Pastors: True Discipleship Needs Relationships, Not AI

 Pastors: True Discipleship Needs Relationships, Not AI

Most pastors in the United States agree on one thing: discipleship cannot be outsourced to artificial intelligence. New findings from the Lifeway Research State of Discipleship study show overwhelming support for the belief that Christian formation is rooted in real relationships, not technology.

According to the report, 95% of pastors say discipleship is not achieved through programs or tools alone but through personal, human connection. The conclusion comes as churches explore the growing role of AI in ministry, from administrative tasks to spiritual resources.

Brett Buckland, who manages ongoing Bible studies for Lifeway Student Publishing, wrote in the report that the Church must guard against confusing efficiency with spiritual depth. “AI can save time, but it cannot make disciples,” he said. “Jesus didn’t call us to automate disciples. He called us to make them.” Buckland urged churches to let AI support ministry not replace the relationships at its core.

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The study highlights five key elements of discipleship that AI cannot replicate. These include physical presence in moments of joy or crisis, the ability to prayerfully discern the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the trust built through genuine accountability. AI also cannot express sacrificial love, the kind of compassion that costs time, energy, and vulnerability. Nor can it participate in worship through shared practices such as communion or baptism.

Researchers warn that relying too heavily on digital tools in discipleship could strip the process of its meaning. True discipleship, they argue, is slow, relational, and deeply human. It requires presence, patience, and proximity qualities no machine can offer.

Even so, the study encourages churches to use AI wisely. It can help streamline planning, communication, and other administrative tasks, freeing pastors and leaders to focus on people. Buckland offered a simple summary: “Think of AI as a fast intern helpful, but it still needs supervision.”

The message is clear: as AI technology grows, the Church must remain committed to the heart of discipleship people walking with people in faith.

 

 

 

 

Content Credit: Moyosola Oni

Image Credit: Google .Com