Exploring how AI can support c

Artificial intelligence: opportunity, wisdom and mission

Exploring how AI can support church life, leadership and mission
 

  • Wondering where AI could genuinely help in church and ministry?
  • Concerned about accuracy, privacy or losing the human touch?
  • Not sure which AI tools are worth exploring?
  • How can AI support ministry without becoming a shortcut?
  • Where should we draw the line between assistance and dependence?

Artificial intelligence is already changing the way we work, communicate and create. But what might that mean for churches, pastors and leadership teams?

Elim leaders Mark Pugh and Stuart Blount have both spent around 18 months exploring how AI can become a useful assistant in their working week. From checking the tone of sensitive emails and summarising lengthy reports to developing ideas, researching topics and creating first drafts, they have found plenty of practical uses.

They are equally clear about the boundaries. AI cannot replace your voice, your judgement or time spent listening to God. Its output needs checking, confidential information needs protecting, and the responsibility for what we communicate remains ours.

Artificial intelligence: opportunity, wisdom and mission is a practical one-day workshop designed to help pastors and leadership teams explore these opportunities and challenges with confidence.

Through practical workshops, guest speakers, real-life examples and open discussion, the day will look at useful AI tools, how they might support communication, administration, creativity and mission, and how churches can use them wisely, safely and responsibly.

Whether you're already experimenting with AI or wondering where to begin, the event will give you space to learn, ask questions and think carefully about how this rapidly developing technology might serve your ministry without taking the place of the things that matter most.


AI as an assistant, not a shortcut: Mark Pugh on using AI in ministry

Mark Pugh, Elim's General Superintendent, has spent the last 18 months bringing AI into his work, not to cut corners, but to do it better.

In this video, he opens up about how tools like CoPilot, Claude and ChatGPT have quietly become part of his week: helping him check that emails and sermons land with the right tone, turning rough sermon notes into a three-day Bible study, even making sense of a dense surveyor's report in minutes. But he's just as clear about where AI stop, it can sharpen the message, but it can never put the heart into it.


AI can never replace the Holy Spirit: Stuart Blount on leading with AI

Stuart Blount, Director of Ministry, has spent around 18 months using AI as a thinking partner — a way to work through ideas, draft emails, prepare for teaching, and get on top of long reports.

In this video, he talks honestly about what's actually helped him lead with more clarity, alongside the boundaries he holds firmly in place so AI stays a tool in his hand, never a stand-in for calling, authenticity or the voice of the Spirit.

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Artificial intelligence: opportunity, wisdom and mission

Artificial intelligence: opportunity, wisdom and mission is a one day practical and accessible workshop is designed to help pastors and leadership teams explore the world of AI with greater confidence. Whether you are unsure where to begin, concerned about the challenges AI may bring, curious about the tools already available, or looking for encouragement about how technology could be used in your church, this day will offer helpful insight and guidance.


The day will include:

  • Practical workshops introducing useful AI tools
  • Guest speakers sharing insights into AI developments around the world
  • Examples of how AI can support church communication, administration, creativity and mission
  • Guidance on using AI wisely, safely and responsibly
  • Space for discussion, reflection and healthy debate
  • Opportunities to ask questions and explore concerns

Will you join us at this event which seeks to equip churches to embrace and navigate the digital space?

Rediscover Church, Northernhay Street, Exeter on Thursday 15 October 2026 from 10:00-15.30.  

Book your place now
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ELIM DIGITAL DEBATES - WATCH ON-DEMAND
Unveiling the Digital Frontier - Empowering Your Church

Available to watch on-demand on our Elim YouTube channel.
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These resources are available for free, and you can donate to Elim as the generosity of our supporters helps Elim advance in its mission, creating more resources like these. If you are able to make a donation, please give what you can at elim.org.uk/donate.

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Artificial Intelligence 1 – should we be worried?

With special guests Dave Newton (Regents Theological College), Dr Calida Chu (Nottingham University), Peter Murden (Digital Church Toolkit), Richard Hasnip (Regents Theological College) and Phil Worthington (Elim Minister).

A workshop deep diving into the world of artificial intelligence (AI), unveiling its potential for your church to interact with your congregation and help and support you in ministry.  Should we be worried about the future of AI? We’ll find out together.

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Artificial Intelligence 2 – God and technology
An interview with Theologian Malcolm Duncan

We will navigate through the intricate tapestry of AI's impact on our society, church life, relationship with God, and how we build community and have relationships with others. With his profound insights and extensive expertise in the field, Malcolm will explore in this interview ‘what it means to be human’ in a world of robots, digital devices and technological advancements.

 

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Live streaming – What's the future post-Covid?

