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.
2. ElevenLabs (https://elevenlabs.io/app)
I wished extra management over voice tone, velocity, and inflection. ElevenLabs excelled right here. I used its Voice Changer software to report my narration, then utilized cloned voices of some choir members (with their permission). The outcome was genuine storytelling, delivered in acquainted voices.
3. Hedra (https://www.hedra.com)
This platform grew to become the spine of my challenge. Although dearer, Hedra Character 3 delivered essentially the most sensible video era I’ve seen. It allowed me to create almost 3-minute clips with dynamic movement, diverse digicam angles, and expressive element.
Further Instruments That Enhanced the Challenge
ChatGPT + DALL·E + Sora – For picture era and animation.
Runway AI – Their Act-One mannequin is especially promising for animating nonetheless pictures.
VEED – A user-friendly caption generator.
Logic Professional & Remaining Minimize Professional – For mixing soundtracks and compiling the ultimate video.
I additionally used Freesound.org for ambient audio, as I most well-liked real-world sounds over artificial ones.
Navigating AI Limitations
One of many best challenges was producing content material associated to the violence of the Ardour narrative. Many platforms, together with ChatGPT, have strict content material moderation insurance policies. Nevertheless, I discovered that basing prompts on Scripture references helped navigate these restrictions.
That stated, AI will not be excellent. Some pictures got here out with humorous glitches—further toes, awkward limbs, or partially rendered characters. One memorable misfire concerned Jesus washing a disciple’s foot: the picture confirmed a foot and ankle over a basin… however no disciple connected!
Regardless of the hiccups, the artistic potential is astounding.
Remaining Ideas: AI as a Ministry Companion
Let me provide a number of key takeaways:
- AI will not be a genie; it’s a software. You might be nonetheless the artistic engine behind the ultimate product.
- It is advisable discover ways to write efficient prompts and be ready for trial and error.
- High quality usually requires funding. Most instruments provide free credit, however actual success comes with a subscription.
- The educational curve is price it. Your imaginative and prescient can really come to life in surprising and significant methods.
My congregation responded positively to the ultimate product. Even these initially skeptical of AI have been moved by the non secular depth and emotional resonance of the presentation.
When Jesus gave the Nice Fee, He didn’t specify the strategy—He merely commanded us to go and make disciples. I’m satisfied that AI is among the many instruments God has positioned in our arms for such a time as this.
Allow us to, as leaders in worship and ministry, not shrink again from expertise—however grasp it for the glory of our Savior Jesus Christ.
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