Will AI Change the Church Forever? with Christopher Benek

What happens when artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life—and what role should the church play in helping people navigate it? In this episode, Loren welcomes theologian, pastor, and AI thought leader Christopher Benek for a conversation about artificial intelligence, spiritual formation, ethics, and the future of the church. Drawing on more than a decade of work at the intersection of faith and technology, Benek argues that AI is not merely a technological challenge but a deeply theological one. The conversation explores how churches can move beyond fear and hype to cultivate wisdom, discernment, and meaningful conversations about emerging technologies. Benek reflects on AI's impact on preaching, ministry, work, identity, and ethics, while emphasizing that the church's unique contribution is not technical expertise but spiritual formation. Together they discuss the opportunities and risks presented by AI, why pastors should help people make meaning in a rapidly changing world, and how Christian communities can become places where technologists, leaders, and everyday people wrestle with difficult questions together. The episode ultimately returns to themes of hope, discipleship, and the enduring relevance of the church in an age of disruption. Together they explore: Whether AI should be used in sermon preparation and ministry The difference between information, wisdom, and spiritual formation How churches can facilitate conversations about AI ethics Why pastors remain essential in an age of technological change Whether AI represents the biggest technological shift since the printing press How Christians can engage AI without fear or panic What the church uniquely offers in a rapidly changing world   The Rev. Dr. Christopher J. Benek is an internationally recognized pastor, theologian, and thought leader at the crossroads of faith and technology. His insights on artificial intelligence and theology have been featured in major outlets, including The New York Times, The Guardian, BBC, Le Monde, and others.  He has advised companies, policymakers, and governments on AI’s ethical and societal impact.  With more than 20 years of pastoral ministry, he currently serves as pastor of First Miami Presbyterian Church and CEO of The CoCreators Network, an organization dedicated to the vision of Better People, Better Tech, Better World.  Learn more about him at ChristopherBenek.com   Mentioned Resources: 📖 His book: The Church Leader's Guide to AI 🌐 His Website: ChristopherBenek.com 📱 Socials: @benekcj 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Chris Benek 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Mark DeYmaz 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Lorenzo Lebrija    Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurechristianpod/ 📱 Martha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martha_tatarnic/ 📱 Loren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondljr/ 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Martha's New Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now! Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order! Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords Christopher Benek, artificial intelligence and Christianity, AI and theology, church and artificial intelligence, Christian AI ethics, faith and technology, AI in ministry, AI and preaching, pastors and artificial intelligence, spiritual formation and technology, theology of technology, Christian leadership and AI, AI ethics and faith, church leadership and innovation, future of the church, technology and discipleship, AI and human identity, meaning making and faith, digital ministry, Christian response to AI, AI and spiritual formation, emerging technology and religion, church innovation, theology and science, Christian ethics and technology, First Miami Presbyterian Church, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.