Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming the next big technological innovation. AI will most certainly have as great a transformational impact (if not greater) than has the internet on the world and how we do things. In an article a couple of weeks ago, we asked AI some questions about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Interestingly, AI gave some pretty good answers (when asked the right questions, in the right order) about what it means to be and make disciples of Jesus.
But, this then raises another question. Can AI be used (like the internet) as a tool to make disciples of Jesus? In other words, could we just farm disciple making out to a computer—to a set of algorithms that can generate content?
I asked this very question of ChatGPT. Here’s the answer I received:
AI can certainly assist in various aspects of spreading the message of Jesus and supporting the discipleship process, but it’s important to note that discipleship is primarily a relational and spiritual journey that involves human interaction and personal growth. AI can provide resources, tools, and information that can aid individuals in their understanding of the teachings of Jesus and the Bible, but it cannot replace the essential elements of human connection, guidance, and mentorship that are integral to the discipleship process.
Here are a few ways AI can potentially support someone in their efforts to make disciples of Jesus:
- Access to biblical knowledge: AI can provide quick and easy access to scripture, theological texts, and other resources that can deepen one’s understanding of the Bible and Jesus’ teachings. This can aid in personal study and preparation for discipleship.
- Language translation and communication: AI-powered translation services can bridge language barriers and facilitate communication with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, allowing individuals to share the message of Jesus with a wider audience.
- Personalized guidance and support: AI can provide personalized recommendations, devotionals, and spiritual insights based on an individual’s preferences, needs, and spiritual journey. This can assist in providing ongoing support and guidance to those seeking to become disciples of Jesus.
- Online community and engagement: AI-powered platforms can facilitate the formation of online communities centered around faith and discipleship. These platforms can enable individuals to connect with like-minded believers, share experiences, ask questions, and provide mutual support.
- Analyzing and organizing data: AI can help in analyzing large amounts of data related to biblical studies, theology, and church history. This can aid in research, identifying trends, and generating insights that can inform discipleship strategies.
While AI can play a supportive role, it’s important to remember that discipleship is ultimately a personal, relational, and faith-based journey. It is essential for individuals to engage in meaningful relationships, study the scriptures, participate in worship and fellowship, and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in order to grow as disciples of Jesus.
I think that last statement is the most important statement of all. AI cannot provide the relational environment that discipleship requires. AI can only collect, assemble, and regurgitate information.
But let’s stop and think for a minute about how many times we as churches simply regurgitate information in an attempt to make disciples? Are we, in a sense, acting like human AI when we just give those we are discipling biblical information and then somehow trust they will work out what they should do with that information?
The message of Jesus cannot be separated from the methods of Jesus. If we try to separate them, we risk invariably changing the message of Jesus in order to do so. Jesus focused on forming relationships with His disciples through which they were conformed to His image. The disciples were transformed into the image of Jesus through spending time with Him, not just as a result of hearing Him speak.
Likewise, we cannot simply rely on information transference in order to make disciples of Jesus, we have to invest in relationships where we demonstrate the life of Jesus to those whom we are discipling so that they learn to imitate Jesus, as they see us imitating Jesus.
Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica: “Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5-6)
Notice that the gospel came with power, not simply because of words, but because Paul and his companions shared their lives with the Thessalonian church and then the members of the church imitated Jesus through imitating Paul and His companions.
At the same time, we need to be careful of using the church to develop relationships that are devoid of discipleship. When I was a kid, two things occurred at church; they taught us boring lessons about the Bible and when it was over, we went out and had fun. I developed lifelong relationships as a kid at church, but the teaching about Jesus was separated from the developing relationships. We didn’t know how to combine the two.
This is what Jesus did so well and why we should imitate Jesus in this way. We are to share our lives with those we are discipling so that instead of simply passing along information like some version of human AI, we actually attempt to live out the life and teachings of Jesus in front of them.
Of course, we will never do so perfectly; as Paul wrote to the church in Philippi:
“Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. […] Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.” (Philippians 3:12-17)
Notice that even though Paul realized that he would not completely reach the perfection of Jesus until He reached paradise, he continuously strived to imitate Jesus in such a manner that was worthy of being imitated by others.
This is why neither AI nor the transference of information can make disciples of Jesus. Making disciples of Jesus must occur in a relational environment where the more mature disciples not only teach new disciples to memorize the teachings and commands of Jesus, but they live out how to keep those teachings and commands by sharing their lives with new disciples just as Paul and Jesus did.
For more information on Jesus-style disciple making, check out our free disciple-making eBooks here, and paperbacks to purchase here.