Church Artificial Intelligence Use Policy
Purpose:
This policy is designed to guide the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) at Eastpark Church. Our goal is to use AI tools in ways that support our mission to see lives transformed by Jesus Christ. We aim to proclaim the gospel through both our words and our lives, ensuring that AI usage aligns with biblical truth, integrity, and the spiritual health of our community.
Scope:
This policy applies to all church staff, volunteers, and members who use AI tools for creating materials or content related to church activities, including sermons, study materials, artwork, and other digital content. All AI-assisted content must reflect our mission of gospel proclamation and transformation in Christ.
1. AI for Sermons and Spiritual Content
• Prohibited Use:
AI should not be used to generate sermons, religious teachings, or other spiritual content that replaces personal reflection, study, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our mission is to proclaim the gospel with our words and lives, which means content that shapes and transforms lives must come from genuine, Spirit-led teaching (2 Timothy 3:16-17). AI may assist in research, organization, or brainstorming, but the primary authorship and message should remain the work of the individual.
• Acceptable Use:
AI tools may assist with enhancing existing material that has been created by the person preparing the sermon or spiritual content. For example, using AI to generate study questions or summaries from a drafted sermon or to organize scripture references is an acceptable use of AI. However, the final message and teaching must be authored by the person using the AI, ensuring that it remains faithful to the gospel and our mission of transformation in Christ (1 Timothy 4:13-16).
Supporting Scripture:
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
• James 3:1 – “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.”
2. AI for Educational and Study Materials
• AI may be used to assist with creating study guides, discussion questions, and other educational tools, provided these materials are based on scriptural content and sound doctrine. AI should never replace thoughtful, biblical reflection on scripture but can be used to assist in organizing and enhancing the materials the person prepares for the church community.
Supporting Scripture:
• Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
• 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”
3. Scripture Validation
• Context and Applicability:
All scripture references included in AI-assisted content must be validated to ensure they are accurately interpreted and properly applied to the content. This aligns with our mission to proclaim the gospel in its full truth, ensuring that scripture is presented in context and with integrity. AI should not be used to provide scripture without human oversight to ensure it is in line with sound biblical doctrine (Acts 17:11). All scripture references must be reviewed for their contextual integrity and applicability to the content at hand.
• Final Review:
The individual using AI must personally validate scripture references for their accuracy and relevance before sharing or presenting the content, ensuring the message reflects our calling to proclaim the gospel truthfully and faithfully (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
Supporting Scripture:
• Acts 17:11 – “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
• 2 Timothy 3:14-17 – “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
4. AI for Artistic Creation (Images, Graphics, etc.)
• AI tools may be used to generate artistic content such as images, graphics, and other visual representations. The use of AI in this area must reflect the heart of the gospel message and should be guided by the individual’s input and direction. Art, while a powerful tool for communicating truth, should align with the values of the church, portraying the message of Christ in ways that enhance and uplift our mission to proclaim the gospel.
• AI-generated artwork should not be presented as purely independent but should be seen as the product of creative vision and human guidance in line with our mission to see lives transformed by Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).
Supporting Scripture:
• Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
• Exodus 35:30-35 – “Then Moses said to the Israelites, ‘See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills...’”
5. Ethical Considerations
• AI should be used ethically and responsibly, with an understanding of its potential to affect creativity, relationships, and spiritual growth. It is essential that AI does not replace the human connection and the personal reflection that is central to our mission of transformation through Christ. Our use of AI must promote integrity, authenticity, and responsibility in all content we produce.
Supporting Scripture:
• Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
• Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
6. Confidentiality and Privacy
• Any AI use involving personal data or confidential information (e.g., prayer requests, member information) must adhere to the church’s confidentiality and privacy policies. AI tools should not be used to process or store sensitive data without explicit consent. Protecting the privacy of individuals is paramount as we proclaim the gospel with our words and our lives (Ephesians 4:29).
Supporting Scripture:
• Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
7. Review and Accountability
• All AI-assisted content (sermons, study materials, images, etc.) will be subject to review by church leadership to ensure it aligns with the doctrinal and ethical standards of the church. Those using AI tools must be accountable to the leadership and responsible for the accuracy, theological soundness, and applicability of the content created.
Supporting Scripture:
• Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.”
8. Ongoing Evaluation
• As AI technology evolves, the church will annually review and update this policy if necessary to ensure it remains in alignment with our mission and values, keeping pace with both technological advancements and our call to faithfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion:
We embrace AI as a tool that can support the proclamation of the gospel and the transformation of lives. However, AI must always serve to complement human creativity and reflection, ensuring that our efforts are rooted in the truth of scripture and our mission to transform lives through Jesus Christ. Let us commit to using AI in ways that honor God, maintain integrity, and faithfully serve His purposes in the world.