A pastor in the US has created an artificial intelligence version of himself to help church members when he is unavailable.
Rev Justin Lester of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has built an AI “digital doppelganger” using his sermons, books, social media posts and other material he has produced.
“I can make an appointment with the pastor, but I can ask this question right now,” Steve Smedley said, the church’s technical director.
Church member Breanah Drake said she uses the system when Lester is away or when she is “too embarrassed to ask him” a question.
The AI pastor can respond to personal questions using material from Lester’s teachings. When asked about loneliness, it replied: “It's not good for a man to be alone. That's scripture, that's truth, and it applies to you right now. Loneliness isn't weakness. It's a signal that you were made for connection. So here's what I want you to do today. Reach out to one person.”
Rev Lester said the system is updated “Every single day” as he develops as a pastor.
He said AI was helping him spend more time on pastoral work, including hospital visits, while reducing routine administrative tasks.
“I did not go to school to email,” Rev. Lester said.
But he does not believe AI can replace the human pastor.
“Oh, no, no, no, no, no. So, AI cannot feel,” he said.
The system also has safeguards. It is restricted to subjects Lester has addressed, while serious issues such as suicide or abuse prompt the response: “That's too much for me. Call the pastor.”
