US Pastor Launches AI Digital Twin Amidst Growing Church Interest in Technology

Pastor Justin Lester of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Vallejo, California, has introduced an artificial intelligence version of himself to provide 24/7 support to his congregation. By integrating his past sermons, books, and social media content into the system, the AI is designed to offer advice and answer questions when the pastor is unavailable. Lester notes that the digital tool continues to evolve daily based on the data provided.

This development coincides with the launch of two major initiatives aimed at helping the church navigate the integration of AI into ministry. The Church AI Toolkit, developed by an ecumenical group convened by the TryTank Research Institute, provides practical, theologically grounded resources, including liturgies and case studies, to address human concerns like loneliness and grief in a technological age. Simultaneously, the UK-based AI Christian Partnership has formed to bring together theologians, academics, and technologists to explore the intersection of faith and emerging digital tools. These projects reflect a broader effort to provide guidance for clergy as they encounter the disruptive influence of AI in pastoral care.