ERLC Signs Brentwood Statement on Artificial Intelligence and Christian Ministry

ERLC signs Brentwood Statement on Artificial Intelligence and Christian Ministry

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) has joined other Southern Baptist leaders in signing “The Brentwood Statement on Artificial Intelligence and Christian Ministry,” a document led by Lifeway. This statement aims to guide Christian ministry in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing influence.

ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow and Dr. Jason Thacker, director of the ERLC Research Institute and a senior fellow, were among the signatories. Thacker, who also serves as assistant professor of philosophy and ethics at Southern Seminary and Boyce College, led the drafting of the statement. He emphasized the need for churches to critically engage with AI tools rather than simply embracing or rejecting them.

Thacker explained that the project is designed to be a resource for local churches, equipping leaders as they navigate ministry in the age of AI. “We need to cultivate wisdom to guide our engagement with these tools as we seek to prioritize the unique dignity of all people and the personal nature of ministry,” he said.

The ERLC has previously addressed AI through publications such as “The Work of Our Hands: Christian Ministry in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” and a 2019 Evangelical Statement of Principles on Artificial Intelligence. These resources are available on the ERLC website, offering guidance for churches and individuals.

The statement reflects a broader effort within the Southern Baptist Convention to address the ethical and practical implications of emerging technologies. It aligns with the ERLC’s mission to promote religious liberty and ethical Christian living in an increasingly complex world.

As AI continues to shape various aspects of life, the Brentwood Statement serves as a call for thoughtful, biblically informed engagement. It encourages churches to approach these tools with discernment, ensuring that ministry remains rooted in the dignity of every person and the personal nature of spiritual care.

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