18 MAY 2026
Reform or deform? The Church, AI and the call to discernment
Mark Pugh speaks with James Poulter about why ministers and church leaders cannot afford to ignore artificial intelligence, and how the Church can respond with wisdom, courage and character.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant issue for technology experts, global corporations or science fiction writers. It is already present in our homes, workplaces, schools, phones and churches. Members of our congregations are using it. Young people are forming relationships with it. Older people may increasingly be cared for by it. Leaders are wondering whether they should use it, where the ethical boundaries lie, and what faithful Christian leadership looks like in a world increasingly shaped by machines.
In this episode of the Elim Leaders Podcast, Mark Pugh is joined by James Poulter, author of AI at Work, innovation speaker, creator and consultant. James has worked with major brands including Bloomsbury Publishing and Universal Music Group, as well as churches and Christian organisations, and has become a trusted voice at the intersection of faith and technology.
The conversation begins by separating legitimate concerns from science fiction distractions. James reflects on the speed of AI adoption, the impact it is already having on work, trust, communication and relationships, and why churches cannot simply choose to look away. AI is already entering church life through the “front door” of tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, and through the “side door” of everyday platforms like Google, Canva, phones, social media and productivity software.
For ministers and church leaders, the question is not only whether AI will be used, but how it will be used. James explores practical opportunities for churches, including administration, communication, planning, research and content development. He also raises vital questions about guardrails, accountability and ethics, particularly around giving data, pastoral information, sermon preparation, leadership decisions and the formation of Christian character.
One of the strongest themes in the episode is discernment. James warns that AI tools can be helpful assistants, but they can also shape us. Used wisely, they may help take some of the administration out of ministry. Used carelessly, they can encourage laziness, dependency, confusion or a loss of human and spiritual depth.
Mark and James also discuss the relational pull of AI, including people using chatbots for companionship, therapy-like conversations or advice. This raises significant pastoral questions for churches, youth leaders and those caring for vulnerable people. As James notes, these technologies are not going away. The challenge is learning to live alongside them well.
This is not a conversation about becoming a technology expert. It is a call to thoughtful leadership. In a changing world, church leaders need to grow in wisdom, character and discernment, helping their people navigate AI with biblical conviction, pastoral care and a clear understanding of what it means to be human.
Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.
Listen to Episode 11 and subscribe at elim.org.uk/elimleaderspodcast.