Justin R. Lester (the speaker) argues that AI will not replace spirit-led pastoral duties—such as laying on hands, discipling, or praying—but it can replace pastors, churches, and leaders who refuse to adopt AI-driven tools. He situates AI alongside past technological shifts (printing press, radio, livestreaming, social media) and urges pastors to proactively learn AI, offering a masterclass as reskilling/upskilling opportunity.
Chapters
AI is not coming for you Pastor. But if you don't use it, your job might get harder. My name is Justin and I'm that tech pastor. I want you to like this video and follow for more if you want to stay ahead of the tech curve instead of getting left behind. Let's be clear. AI is never going to replace a spirit led pastor. A chatbot cannot lay hands on you, cannot disciple you, and it definitely cannot pray over your situations. But here's what AI can replace. It can replace pastors who refuse to adapt. It can replace churches that are stuck in the past. And it can replace leaders who refuse to see how technology is now shaping ministry differently. The same way radio changed preaching or that live streaming change our churches and social media change the way we engage and do outreach, AI is just another tool. The question is, will you use it or will you ignore it? Church history proves that those leaders, those pastors who embrace technology will thrive. Whether that's the printing press, to the radio, to music, and now to artificial intelligence. So don't wait until your congregation is asking for AI driven tools. Start learning them now if you want to begin to learn them. I have a masterclass for this for you as pastors to reskill upskill and cross skill your skills to make sure that artificial intelligence is a part of your church and not leaving your church behind. Comment masterclass below. I'll gladly send over to you. I'll talk to you soon.