“Okay… so my kid asked if their AI chatbot could pray for them. What do I do with that?”

That was the question a parent recently asked me, and I’ll be honest—I paused longer than usual. Not because I didn’t know what to say… but because it hit me: this is the new normal. Welcome to parenting in the age of artificial intelligence.

As Kids Pastors, we’re stepping into a world where algorithms aren’t just answering questions… they’re shaping worldviews. Artificial intelligence has become a kind of digital role model, quietly influencing what kids believe is true, good, and beautiful. The voices once reserved for pastors, teachers, and fun uncles now include chatbots and recommendation feeds. Our calling hasn’t changed, but the competition for influence has.

Whether you’re excited or overwhelmed (or both), here’s the good news: we’ve done this before. We’ve helped parents navigate screen time, gaming, YouTube, smartphones, and social media—and now, it’s time to help them walk with wisdom into the world of AI.

Let’s talk about how.

AI Is Not the Enemy—but It Is Powerful

AI is not inherently good or evil. It’s like nuclear energy: it can power a city… or destroy one. The difference lies in the hands of the user. That’s why our role as ministry leaders is so important.

We are not here to spark panic. We’re here to disciple.

Sheltering kids from AI won’t work. Discipling them within it? That’s the path forward.

Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That’s the heartbeat of this conversation. We’re not raising fearful kids. We’re raising resilient, Spirit-led disciples.

What Makes AI Different from Other Tech?

Unlike previous waves of technology, AI doesn’t just show kids content—it responds to them. It feels personal… even when it isn’t.

Here are just a few unique challenges worth calling out to parents:

• AI Companions: Some kids are forming emotional bonds with AI “friends.” These tools simulate empathy but don’t offer real relationships, truth, or accountability.

• Generative Shortcuts: Tools that generate art, essays, or answers can undermine grit, creativity, and critical thinking. If we’re not careful, kids will outsource effort and call it innovation.

• Amplified Temptation: Algorithms feed kids what they want… and more of it. Whether that’s comparison, entertainment, or escape, AI learns their patterns and doubles down. Discipleship requires us to interrupt that loop with clarity and truth.

How to Equip Parents (Without Overwhelming Them)

Here are some practical principles we share with families at our church (and you can too):

1. Talk Early and Often

Don’t wait until a crisis. Conversations about AI should start in elementary school (or earlier). Like teaching kids to drive, we teach before they’re behind the wheel.

2. Frame Technology as Stewardship

AI isn’t a monster in the closet. It’s power—and power must be stewarded. Teach kids that using AI wisely is part of what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world.

3. Reinforce Identity

This might be the most important one. Kids who know who they are in Christ are less likely to define themselves by likes, filters, avatars, or bots. Remind them often: they are fearfully and wonderfully made (by God, not an algorithm).

4. Model Curiosity + Discernment

Let’s not pretend we have all the answers. Parents (and pastors) gain credibility when they say, “Let’s figure this out together.” Humility in tech conversations opens doors.

5. Encourage Confession Over Concealment

Kids will mess up online. They’ll ask AI weird questions. They’ll stumble into content that confuses them. The win is not preventing every misstep; it’s building a relationship where they feel safe bringing those moments into the light.

But What About the Church?

If you’re wondering, “What’s our role as a ministry team?” I’m so glad you asked. Here’s where we step in as local church leaders:

• Offer workshops or roundtables for parents on digital discipleship.
• Create AI-informed conversation guides for parents of different age groups.
• Equip your small group leaders with a basic understanding of AI so they aren’t caught off guard.
• Share real-life examples of how God’s truth speaks into the temptations and tendencies tech can amplify.

And maybe most importantly, don’t ignore it. Just because we don’t understand something doesn’t mean we get to stay silent on it.

Final Thought: Disciple Within the World, Not Away from It

AI is not the end of ministry—it’s the next arena for it. We’re not raising off-the-grid wilderness prophets (though shout-out to any of you doing backyard baptisms with goats around). We’re raising digital disciples who carry the Gospel into a world full of smart assistants, recommendation engines, and 24/7 connectivity.

So no, AI doesn’t get to shape our kids alone. We do that—with the Spirit’s help, the Church’s partnership, and the wisdom of God’s Word.

Let’s keep showing up, asking questions, and leading with both courage and curiosity. The future isn’t something to fear… It’s something to disciple.

Anthony Hunt is a Kids Pastor, ministry systems nerd, and author of The AI-Powered Church. He serves as the NextGen Pastor at Mercy Road Church in Indiana, where he leads a thriving multi-church team of staff and volunteers across kids, student, and young adult ministries. Known for his humor, practical tools, and deep love for equipping the Church, Anthony brings over a decade of experience to the ever-evolving world of children’s ministry. When he’s not creating training content or testing new ministry ideas, you’ll find him chasing his six kids, learning to play ice hockey, or building LEGO with his dog underfoot.