Embracing AI in Worship Ministry: A Testimony from Cokesbury UMC
As all of us confront the inevitable rise of synthetic intelligence in ministry, I felt compelled to share a current expertise which may encourage fellow worship leaders and creatives. I really consider that AI will change into an more and more very important software in our arms—enabling us to unfold the Gospel to future generations in highly effective, persuasive, and profoundly artistic methods.
I don’t declare to be an knowledgeable in AI, however I wholeheartedly encourage you to embrace this rising expertise as I’ve—as an entire newbie. The tip product of my journey with AI may be seen on YouTube.
My Function at Cokesbury UMC
I function the Conventional Worship Director at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Each Christmas and Easter, our choir presents main works—sometimes cantatas or musicals printed by main Christian music firms like Phrase Music, Brentwood-Benson, and Lillenas.
Often, I curate a customized compilation of high-quality preparations centered on the beginning, ardour, or resurrection of Jesus. This previous yr was one such event.
A Large Imaginative and prescient Meets Actual-World Limitations
Initially of my planning, I dreamed massive. I envisioned a full-scale manufacturing involving actors, a reside donkey for Jesus’ triumphal entry, and a bunch of extras. With Cokesbury’s ample costume stock and a retired theater director in our congregation, the imaginative and prescient felt attainable.
However actuality intervened. Life circumstances and conflicting schedules compelled me to put aside the bigger manufacturing plans for 2025. But, I nonetheless longed to current one thing distinctive and impactful—a presentation that honored the sacrifice of our Savior on the cross.
Turning to AI for Ministry Innovation
With restricted assets however a powerful need to speak the Gospel creatively, I turned to AI instruments for video manufacturing. Regardless of the expertise being comparatively younger, I believed it may assist me create one thing compelling and spiritually resonant.
The Analysis Section
I started by researching AI video platforms. A number of YouTube creators supplied useful insights, particularly the @CuriousRefuge channel, which presents sensible tutorials and evaluations.
I quickly found that creating AI avatars as narrators was the most effective strategy for my challenge. I made a decision to current their “reminiscences” in black and white, whereas retaining the avatars themselves in colour—a symbolic distinction that highlighted the storytelling.
AI Platforms I Used (and Advocate)
Right here’s a quick overview of the instruments that formed my closing product:
1. HeyGen (https://www.heygen.com)
This was my preliminary software of selection for producing avatars and voices. Though geared towards industrial use, it allowed me to create inventive outcomes. One of many eyewitnesses in video #6 was made utilizing HeyGen.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
