Intentional Churches Podcast AI, Spirituality, and the Future of the Church, with Drew Dickens
On this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug sits down with longtime broadcaster, ministry leader, and AI researcher Drew Dickens for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on AI, spirituality, and the future of the Church.
With more than 30 years of vocational ministry experience—and a front-row seat to the rise of artificial intelligence—Drew helps church leaders move beyond fear and hype to thoughtfully engage how AI is already shaping the pulpit, the pew, and spiritual formation.
Together, Doug and Drew explore:
- Why AI is morally neutral—and how the Church must lead with discernment instead of fear
- How AI is quietly becoming a spiritual authority in people’s lives
- The threat AI poses to embodiment, community, and relational discipleship
- What pastors need to understand about how congregants are already using AI for therapy, prayer, and guidance
- How church leaders can use AI responsibly as a tool, not a replacement for Spirit-led formation
- Practical ways AI can support relational evangelism without replacing human connection
Drew also shares a powerful personal story that illustrates both the real comfort and the real dangers of AI—and why everything must ultimately be brought back into Spirit-filled community.
If you’re a senior pastor, ministry leader, or church staff member wondering how to lead faithfully in a rapidly changing digital landscape, this conversation will help you think clearly, lead courageously, and shepherd wisely in the age of AI.
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Timestamps
00:00 – A late-night conversation with AI that changed everything
01:00 – Welcome to the Intentional Churches Podcast
01:26 – Meet Drew Dickens: broadcaster, ministry leader, and early AI adopter
03:10 – Drew’s journey from national radio to evangelism and contemplative prayer apps
05:19 – Reaching hundreds of thousands daily through Scripture and meditation
06:33 – Why AI is everywhere—and why most people don’t even realize it
07:14 – Is AI “of the devil”? A biblical framework for discernment
08:38 – What history teaches us about technology and temptation
10:30 – Why pastors can’t ignore how AI is shaping everyday spirituality
11:14 – How congregants are already using AI in their spiritual lives
13:37 – The three biggest threats AI poses to the Church
14:55 – Threat #1: AI and the erosion of spiritual authority
16:47 – Threat #2: Disembodiment and the loss of real community
18:06 – Threat #3: Algorithm-driven spiritual formation
19:47 – How pastors should educate and lead their congregations around AI
21:55 – Why transparency from the pulpit matters more than fear
24:39 – Embodiment, discipleship, and why relationships still matter most
26:17 – AI as therapist: what church leaders need to understand now
28:03 – A deeply personal story: grief, AI, and prayer at 1 a.m.
30:31 – Bringing AI experiences into Spirit-filled community
33:22 – Evangelism, awe, and what AI can never replace
35:30 – Why relational evangelism transforms the believer
38:07 – Using AI to practice gospel conversations wisely
39:58 – A powerful evangelism tool pastors should pay attention to
42:34 – AI debating theology: creativity without replacing the Spirit
44:12 – Revival, Gen Z, and the Church’s moment of responsibility
47:13 – AI as a tool for exploration—not authority
48:10 – Where to learn more from Drew Dickens
50:09 – Final encouragement for church leaders navigating AI faithfully
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