At the 2025 Gospel Coalition National Conference, John Piper issued a pointed challenge regarding the growing use of artificial intelligence in Christian ministry. His remarks centered on a simple but piercing question: Can AI offer true praise to God?

During his address, Piper shared a striking example. He had asked an AI program to compose a short prayer in the spirit of theologian D.A. Carson, praising the glory of God’s grace. The result was polished and theologically sound. Yet after reading it aloud, Piper paused, looked at the audience, and asked, “Is that praise?”

Answering his own question, Piper declared, “No, it is not.” He grounded his response in Matthew 15:8-9 (BSB): “This people honors Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.”

Piper’s point was unmistakable: while AI can mimic the structure and content of biblical prayer, it cannot replicate the heart. Machines cannot feel the weight of sin or the wonder of redemption. Only human hearts, made alive by the Spirit, can offer true worship and faithful ministry.

In light of Piper’s comments, an important distinction emerges for pastors, theologians, teachers, and students of Scripture: AI can assist but must never replace Spirit-led work. Research tools can streamline study, organize outlines, and even recall forgotten verses, but they cannot discern truth, grieve over sin, or rejoice in grace. Those tasks belong to the living, Spirit-filled servants of God.

The line, Piper implied, is crossed when efficiency overtakes earnestness, or when ministry becomes mechanical rather than prayerful. As 2 Timothy 2:15 (BSB) reminds believers: “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.”

Following Piper’s session, conversations buzzed among attendees. Some reflected on their own habits, wondering whether convenience had at times dulled their spiritual sensitivity. One attendee observed, “AI can fetch information, but it can’t bear witness.”

The call was clear: embrace technology carefully, but treasure authenticity more. True ministry flows not from polished words alone, but from hearts that know and love the living God.

Dear reader, how might this call for discernment shape your own engagement with technology in your ministry, study, or teaching?

Cross References for Further Meditation:

• Zechariah 4:6 (BSB): “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of Hosts.”
• Colossians 3:16 (BSB): “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…”
• James 1:22 (BSB): “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”