AI, Theology and the Black Church

This intensive course explores the theological, ethical, and practical implications of artificial intelligence and digital innovation within the life of the Black Church. Grounded in Black theology, ecclesiology, and cultural analysis, the course examines how emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence, play, gamification, and digital socialization—are reshaping formation, leadership, community, and ministry practice.

Dr. Justin Lester (That Tech Pastor) leads students in critically engaging artificial intelligence as a theological and ethical force in contemporary ministry. Through interdisciplinary inquiry, students assess how AI and digital systems influence identity, belonging, power, and participation in faith communities, with particular attention to ethical discernment, human dignity, and communal flourishing.

Ray Rouson (Your Digital Executive Pastor) focuses on digital discipleship, guiding students in the design and implementation of discipleship models that move beyond streaming toward intentional, measurable, and relational spiritual formation in digital and hybrid spaces. Drawing from pastoral practice, digital ministry systems, and contemporary research, students explore how the Black Church can cultivate authentic discipleship, care, and leadership development in an online world.

Together, the course equips students to think theologically, lead ethically, and innovate faithfully developing AI-informed and digitally integrated ministry strategies that honor the historic witness of the Black Church while engaging the realities of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology