and congregational trust erosion.
“AI Policies Made Simple” Masterclass — AI for Church Leaders
A step-by-step masterclass helping churches create comprehensive AI policies. Covers use-case guidelines by department, ethical boundaries, transparency requirements, and accountability structures.
The Tech-Wise Family — Andy Crouch
Though pre-ChatGPT, Crouch’s theological framework for family technology boundaries is directly applicable to the AI age. Barna-research backed. The most widely recommended resource for church families navigating technology. An essential companion to the PROTECT track.
Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place — Felicia Wu Song
Sociologist Felicia Wu Song examines how devices reshape personhood, community, and spiritual life. Her research on attention, distraction, and identity is directly relevant to understanding AI’s formative power on congregations.
HumanConnections.AI — Ron Ivey
Ron Ivey’s initiative launched in 2024 to ensure AI enhances human flourishing and strengthens social bonds rather than eroding them. Operates across interfaith networks bringing Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, and secular humanist voices to practical AI policy.
“Religious Voices and Responsible AI Initiative” — IST + AI & Faith + FLI
A joint initiative by the Institute for Security and Technology, AI & Faith, and the Future of Life Institute to equip religious leaders with accessible, high-quality AI safety materials. Translates core AI safety questions into resources clergy can teach locally.
“Faith, Ethics, and Human Dignity in an Age of Artificial Intelligence”
A broad interfaith call to action on AI and human dignity, addressing surveillance, bias, military AI, and the erosion of privacy. While originating from the Church of Jesus Christ, its principles of human dignity and ethical AI are shared across Christian traditions.
“Shaping the Future of AI and Religious Liberty” — Religion News Service
Examines how AI intersects with religious liberty: algorithmic bias against religious content, surveillance of religious minorities, and AI’s potential to suppress or distort religious expression. An under-discussed protection concern.
“AI and Human Futures: What Should Christians Think?” — CBHD
The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity (Trinity International University) examines AI through the lens of Christian bioethics. Covers human enhancement, brain-computer interfaces, and the boundaries of AI in healthcare and counseling.
“The Theological and Ethical Dangers of Using AI in Christian Settings” — Firebrand
Firebrand Magazine’s deep analysis of specific dangers: AI-generated theology, pastoral dependency on AI, loss of spiritual discernment, and the commodification of spiritual content. A useful corrective to uncritical AI adoption.
“AI’s Usefulness and Its Dangers for Preachers” — The Gospel Coalition
TGC’s balanced assessment of AI for sermon preparation. Addresses specific dangers: plagiarism, loss of pastoral voice, dependency, and the temptation to substitute AI research for personal study and prayer. Practical guardrails included.
12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You — Tony Reinke
Crossway, 2017. Reinke’s accessible, research-backed framework for understanding how devices shape attention, identity, and community. His twelve “ways” (distraction, approval-seeking, voyeurism, etc.) map directly onto AI risks. Excellent small group resource.
“Navigating AI and Faith: Concerns, Benefits and Practical Applications” — Children’s Ministry Basics
A practical resource for children’s ministry leaders covering AI’s impact on kids, content safety, age-appropriate conversations about AI, and how to equip parents. Includes a downloadable discussion guide.
“How Is Artificial Intelligence Shaping Children’s and Family Ministry?”
July 2025 update examining AI’s growing role in children’s and family ministry — both the opportunities and the risks. Covers AI-generated curriculum, chatbots for kids, and the importance of human-led spiritual formation.
“What Does Using AI For Good Look Like?” — Barna Group
Barna’s research on American attitudes toward AI ethics, including who should regulate AI, what “good” AI looks like, and what risks concern people most. Useful for understanding the congregational perspective churches need to address.
“A Rule of Life for Artificial Intelligence” — NAE
Hannah Eagleson offers a Christian framework for engaging AI through Sabbath rest, listening to users as image-bearers, and seeking justice — grounded in spiritual practices and community. A beautifully practical approach to AI boundaries.
Ledger of Harms — Center for Humane Technology
A comprehensive, continuously updated list of documented negative effects of technology on society: attention, mental health, democracy, children’s development, and more. Data-rich and sobering. Useful for sermon illustrations and leadership team education.
“The Dawn of the AI Era: Teens, Parents, and GenAI” — Common Sense Media
Research report on how teens and parents are adopting generative AI at home and school. Includes data on usage patterns, concerns, and knowledge gaps that churches can address.
“AI Literacy Toolkit for Families” — Common Sense / Day of AI
Free video and toolkit covering privacy, fairness, responsibility, and human connection in AI. Age-appropriate and designed for family conversations. Useful for children’s and youth ministry programming.
“Ryan Findlay” — (Referenced by TELOS planning team)
Referenced in TELOS conference planning. For more details, contact the TELOS planning team directly. Connected to AI & Faith and the broader Christian AI ethics conversation.
“Alan Marty” — Children & Youth AI Safety (Referenced by TELOS)
Referenced in TELOS conference planning as a PROTECT track speaker on children and youth. Alan Marty is working on AI safety issues affecting young people. Contact TELOS planning team for current resources and connections.
“Artificial Intelligence and Ministry to Young People” — Youthworks
Examines how AI is changing youth culture and what youth ministers need to know. Covers social media AI, chatbots, deepfakes, and the importance of embodied human relationships in discipleship.
“Christian Perspectives on AI and Technology Ethics”
A broad overview of Christian approaches to AI ethics, covering multiple denominational perspectives and ethical frameworks. Useful as an introductory resource for church study groups.
“Navigating the Rise of AI with God-Given Purpose” — Christianity.com / Breakpoint
Breakpoint’s practical framework for Christians approaching AI with purpose rather than fear. Covers the temptation to “one-up God” and the importance of maintaining human distinctiveness.
“Opportunities and Threats of AI in Christian Ministry” — MDPI Religions
A peer-reviewed interdisciplinary paper examining both opportunities and threats of AI in Christian ministry. Useful for academic depth and citation in church teaching.
AI Church Toolkit — Episcopal Priests’ Guide
Created by two Episcopal priests (Mercedes Clements and Peter Levenstrong). Equips church leaders — clergy and lay — with ethical frameworks for engaging AI responsibly and faithfully. Offers a mainline Protestant perspective.
“Human Dignity: What Does the Bible Say?” — The Gospel Coalition
TGC’s foundational article on the imago Dei — what the Bible says about human dignity and why it matters. Not AI-specific, but essential theological grounding for any PROTECT conversation.
Clean Cut Media — Parental Control Guide for Christian Families
Comprehensive guide to parental control apps reviewed for Christian families. Covers Bark, Qustodio, Covenant Eyes, and others. Includes AI filtering capabilities and monitoring features.
“AI and Other General Handbook Updates” — Church Handbook Guidance
December 2025 church handbook update providing official guidance on AI use in religious settings. Establishes that AI cannot replace individual spiritual work but can assist with research, editing, and translation.
“The AI Dilemma” — Center for Humane Technology (Video)
Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin’s widely viewed presentation on AI risks, drawing parallels to social media harms. A powerful resource for church leadership retreats and congregational awareness events.
“How U.S. Christians Feel About AI & the Church” — Barna
Barna’s research on how practicing Christians view AI in church settings. Key tensions: desire for pastoral AI guidance vs. discomfort with AI in worship; openness to AI admin tools vs. resistance to AI preaching.