AI, Texting, and TikTok: Navigating Tech Without Losing the Gospel

In today’s episode, we’ll explore how church leaders can embrace the right digital tools without losing what matters most: authentic relationships and lasting spiritual impact.

Biggest Tensions in Churches Around Tech Today

1. The Rise of AI in the Church

  • AI is the “hot topic,” but there’s massive confusion.
    • “None of us are experts yet. It’s too new.”
    • Churches sit on the innovation curve (early adopters vs. laggards).
    • Some embrace AI, others fear it as “the work of the devil.”
  • Churches are asking:
    • Will AI be a tool that helps, or a force that misleads?
    • Can we avoid AI, or is it inevitable?

Quote from Brad: “We can’t pray away AI. It’s here. The opportunity is to shepherd our people through the cultural shift.”

2. How People Feel About Church Tech (Survey Insights)

  • Gloo + Barna Research:
    • 75% of practicing Christians believe their church should use online giving
    • 60% support virtual counseling services
    • Social media, texting, and digital tools are increasingly accepted
  • COVID accelerated digital adoption
    • If COVID had happened before the internet, what would have happened to the church?
  • But churches still lag behind
    • “Are we 5 years behind? 10 years?”
    • Tech adoption lags, even when people want it
    • What holds churches back? Fear, lack of understanding, tradition

Quote from Brad: “Marketing used to be a dirty word in the church. Now people say, ‘Yeah, my church should be on social media.’”

How Should Churches Think About Technology?

A Simple Litmus Test for Tech Decisions

Ask: ✔️ Does this advance and support relationships? || ❌ Does this erode or isolate relationships?

  • The printing press faced backlash for “putting Scripture in the hands of the untrained.”
  • Radio, TV, online giving, and now AI—every new tech creates fear and opportunity.
  • Brad’s key principle: “Relationships catalyze growth.”
    • If a tool strengthens connection and discipleship, it’s worth exploring.

Example:

  • Using TikTok just for content? Not necessarily helpful.
  • Using TikTok to invite deeper connection and relationships? That’s a win.
  • Social and digital tools should be on-ramps to in-person relationships (Gen Z & Millennials crave in-person connection!).

Practical Steps: Where Should Churches Start?

1. Embrace Texting for Ministry

Why texting matters:

  • 92% of text messages are opened within 3 minutes (vs. email at 30-40% open rates)
  • It’s direct, personal, and effective for prayer, announcements, follow-ups
  • Gloo offers free texting for churches – gloo.com

Brad’s Advice: “Every church should be thinking about texting. It’s a game-changer.”

2. Use AI for Efficiency & Connection

Check out FaithAssistant.com

  • AI can:
    • Answer visitor questions (by pulling from your website/sermons)
    • Help with visitor follow-up (especially around Easter)
    • Save your team time while maintaining personalization

Brad’s Insight: “Faith Assistant can create chat-based tools that help churches save time, answer questions, and assist with visitor follow-up.”

3. Rethink Church Metrics: Measuring What Matters

Go to stateofthechurch.com

  • Traditional metrics: Attendance, budget, baptisms (important, but incomplete)
  • New approach: Measure spiritual and personal flourishing (relationships, vocation, contentment)
  • 50,000+ churches are using this framework to personalize ministry at scale

Brad’s Challenge: “If you knew how your people were really doing, how would it change your preaching, programs, and budgets?”

4. Personalize Discipleship at Scale

Church leaders should ask:

  • How can we disciple people where they are?
  • How can we blend in-person and digital relationships effectively?
  • How can we use data to better serve our congregations?

Key Takeaway: You can be both spirit-led and data-informed. Giving data a seat at the table helps you lead with confidence.

Final Action Steps

  1. Go to StateOfTheChurch.com – Take the free church assessment.
  2. Sign up for Gloo’s free texting tool – gloo.com
  3. Explore AI for your church – FaithAssistant.com
  4. Share this episode! If this was helpful, pass it on to another leader.

Final Thought

Brad closed with 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have.”

Tech isn’t the goal. People are. The question is, how do we use today’s tools to love and disciple people better?