The Future of Worship: AI Leads a Historic Church Service in Finland

In a groundbreaking experiment, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Helsinki, Finland, hosted a worship service where artificial intelligence took center stage. The service, held on a Tuesday evening in March 2025, marked the first time in Finland that AI tools were used to create and deliver nearly every aspect of the service, from sermons and songs to visuals and avatars. This innovative approach drew over 120 attendees, many of whom were curious about the intersection of technology and spirituality. The service featured avatars of Jesus and Satan, with Jesus portrayed in traditional robes and Satan dressed in modern attire with a menacing expression. These characters, along with avatars of the church’s pastors and even a deceased former Finnish president, were brought to life using advanced AI tools.

A Tale of Good and Evil, Brought to Life by AI

The service began with a dramatic depiction of a conversation between Jesus and Satan, created using AI-generated avatars. Jesus, dressed in robes with long hair and a beard, spoke in a calm and authoritative tone, while Satan, donning modern clothes, responded with a higher-pitched voice and a menacing frown. The dialogue was crafted by AI, adding a futuristic twist to the ancient story of good versus evil. The congregation also witnessed an AI-generated avatar of Urho Kekkonen, Finland’s late president, reading from the Old Testament. While the service was largely AI-driven, traditional elements like hymns accompanied by live organ music were included to maintain a sense of familiarity and connection.

The Technology Behind the Worship

Rev. Petja Kopperoinen, the visionary behind the service, spent weeks working with various AI tools to bring the concept to life. He utilized Open AI’s ChatGPT-4 to write the sermons, Suno to compose music similar to pop songs, and Synthesia to create video avatars of himself and other pastors. The result was a seamless blend of technology and spirituality, with AI-generated visuals and music enhancing the overall experience. However, Kopperoinen admitted that seeing himself on screen speaking words he had never uttered felt "eerie," highlighting the surreal nature of the experiment. The service also addressed the ethical and environmental implications of using AI, as some critics pointed out the significant resources required to power such technologies.

Reactions from the Congregation: Entertainment Meets Spirituality

The response to the AI-led service was mixed, with many attendees finding it entertaining and fascinating but lacking the emotional depth of a traditional service. Taru Nieminen, a worshipper, shared that while the service was "fun and entertaining," it felt distant and impersonal, failing to create the sense of connection she typically experiences during human-led services. Similarly, Eeva Salonen, the chief development officer at the Helsinki Parish Union, described the service as feeling more like a "performance" than a spiritual gathering. Despite the novelty, the absence of human warmth and empathy was a recurring theme in the feedback.

AI in the Church: A Growing Trend Worldwide

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is not alone in exploring the potential of AI in worship. Churches and pastors around the globe are experimenting with AI to attract new worshippers and enhance spiritual experiences. In 2023, a church in Germany held an AI-led service, while a Catholic chapel in Switzerland used an AI avatar of Jesus to answer questions from believers. St. Paul’s church, known for its innovative approach to worship, has previously incorporated elements like sports screenings and film festivals into its services. Kopperoinen’s idea to use AI was inspired by a conference on AI and religion in Geneva, where he realized the potential of technology to transform worship.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation: The Role of AI in Religion

While the AI-led service showcased the potential of technology in worship, it also underscored the importance of human connection in spiritual practices. Rev. Kari Kanala, the vicar at St. Paul’s, emphasized that the "warmth of people" is essential for creating a meaningful worship experience. AI, while capable of performing tasks like composing music and generating text, lacks the empathy and emotional depth that human pastors bring to their roles. However, both Kopperoinen and Kanala believe AI can serve as a valuable tool for clergy, aiding in tasks like sermon preparation and research. The key, they suggest, is to use AI as a complement to human leadership rather than a replacement.

The Ethical and Spiritual Implications of AI in Worship

The experiment at St. Paul’s raises important questions about the role of AI in religion. While AI can enhance certain aspects of worship, it cannot replicate the intimacy and emotional connection that defines spiritual experiences. Ethicists like Tom Stoneham and Anna Puzio highlight the need for responsible experimentation with AI in religious settings, ensuring that these technologies are developed and used ethically. As churches continue to explore the possibilities of AI, they must balance innovation with tradition, preserving the humanity at the heart of faith. The service in Helsinki serves as a reminder that while AI can inspire and entertain, it cannot replace the warmth and empathy that only humans can provide.