There was an article in The New York Times about the prevalence of prayer apps and spiritual chatbots.  Lauren Jackson writes, “Tens of millions of people are turning to A.I.-powered religious apps that mimic conversations with clergy — or even God.”  Apparently some of these apps are subscription-based.  Let’s face it, “People often seek cosmic help in their toughest moments and then wait for a response.  To some, this was a business opportunity.  Tech founders realized chatbots could offer people the instant, personalized support that clergy can’t always provide.”*

I had all sorts of feelings reading this article.  One user commented that she uses the apps and goes to church, but you’re not going to disturb your pastor at 3 in the morning with a spiritual question!  Plus, you can ask a chatbot questions that you might be too embarrassed to ask your pastor.  I understand this sentiment, I really do.  Listen, if you text me at 3 AM with a spiritual question, I would not respond instanteously.  It’s true.  However, I would offer that we find a mutually agreeable time to meet in person.  I have had parishioners over the years who have struggled with sitting down to talk (because maybe there is something that is especially hard to talk about), so we have gone on walks instead.  The point being, most clergy I know (and not to brag, but I know A LOT of clergy) are happy to work with our people to find the right way to have conversations about important spiritual matters.  (Though spoiler alert: we can’t always solve these spiritual conundrums for you, but we can listen and do our best to be present with you).

Even after reading this article, I am not that worried about A.I. chatbots taking away jobs from professional clergy.  The decline in religious affiliation in our country was happening way before A.I. came onto the scene anyway.  That is part of the issue though.  People don’t have clergy (pastors, priests, rabbis, imams, etc.) to turn to anymore as more folks are spiritual but not religious.  These apps then become a way into faith, and that can absolutely be a positive aspect of them!  Maybe this becomes a foot in the door of one’s neighborhood house of worship.  Hey, a local church pastor can dream, okay?

What I worry about is that the popularity of these apps is another sign of the growing epidemic of loneliness in our country.  We are becoming increasingly more isolated from one another.  It is becoming more and more my belief that one of the Church’s gifts to our culture is providing a sense of belonging.  We all need places in our lives where we can belong, places where we can have meaningful conversations with one another in community. Places where we can engage with others on those questions that do have a way of waking us up in the middle of the night. Why am I here?  Where do I come from?  Is there a greater purpose?  Where am I going?  Who am I? 

It’s my contention that there really isn’t an app for that. 
There are faith communities for that.
See you in church. 

Love,
Pastor Lauren

*Lauren Jackson, “Chatting with God,” from “The Morning” newsletter of The New York Times, September 14, 2025.

Photo by Nadine E on Unsplash

Thursday Thoughts 9/18/25