News

AI-generated worship songs may increase people's hunger for the authentic.

So believes renowned composer Graham Kendrick, speaking in the first of a series of webinars for local church leaders from the Church Resources Exhibition.

‘I'm only just beginning to get my head around AI,’ admits Graham, in discussion with fellow worship leader Andy Flannagan. ‘I've heard songs with great words featuring wonderful voices. Then I’ve read the small print and realised I’ve not been listening to human beings!

‘On one level, truth is truth. It doesn't stop being the truth just because it is AI generated but too much of it may increase people's hunger for the authentic because, after a while, we don't trust anything.’

Andy Flannagan, who is also executive director of Christians in Politics, suggests the impact of AI may lead people back to seeking local creativity.

‘A song written by a lady who lives up the street has an integrity,’ he suggests, ‘especially when it has been written for a particular congregation. It might not be as shiny and as amazing as something from California or Sydney, but at least it’s about what God is doing in Basingstoke, for example. That's how revival multiplies, when we encourage each other with stories of how we've been personally revived.’

Andy will be host and moderator for the new two-day Church Leaders’ Conference, taking place at CRE (14–15 October 2026, Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey). Well-known across the UK Christian community, Andy is author of the critically-acclaimed book Those Who Show Up, which has inspired many Christians to engage more actively in politics, public life and cultural leadership. 

The conference will address real-world challenges and opportunities facing church leadership teams today and feature keynote speakers, panel discussions and practical sessions, supporting thousands of church leaders, staff and volunteers from across the UK.

You can download the webinar here. The next webinar will take place on Monday 11th May 2026.