Church Event Planning With AI: When a Robot Joins Your Planning Committee
Planning a potluck shouldn’t feel harder than preaching a sermon. Whether you’re organizing VBS or a baptism bash, these 5 AI-powered tools can help you streamline the chaos and focus on what matters most—people and ministry.
Some of us were born to plan events. We’ve got the spreadsheets, color-coded calendars, and a stash of decor bins that rival the party supply store down the street. But most of us? We got into ministry to preach, pray, and care for people (not to coordinate potlucks and print 75 name tags at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night!)
Still, here we are. Because hosting God's people – and creating space for new people to encounter His love – is deeply kingdom work. Whether it’s a youth ministry lock-in, a women’s brunch, or the VBS kickoff, we can agree that church events are one of the most relational and welcoming parts of ministry.
Here’s the good news: we don’t have to do it all on our own.
How AI for Church Can Save You Time and Sanity
Let me give you a quick example from my own time in ministry. Back in my church planting days (and true to church planting form), I wore more hats than I can count. One of them was an event coordinator for our annual “Barbecue and Baptisms.”
Was I grateful to be part of it? Absolutely. Was I naturally gifted at organizing 100 people to bring sides, set them out in an aesthetic presentation, and line up for baptisms in a timely, orderly way? That’s a no.
Thankfully, we had just partnered with a church management software that included a built-in event sign-up tool. That simple feature took care of so many of the logistical details – tracking who signed up, sending reminders, and helping me stay sane. The event was beautiful, and I wasn’t completely fried at the end.
And that was more than five years ago. Tech has only gotten better since then.
So if the idea of AI still feels intimidating, take a deep breath. You’re probably already using more of it than you think. Below are a few well-known tools – some powered by AI, others just really smart software – that can save you time if you invite them to join your planning committee.
AI Tools for Church Event Planning
1. Canva Magic Design – for Slides, Flyers, and Name Tags
Graphic design was never my cup of tea, so I’m pretty passionate about how easy Canva has made it! Let me make it clear: creating promo slides and printed materials does not have to eat up your entire afternoon. Canva’s Magic Design and Magic Write features use AI to help generate layouts, suggest images, and even write basic copy.
Use it for:
- VBS promo slides
- Volunteer name tags
- Women’s brunch invitations
- Branded social media posts
Not sure where to start with Canva? Our team created free, customizable VBS templates in Canva that are easy to edit and make your event graphics look amazing!
2. ChatGPT – for Brainstorming, Outlines, and Announcements
ChatGPT has definitely made a splash in the AI world, and for good reason. It’s a versatile tool that can help you write everything from thank-you notes to registration reminders. Think of it as your digital brainstorming partner. You don’t have to use the first draft it gives you, but it’s a great way to beat writer’s block and get your thoughts rolling.
Use it for:
- Event descriptions for your website
- Outlines for a volunteer huddle
- Schedules or emcee scripts
- Polished emails or RSVP reminders
Pro Tip: ChatGPT is really literal. The more details you give, the better your results will be. Instead of saying “Write a fun description for our VBS,” try “Write a friendly, two-paragraph description for parents about our outer space-themed VBS for ages 4–11, happening July 8–12.” Specificity helps AI act more like a ministry teammate and less like a robot on autopilot.
3. Tithely Events & Forms – for Sign-Ups and RSVPs
Goodbye clipboards and scratched-out lists. Tithely’s built-in event tools make it easy to create digital sign-up sheets for food, setup crews, childcare, or just a general RSVP. The best part? Everything lives within your integrated Church Management Software (ChMS), so you’re not bouncing between platforms.
Use it for:
- Potluck sign-ups
- Baptism registration
- Volunteer shifts
- Childcare needs during events
Learn more about Tithely’s event planning features.
4. Google Sheets + AI Add-Ons – for Budgeting and Tracking
Google Sheets might not be glamorous, but it is powerful. And with the right AI-powered add-ons—like Sheet AI or GPT Workspace—you can turn your spreadsheet into a surprisingly smart sidekick. These tools help you analyze trends, auto-fill repetitive fields, and even generate setup checklists without spending hours formatting cells or writing formulas.
Use it for:
- Budget planning with category suggestions
- Guest lists and attendance tracking that update in real time
- Printable setup checklists for volunteers and facilities
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate a well-organized sheet. With AI helping behind the scenes, you can move from spreadsheet stress to spreadsheet success in less time than it takes to untangle the string lights.
5. Mailchimp AI Tools – for Email Campaigns and Reminders
Most email communication platforms have some level of automation or AI built in. Mailchimp, for instance, now uses AI to help optimize subject lines, personalize messages, and suggest the best time to send.
