Conversations about AI use in churches seems to have grown as exponentially fast as the technology has developed. Dr. Kate Ott, the Director of the Stead Center, has offered a variety of valuable conversations on the topic that we share below. She is working this spring on a second edition of her 2018 book Christian Ethics for a Digital Society. And you can find a variety of podcasts about her newest book, Sex, Tech & Faith: Ethics for a Digital Age at Dr. Ott’s website www.kateott.org .
The conversations shared below and faith-based articles provide an ethical framework for moral discernment related to digital technology use and specific concerns related to AI. You can also find our bibliography of suggested resources linked at the bottom of the post.
NOTE: you have to hover over the title and a link will appear.
Is it ethical for a pastor to use Chatgpt? Instead, blogpost for the Stead Center by Dr. Ott
Podcast Episode: Christian Ethics for Today’s Digital Revolution – Dr. Kate Ott with other experts who weigh in on the relationship between Christian ethics and our current digital revolution. Part of the Crossroads from Washington National Cathedral series.
Artificial intelligence is here. Now what?– An article exploring the digital landscape of AI and the Christian ethical considerations by Dr. Kate Ott. Published in the Presbyterian Outlook
2025 Tech Ethics Symposium: Friday Nov 7 Livestream, Grefenstette Center Tech Ethics Symposium at Duquesne University. Dr. Ott contributes remarks to the first, “The Robots Win?! The Future of AI & Intelligence” and fifth panel, “Love in the Time of ChatBots: AI, Faith, and Relationships” of the day.
“Digital Discernment: Navigating Life, Faith, and Technology”, Dr. Ott’s Keynote for University Day of Common Learning at Seattle Pacific University.
AI in our Ministry – Teaching Tuesdays recording of Dr. Ott’s mini-class.
How should Christians respond to the challenges of AI? Kate Ott contributes to US Catholic magazine.
Please check out the selected bibliography on ethics, ministry, and digital technology resources.
Some fun (not endorsed by the Stead Center) additions as places to go for policy ideas and trends with AI and church:
AI & Faith.org – Honestly anything they provide is a must-read
World Council of Churches – Statement on the Unregulated Development of Artificial Intelligence
Rome Call – collaboration between Vatican and major technology companies. Additionally, the Pope’s newest writing has garnered ecumenical support.
Barna Group – AI and the Church: How Pastors Can Lead with Wisdom in a Digital Age
Exponential – AI in Churches 2025