With special guests Dave Adamson (Author of the book MetaChurch: How to Use Digital Ministry to Reach People and Make Disciples), Darren Parker (Everyday Church), Mark Pugh (Rediscover Church), Leon Evans (Lifecentral Church), Matt Ireland (Southville Church) and Oscar Mucyo (Coventry Elim).

During Covid, the power of live streaming and embracing platforms, such as Zoom, was essential to connect with our congregations and build connections. But now, as we can gather again, should we continue with broadcast or is ‘in person’ the only way to have community with one another?

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Virtual Reality Church – Can community exist in pixels?

With Michael Uzdavines (Missionary Pastor to the Metaverse at Cornerstone Church of Yuba City), Ben Jones (Missional Generation - working with young people with virtual and augmented reality) and Maggie Barfield - (Guardians of Ancora at The Scripture Union)

Step into a realm where spirituality transcends physical boundaries! This programme explores the exciting concept of the Church in the Metaverse, a virtual world where believers can connect, worship, and experience transformative spiritual encounters. Learn how to navigate virtual reality technologies, create immersive experiences, and establish a dynamic presence in this groundbreaking digital frontier.
 

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TikTok – Is ministry now a scroll away?

With special guests Jason Heron (Elim Church Sheffield), Hannah Fleming-Hill (Digital Missioner), Darren Edwards (Ignite Elim Church) and Owen Bradley (Regents Theological Student & Youth Intern at Rediscover Church).

Where faith and creativity unite! A practical workshop with insights into leveraging TikTok as a powerful platform for spreading your church's message to a younger generation. Gain confidence in creating engaging content, learn about trending challenges, and build an online presence that resonates with today's digital-savvy youth.

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ELIM DIGITAL MASTERCLASSES ON DEMAND

Watch any of our previous sessions by selecting them from the list below

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Create content that inspires and excites. Give your pages a boost and create an engaging, creative social media presence for your church. Develop strategy and build irresistible channels that grab people’s attention on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

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Stop the Scroll. Experiment with creating highly engaging short-form content. Repurpose your church services for this dynamic online space, and create authentic and fun videos which your audiences will enjoy. Guests from across the country share their innovations.

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Create clickable and creative web pages that wow your audiences. Looking at the ‘must haves’ to create engaging experiences, sharing some of the best examples from across the country, and tools that serve a mobile-first generation.

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The apps, tools and techniques to create dynamic and quality videos on your phone. Using accessible and creative platforms, create inspiring videos in different formats to play in your services or on social media. A practical workshop to begin your adventure.

1

If people are online, the church should be there too. Looking at the 2021 landscape for churches to embrace the online world to reach people for Jesus.

2

How can we practically and strategically use social media, live streaming and Mobile Apps for discipleship and strengthen church communities?

3

Looking at the suite of options to suit every budget and technical skill and how to create a ‘feel’ and ‘look’ for your live stream.  Download presentation  

4

Utilising online tools to mobilise and energise your church and the wider community in prayer. From large scale events to city prayer events and local church programmes.

5

Stuck on what to post on Facebook? Come away with bags full of ideas, tips and creativity with insights from across Elim and other churches across the UK.

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Utilise Facebook Ads effectively and creatively to share the Gospel and tell your community about your church events. Download presentation  

6

Get creative as you take your children’s work online! A session for all those engaged with this area of work, and those who just don’t know where to start.

7

Connecting with a generation who are already very connected. Ideas and tips from a panel of youth pastors who share what has been working in their church.

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How can we utilise emerging technologies such as Alexa apps to share about Jesus? What future innovations are out there?

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With over 17 million users in the UK, TikTok is one of the fastest-growing platforms, particularly with the next generation. Should we start posting videos on there?

10

Worship online is different, but still so powerful. Hear from Elim Worship Leaders on what has been working, as well as tips and ideas for your church Worship Team.

12

How do we integrate digital as part of our church vision? Why does digital matter to our present and future church programmes post COVID-19?

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Got any digital questions on your mind? Wondering how to do something or what approach is best? Get answers from our live expert panel.

14

Where do we begin in our digital adventure? Matt shares a final encouraging message as you creatively use digital and online tools in your church.

Sign up to our Elim Digital and Tech Facebook groups to get support and ask questions from those actively involved in digital church communications and church production.

The Elim Digital Facebook Group can assist those who produce digital church communications from social media, web & email communications, video editing to web conferencing, graphical design to video production.

   ELIM DIGITAL FACEBOOK GROUP

The Elim Tech UK Facebook Group can help your church tech teams with anything from sound, lighting, video, web, streaming, broadband, PC, AV & IT. Great if you need help with systems and equipment.

   ELIM TECH FACEBOOK GROUP