church AI policy template
Church AI policy template
Direct answer
Use this church AI policy template as a starting point for staff discussion. It is intentionally plain: define allowed uses, name protected content, and require human approval before external actions.
Reviewed by FlockConnect · Updated June 2, 2026
Starter policy language
Our church may use AI tools to draft, organize, summarize factual operational context, and prepare reviewable ministry work.
AI tools may not generate sermons, process counseling or confessional content, classify people spiritually, summarize specific children, write financial judgments, or send external messages without approval.
A pastor or authorized staff member remains responsible for every message, decision, record change, and external action.
Sensitive pastoral care, crisis, abuse, self-harm, and counseling disclosures must be handled by trained humans through the church's established care and reporting process.
How to use it
Step 1
Name allowed work
List low-risk preparation tasks such as communications drafts, planning notes, board prep, and visitor follow-up drafts.
Step 2
Name refused work
Write the refusal list explicitly so staff do not have to infer it from a vague AI ethics statement.
Step 3
Require review
Make human approval the default for anything that leaves the system or affects another person.
Review checklist
- Does the policy distinguish drafting from sending?
- Does it prohibit sermon generation?
- Does it prohibit counseling-content processing?
- Does it protect children and financial workflows?
- Does it say who is accountable for approvals?
Related questions
Should a church have an AI policy before using AI tools?
Yes. Even a short policy is useful because it gives staff shared language for allowed work, refused work, and human approval.
Can Collie provide legal advice for an AI policy?
No. This is operational guidance, not legal advice. Churches should adapt policies with appropriate legal and denominational counsel.