Pastoral Formation in the Age of AI

AI awakened me at 2:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Not literally, but psychologically. Why was I awake at this hour, arguing with AI about sermon language?As a bivocational pastor drowning in demands, I invited AI to help. It proved invaluable. But somewhere between efficiency and dependence, I lost something I didn't know could be lost.This is my confession. Not a condemnation of AI, not blind advocacy--but an honest account of how my use of a simple AI chatbot reshaped my ministry without my awareness, and in ways I never thought possible.I had gone too far with AI. I lost my way, and I struggled to find my way back, struggling alone in silence, fearful of how my congregation would respond.I remained silent.The worst part: the detachment and the nagging sense of guilt.I decided it was time to break the silence.If you've wondered whether you've gone too far with AI, you're not alone.This book is written for church leaders and congregations questioning the integration of AI into the ministry of the church.