Use it for:
- Pre-event countdown emails
- Post-event follow-ups
- Volunteer thank-you notes
- Targeted reminders for those who haven’t RSVP’d
P.S. You can absolutely sign up for a platform like Mailchimp, especially if you have a large email list. But many churches prefer to keep communication streamlined through their Church Management Software. Tools like Tithely already offer built-in email and text messaging so you can manage everything in one place.
AI Tools Make Church Event Planning Easier
AI tools will not plan the next church event for you, but they can absolutely lighten the load. When technology handles the tedious tasks (like formatting sign-up sheets or reminding people to bring lemonade) you and your team are free to focus on the people in front of you!
At the end of the day, the goal is not just a successful church event. It’s connection. It’s hospitality. It’s creating space for someone to encounter the love of Jesus, whether they’re walking through your doors for the first time or showing up early to help set out chairs.
Planning church events will always come with some chaos. But with the right tools in your corner, it becomes a whole lot more doable – and even fun!
If you’re looking for a church management platform that makes events easier from the first RSVP to the final headcount, Tithely can help. Explore tools designed for real churches and real ministry, so you can spend less time stressing over logistics and more time building relationships that last.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
Some of us were born to plan events. We’ve got the spreadsheets, color-coded calendars, and a stash of decor bins that rival the party supply store down the street. But most of us? We got into ministry to preach, pray, and care for people (not to coordinate potlucks and print 75 name tags at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night!)
Still, here we are. Because hosting God's people – and creating space for new people to encounter His love – is deeply kingdom work. Whether it’s a youth ministry lock-in, a women’s brunch, or the VBS kickoff, we can agree that church events are one of the most relational and welcoming parts of ministry.
Here’s the good news: we don’t have to do it all on our own.
How AI for Church Can Save You Time and Sanity
Let me give you a quick example from my own time in ministry. Back in my church planting days (and true to church planting form), I wore more hats than I can count. One of them was an event coordinator for our annual “Barbecue and Baptisms.”
Was I grateful to be part of it? Absolutely. Was I naturally gifted at organizing 100 people to bring sides, set them out in an aesthetic presentation, and line up for baptisms in a timely, orderly way? That’s a no.
Thankfully, we had just partnered with a church management software that included a built-in event sign-up tool. That simple feature took care of so many of the logistical details – tracking who signed up, sending reminders, and helping me stay sane. The event was beautiful, and I wasn’t completely fried at the end.
And that was more than five years ago. Tech has only gotten better since then.
So if the idea of AI still feels intimidating, take a deep breath. You’re probably already using more of it than you think. Below are a few well-known tools – some powered by AI, others just really smart software – that can save you time if you invite them to join your planning committee.
AI Tools for Church Event Planning
1. Canva Magic Design – for Slides, Flyers, and Name Tags
Graphic design was never my cup of tea, so I’m pretty passionate about how easy Canva has made it! Let me make it clear: creating promo slides and printed materials does not have to eat up your entire afternoon. Canva’s Magic Design and Magic Write features use AI to help generate layouts, suggest images, and even write basic copy.
Use it for:
- VBS promo slides
- Volunteer name tags
- Women’s brunch invitations
- Branded social media posts
Not sure where to start with Canva? Our team created free, customizable VBS templates in Canva that are easy to edit and make your event graphics look amazing!
2. ChatGPT – for Brainstorming, Outlines, and Announcements
ChatGPT has definitely made a splash in the AI world, and for good reason. It’s a versatile tool that can help you write everything from thank-you notes to registration reminders. Think of it as your digital brainstorming partner. You don’t have to use the first draft it gives you, but it’s a great way to beat writer’s block and get your thoughts rolling.
Use it for:
- Event descriptions for your website
- Outlines for a volunteer huddle
- Schedules or emcee scripts
- Polished emails or RSVP reminders
Pro Tip: ChatGPT is really literal. The more details you give, the better your results will be. Instead of saying “Write a fun description for our VBS,” try “Write a friendly, two-paragraph description for parents about our outer space-themed VBS for ages 4–11, happening July 8–12.” Specificity helps AI act more like a ministry teammate and less like a robot on autopilot.
3. Tithely Events & Forms – for Sign-Ups and RSVPs
Goodbye clipboards and scratched-out lists. Tithely’s built-in event tools make it easy to create digital sign-up sheets for food, setup crews, childcare, or just a general RSVP. The best part? Everything lives within your integrated Church Management Software (ChMS), so you’re not bouncing between platforms.
