What Can’t Be Automated

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to learn more about AI and the tools we can use in the church. I’ll be honest—it was both fascinating and a little bit scary. There’s so much potential in using technology to support ministry, connect with people, and even help with things like preaching, teaching, and writing. (And yes, I might be using those tools right now.)

We talked about the bright side and the dark side of this new technology. I learned some surprising things AI can already do, and we spent time reflecting on the ethics behind it all.

But after a full day of conversation about data, tools, and optimization, I left thinking about something else.

What can’t be automated?
How would you answer that question?

You can’t automate love.
You can’t program compassion.
You can’t schedule grace.

This Sunday’s scripture tells the story of a woman named Mary, who pours out a bottle of expensive perfume in an unplanned, unscripted, deeply human act of love. It’s messy. It’s beautiful. And it makes the room uncomfortable.

But it also leaves behind something no algorithm could ever replicate—the fragrance of grace.

As we continue our Good Enough series, we’ll explore what it means to offer something real and vulnerable, even when it doesn’t make sense to others. Especially when it doesn’t.

Hope to see you Sunday

With Gratitude,

Rodney Whitfield
Senior Pastor
Aldersgate UMC