Pastor Creates AI Twin to Offer Congregation Round-the-Clock Support

Pastor Justin Lester of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Vallejo, California, has created an AI-powered digital twin of himself, allowing congregants to interact with a version of him via text, voice, and video at any time of day.

The system is trained on years of Lester's sermons, books, and social media posts and is updated daily. He describes it as an extension of his teaching ministry, designed to make biblical instruction more accessible for people who are hesitant to ask questions in person or who need support when the church office is closed.

The AI includes safety guardrails. It will not engage on topics outside pastoral ministry and redirects users to the real pastor if they express concerns about serious issues like suicide or abuse.

Lester says the tool frees him from routine administrative tasks, giving him more time for meaningful human interactions, including longer hospital visits.

Not everyone is convinced. Episcopal priest Peter Levenstrong argues the model relies on a flawed premise. He says the church's strength lies in its community, not in the pastor's voice being the only indispensable resource. Critics warn the tool may encourage congregants to seek simulated intimacy with a machine rather than authentic relationships with other people.

A survey from mid-2026 found that 78 percent of church leaders report weekly or daily use of AI, but only 9 percent of churches have written policies governing that use. Experts say churches need clear guidelines covering who is subject to the policy, what tasks are appropriate for AI, and how sensitive data like counseling notes is protected.