
Wretched Radio with Todd Friel
When AI Replaces Shepherding: A Warning for the Church
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55 min·January 29, 2026
About this Episode
Segment 1
• Global elites at Davos warn that “by-the-book” religions could be eliminated by AI.
• Let’s get real: AI can process data, but it can’t be human.
• We can KNOW that AI, machines, and robots can never possess the mind of Christ that believers do.
Segment 2
• AI will replace some roles—but not every vocation or calling will be effected.
• The real question young people must answer: where am I replaceable?
• If we don’t define categories and terms, technology will define them for us.
Segment 3
• Todd reads an intro and entire segment written by AI.
• If pastors use AI to write sermons, biblical shepherding turns into play-acting.
• The real cost isn’t just efficiency—it’s warmth, care, and actual, human, pastoral presence.
Segment 4
• AI has real limits—and real potential for human harm, especially in work and ministry.
• A chatbot can’t read a room, feel tension, respond in love, or function along lines of emotion.
• Final gut check: do you really want a relationship with a computer?
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