The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has called on the Church to adopt a responsible and ethical approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media as digital technologies increasingly shape ministry, communication and administration.
He said the PCG must remain vigilant as it navigates the rapidly changing digital landscape, as AI could generate digital deception and deepfakes, realistic fake images, audio, and videos that mimic trusted individuals, making social engineering and scams much harder to identify.
Addressing the church at the 26th General Assembly at the Ramseyer Training Centre, Abetifi–Kwahu, Rt. Rev. Dr Opare Kwakye, highlighted the global shift into the fourth and emerging fifth Industrial Revolutions, driven by digitalisation, automation, AI, cyber-physical systems and human–machine collaboration.
AI reshaping ministry
The Moderator described the transformation as unprecedented, noting that AI is already reshaping how churches worldwide connect, teach and organise.
While acknowledging the opportunities AI presents for evangelism, discipleship, administration and outreach, he cautioned that it also carries serious risks if used without ethical guidance.
He stressed that AI’s ability to mimic human reasoning could tempt churches to rely on it for teaching, counselling or decision-making, roles that must remain rooted in Scripture and pastoral care.
The Moderator’s appeal forms part of a broader call for the PCG to embrace technology responsibly while safeguarding its values, unity and witness in an increasingly digital world.
“AI can process information, but it cannot shepherd hearts,” he said. “AI can be a good servant but a bad and dangerous master.”
He added that AI, as a product of human creativity, must always operate under the authority of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
To safeguard the church, the Moderator proposed the development of a clear AI policy and ethical guidelines addressing truthfulness, privacy, stewardship, accountability and the rejection of misinformation and deepfakes.
Discipline required
Turning to social media, the Moderator urged Presbyteries worldwide to intensify training for church leaders on responsible online engagement.
He acknowledged the transformative role of platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp, noting that they have expanded the church’s reach and created what he described as a “church without walls.”
These platforms, he said, now serve as vital tools for participation, prayer sharing and community building, especially for members unable to attend in person. However, he warned that the same platforms carry significant dangers when used without discernment.
He expressed concern about the spread of misinformation, false doctrines, heated rhetoric and reputational harm.
He noted that unrestrained posting of church activities and casual online banter among members can undermine Presbyterian discipline and weaken the church’s public image.
The Moderator also highlighted the impact of excessive social media use on fellowship and youth development, noting that young people, particularly, had become vulnerable to compulsive use and exposure to inappropriate content.
“Such habits weaken communal bonds and encourage individualism,” the Moderator stressed.
Responsible digital discipleship
To address these challenges, Rt Rev. Dr Opare Kwakye urged Presbyteries to organise regular training sessions for church leaders on verifying information, recognising AI-generated misinformation and applying sound judgement before sharing content online.
He stressed the need for vigilance to prevent uncritical use of online material that may portray the PCG as confused or divided.
He emphasised that the church must remain disciplined, alert and guided by Scripture as it engages digital tools, ensuring that technology serves ministry and never replaces the heart of pastoral care.
