Addressing Loneliness: The Impact of AI on Church Life with Corey Alderin, Ed Stetzer & Kenny Jahng

Episode Summary: In this episode, host Kenny Jahng sits down with Dr. Ed Stetzer, Dean of the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, to explore how AI technology is disrupting relationships, fueling loneliness, and reshaping the mission of the Church. They dive deep into how pastors and ministry leaders can thoughtfully respond as more people—especially young adults—turn to chatbots for connection and counsel. Listeners will discover practical wisdom for stewarding AI in ministry, fostering authentic community, and creating space for biblical reflection amidst rapid technological change. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why AI has emerged at a critical time for relational and mental health crises in society How large language models and chatbots are changing where people turn for advice and therapy What pastors can do to address the epidemic of loneliness exacerbated by technology The importance of preserving human-in-the-loop oversight when using AI tools in ministry How to encourage countercultural, authentic Christian community in a digital age Powerful cautions and boundaries for deploying AI-generated content in church communications Why discernment and theological reflection must pace with technology adoption among church staff Key Quotes: “AI comes along and it personifies and personalizes your opportunity to have relationships online.” — Ed Stetzer “The antidote to an AI-driven crisis of loneliness is small community where we provoke one another to love and good deeds.” — Ed Stetzer “You don’t have to be an expert on AI, but you can call people to community.” — Ed Stetzer “If I’m in between the output of AI and where I’m placing it, that’s a line I know I’m on the right side of.” — Corey (Sermon Shots) “The rate of adoption is outpacing the thoughtfulness to it.” — Kenny Jahng Links & Resources Mentioned: Sermon Shots: https://sermonshots.com Talbot School of Theology, Biola University: https://www.biola.edu/talbot ChurchTechToday.com: https://churchtechtoday.com Exponential AI Next: https://exponential.org/ai-next/ State of AI in the Church Report edstetzer.com: http://edstetzer.com About the Church Tech Today Podcast: The Church Tech Today Podcast helps pastors, church staff, and ministry leaders navigate the intersection of faith and technology with confidence. Hosted by Kenny Jahng and brought to you by www.FrontDoor.church.