When I saw the initial reports about ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence chatbot released last year by OpenAI, I was skeptical. How is this different than Google?

Then I tried it. I put in a prompt for the chatbot to write a thousand-word essay on the importance of love in the Christian tradition. After “thinking” for a few seconds, it shot out an essay. It wasn’t amazing—but it wasn’t bad. College freshman level writing, at least. I was impressed. And I immediately saw the implications for all kinds of fields, including my own: writing and editing. Gulp.

AI will affect churches too. But pastor A. Trevor Sutton has a nuanced message for pastors and their congregants: we don’t have to fear these new technological developments. His helpful piece on the subject warns of the dangers but highlights ways churches will be able to ethically use them as well.

Speaking of technology, our resource on Discipling in a Digital Age is must-read. This 21-page resource includes articles from seasoned ministry veterans that will help you guide and lead effectively amid digital distraction, hyperconnectedness, and social media savvy.