AI Governance and Christian Faith: Educating and Enabling Faith-Based Organizations

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an increasingly powerful tool in shaping the future, faith-based organizations need to understand its impact, governance, and how it aligns with Christian values. AI governance, the framework for overseeing and regulating the ethical use of AI, must be approached thoughtfully by churches and Christian organizations to ensure that these technologies serve humanity without compromising spiritual beliefs. This session will educate, inform, and enable faith-based organizations on the responsible and effective use of AI, guided by principles from the Christian faith.

Key Points to Address:

1. Understanding AI Governance:

• Definition of AI governance and why it matters for faith-based organizations.
• Current AI trends and developments, especially in areas relevant to the church (e.g., content creation, outreach, operational efficiency).
• The ethical challenges of AI: biases, transparency, data privacy, and decision-making autonomy.

2. Aligning AI with Christian Values:

• Christian principles such as stewardship, fairness, justice, and love for others should guide the use of AI.
• Discussion of AI ethics through the lens of scripture. How do Biblical teachings on honesty, justice, and loving your neighbour inform the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies?
• Examples from the Bible of responsible leadership and stewardship that can parallel AI governance (e.g., Joseph's administration in Egypt, Proverbs 29:18: "Where there is no vision, the people perish").

3. Practical Applications of AI for Faith-Based Organizations:

• How churches and Christian businesses can use AI responsibly (e.g., sermon preparation, virtual worship, customer care, outreach).
• AI in daily operations: how AI tools can streamline processes such as donations, volunteer management, and member engagement.
• Using AI for outreach and evangelism: Targeted campaigns using social media, enhancing spiritual guidance via chatbots or AI-driven counselling platforms, and more.

4. Ethical Decision-Making and Accountability in AI:

• How faith-based organizations can participate in the global conversation on ethical AI by advocating for systems that uphold Christian values.
• Creating accountability structures: How churches can ensure AI systems do not propagate harm, injustice, or misinformation.
• Balancing technological advancement with spiritual growth: making sure that the use of AI enhances rather than detracts from the mission of the church.

5. Case Studies and Success Stories:

• Highlighting organizations that have successfully integrated AI into their ministry, such as Bible translation projects, AI-driven community outreach programs, or ethical AI startups founded by Christians.
• Real-world examples of AI tools being used to improve spiritual engagement (e.g., meditation apps, digital church platforms).

6. Call to Action:

• How faith-based organizations can actively participate in shaping the future of AI governance.
• Building awareness and training for church leaders on how to integrate AI responsibly into their ministry.
• Promoting collaboration between Christian organizations and AI ethics researchers to ensure the development of tools that align with Christian values.

This session aims to empower faith-based organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of AI governance, ensuring that their use of technology aligns with Biblical values. By understanding and embracing ethical AI, churches and Christian businesses can continue to serve their communities effectively while maintaining a commitment to fairness, justice, and love.