SEOUL, South Korea — In an age where artificial intelligence permeates nearly every facet of life, its growing influence within religious institutions, particularly Christian churches, is prompting both adaptation and apprehension. From AI-generated prayer and sermon drafts to counseling services, the integration of AI tools presents a complex challenge to traditional ministry.

Pastor Kim Hak-joong of Ansan Kkumui Church, a prominent voice within the Christian community, recently articulated a critical perspective on this evolving landscape. "AI cannot deliver uncomfortable truths with genuine sincerity," he stated, highlighting a fundamental limitation of technology in matters of faith and human connection. Pastor Kim has been actively engaged in "Reporter Lee Jin-gu's Dialogue" since 2017, advocating for a conversational, empathetic approach to interviews.

The rapid advancements in AI have led to tangible shifts in religious practice. Recent events, such as an AI/Big Data exhibition at COEX in Seoul, showcased kiosks capable of drafting Christian and Buddhist prayers. Online resources now proliferate, offering guidance and practical tips for crafting sermons and prayers using AI. This accelerating trend has spurred a sense of urgency among religious leaders.

This urgency was palpable at the "AI Innovation Era, Pastoral Leadership" conference, hosted by the Future Ministry Forum (led by Pastor Hwang Deok-young) in Jeju from June 23-25. Speaking at the event on "Pastoral Leadership in the Digital Media Era," Pastor Kim Hak-joong observed a striking phenomenon: "An increasing number of people are turning to AI to discuss their loneliness and personal struggles, rather than confiding in pastors."

When questioned about this surprising development, Pastor Kim elaborated on AI's appeal in counseling. "It is often difficult for individuals to reveal their vulnerabilities, even to a pastor. However, AI offers complete anonymity, eliminating concerns about judgment or reactions. It is also free from constraints of time and place." He further emphasized AI's "immediacy" as a key draw.

"While religious counselors typically engage in a 'maturation' process—thinking, discussing, and considering various situations before offering advice—AI provides immediate feedback," Pastor Kim explained. "Furthermore, after a few questions and answers, the AI's algorithm begins to deliver the desired responses, the very words people wish to hear, drawing them deeper into its reliance."

Regarding the quality of AI-generated religious texts, Pastor Kim shared a telling anecdote. "I once asked an AI to compare a sermon I had written with current sermon trends. It provided an astonishingly detailed critique, analyzing popular sermons and preachers both domestically and internationally. It could then re-organize the content according to user-specified formats, considering the audience's demographics, age, timing, and even social issues."

The profound efficiency and personalized nature of AI raise concerns about potential over-reliance. "This is our dilemma," Pastor Kim admitted. "A sermon, in our terms, is a message received from God, crafted through deep contemplation and then delivered to the congregation. AI lacks this profound spiritual process. Its words may be eloquent, but they are essentially a response to a prompt. There is a real concern that religion could lose its footing." The recent conference served as a platform for like-minded individuals to confront this reality and prepare for the future.

Despite these apprehensions, Pastor Kim stressed the importance of embracing, rather than rejecting, AI. He cited examples from his own church: "We use AI to create animated content for missionary work abroad. AI facilitates not only production but also dubbing into indigenous languages in remote African regions. This allows us to conduct missionary work in places that are difficult or dangerous for humans to reach."

Pastor Kim underscored a crucial distinction: "As AI technology advances, more and more people will undoubtedly be drawn to it. However, it is clear that AI cannot deliver uncomfortable truths with genuine sincerity." He concluded by advocating for wisdom in leveraging AI, asserting that "the church must take the lead in teaching how to utilize AI intelligently and appropriately for our times."

The Future Ministry Forum's conference featured other notable speakers, including Professor Ahn Jong-bae of the International Future Society and Hoon Cho, a technical lead from Kakao, who also presented on the intersection of AI and ministry. Beyond the Kkumui Church's initiatives, other examples of AI integration in Korean churches include the AI chatbot 'Chowon,' which offers theological answers, scriptural references, and prayer support, proving particularly popular among younger generations. Some churches are also exploring AI for creating audio Bibles and personalizing ministry based on data analysis. While AI offers new avenues for efficiency and outreach, the overarching message from faith leaders emphasizes maintaining the spiritual core of religious practice and fostering genuine human connection that AI, by its nature, cannot fully replicate.