The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) has released a comprehensive guide titled “The Work of Our Hands: Christian Ministry in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” addressing how churches should navigate AI’s growing influence across work, life, and relationships. Written by RaShan Frost, the ERLC’s director of research, this resource builds on Southern Baptists’ pioneering work in AI ethics and provides both theological frameworks and practical ministry applications for congregations grappling with artificial intelligence.
Why this matters: As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life—from reasoning and decision-making to communications and learning—religious communities need guidance on how these technologies align with Christian values and human dignity.
Southern Baptist leadership in AI ethics: The denomination has been at the forefront of faith-based AI discussions for several years.
- In 2019, the ERLC released “Artificial Intelligence: An Evangelical Statement of Principles,” the first faith-based statement on AI ethics, signed by over 70 leaders from various sectors.
- Southern Baptists adopted the first denominational AI resolution in 2023, titled “On Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies.”
- This new practical guide represents the next phase of their work, offering churches accessible resources for addressing AI’s theological and ethical implications.
Core theological perspective: The guide frames technology, including AI, as a manifestation of humanity’s creation mandate to “cultivate and steward creation” from Genesis.
- Technology is presented as formative rather than neutral, actively shaping behaviors and values, often toward efficiency.
- “Technology transforms us into a particular type of person whose lives are shaped around its use,” Frost explains.
- The guide emphasizes that AI “amplifies our virtues and vices,” potentially facilitating behaviors that either honor God or serve worldly desires.
What churches need to consider: The resource addresses AI’s impact on fundamental aspects of human experience and ministry.
- AI now routinely performs tasks once considered uniquely human, including reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, communications, and learning.
- The technology has already transformed perceptions of interpersonal relationships, education, work, warfare, and human identity.
- Churches must develop “wisdom and discernment” for engaging AI while maintaining human dignity and fostering flourishing.
Practical ministry applications: Beyond theological frameworks, the guide provides scenario-based solutions for common church questions about AI implementation.
- The resource offers “pastorally and ethically driven solutions to pressing questions of AI” that congregations face.
- It serves the ERLC’s ministry assignment to equip Southern Baptist churches on ethical issues from a “distinctly biblical perspective.”
The bigger picture: This initiative reflects growing recognition among religious institutions that AI’s rapid advancement requires proactive theological engagement rather than reactive responses, positioning faith communities to shape rather than simply respond to technological change.
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