The news: Justin Lester, a pastor in Vallejo, California, built a digital AI twin of himself trained on nearly 2 million words from his sermons, books, and messages. The AI clone now offers around-the-clock counsel to hundreds of people in his congregation. Christianity Today reports this is part of a broader trend raising questions about pastoral authority, accountability, and the nature of spiritual care.
Why it matters for church leaders: As AI tools become cheaper and more accessible, Indian pastors will increasingly face pressure — or temptation — to use them for counselling, sermon preparation, or member communication. The question is not just whether these tools work, but whether they can carry the weight of genuine pastoral relationship and spiritual accountability.
The takeaway: Before adopting any AI tool in your ministry, ask yourself: does this support the shepherd's presence, or quietly replace it?
Source: Christianity Today
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