Use it for:
- Potluck sign-ups
- Baptism registration
- Volunteer shifts
- Childcare needs during events
Learn more about Tithely’s event planning features.
4. Google Sheets + AI Add-Ons – for Budgeting and Tracking
Google Sheets might not be glamorous, but it is powerful. And with the right AI-powered add-ons—like Sheet AI or GPT Workspace—you can turn your spreadsheet into a surprisingly smart sidekick. These tools help you analyze trends, auto-fill repetitive fields, and even generate setup checklists without spending hours formatting cells or writing formulas.
Use it for:
- Budget planning with category suggestions
- Guest lists and attendance tracking that update in real time
- Printable setup checklists for volunteers and facilities
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate a well-organized sheet. With AI helping behind the scenes, you can move from spreadsheet stress to spreadsheet success in less time than it takes to untangle the string lights.
5. Mailchimp AI Tools – for Email Campaigns and Reminders
Most email communication platforms have some level of automation or AI built in. Mailchimp, for instance, now uses AI to help optimize subject lines, personalize messages, and suggest the best time to send.
Use it for:
- Pre-event countdown emails
- Post-event follow-ups
- Volunteer thank-you notes
- Targeted reminders for those who haven’t RSVP’d
P.S. You can absolutely sign up for a platform like Mailchimp, especially if you have a large email list. But many churches prefer to keep communication streamlined through their Church Management Software. Tools like Tithely already offer built-in email and text messaging so you can manage everything in one place.
AI Tools Make Church Event Planning Easier
AI tools will not plan the next church event for you, but they can absolutely lighten the load. When technology handles the tedious tasks (like formatting sign-up sheets or reminding people to bring lemonade) you and your team are free to focus on the people in front of you!
At the end of the day, the goal is not just a successful church event. It’s connection. It’s hospitality. It’s creating space for someone to encounter the love of Jesus, whether they’re walking through your doors for the first time or showing up early to help set out chairs.
Planning church events will always come with some chaos. But with the right tools in your corner, it becomes a whole lot more doable – and even fun!
If you’re looking for a church management platform that makes events easier from the first RSVP to the final headcount, Tithely can help. Explore tools designed for real churches and real ministry, so you can spend less time stressing over logistics and more time building relationships that last.
podcast transcript
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
Some of us were born to plan events. We’ve got the spreadsheets, color-coded calendars, and a stash of decor bins that rival the party supply store down the street. But most of us? We got into ministry to preach, pray, and care for people (not to coordinate potlucks and print 75 name tags at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night!)
Still, here we are. Because hosting God's people – and creating space for new people to encounter His love – is deeply kingdom work. Whether it’s a youth ministry lock-in, a women’s brunch, or the VBS kickoff, we can agree that church events are one of the most relational and welcoming parts of ministry.
Here’s the good news: we don’t have to do it all on our own.
How AI for Church Can Save You Time and Sanity
Let me give you a quick example from my own time in ministry. Back in my church planting days (and true to church planting form), I wore more hats than I can count. One of them was an event coordinator for our annual “Barbecue and Baptisms.”
Was I grateful to be part of it? Absolutely. Was I naturally gifted at organizing 100 people to bring sides, set them out in an aesthetic presentation, and line up for baptisms in a timely, orderly way? That’s a no.
Thankfully, we had just partnered with a church management software that included a built-in event sign-up tool. That simple feature took care of so many of the logistical details – tracking who signed up, sending reminders, and helping me stay sane. The event was beautiful, and I wasn’t completely fried at the end.
And that was more than five years ago. Tech has only gotten better since then.
So if the idea of AI still feels intimidating, take a deep breath. You’re probably already using more of it than you think. Below are a few well-known tools – some powered by AI, others just really smart software – that can save you time if you invite them to join your planning committee.
AI Tools for Church Event Planning
1. Canva Magic Design – for Slides, Flyers, and Name Tags
Graphic design was never my cup of tea, so I’m pretty passionate about how easy Canva has made it! Let me make it clear: creating promo slides and printed materials does not have to eat up your entire afternoon. Canva’s Magic Design and Magic Write features use AI to help generate layouts, suggest images, and even write basic copy.
Use it for:
- VBS promo slides
- Volunteer name tags
- Women’s brunch invitations
- Branded social media posts
Not sure where to start with Canva? Our team created free, customizable VBS templates in Canva that are easy to edit and make your event graphics look amazing!
2. ChatGPT – for Brainstorming, Outlines, and Announcements
ChatGPT has definitely made a splash in the AI world, and for good reason. It’s a versatile tool that can help you write everything from thank-you notes to registration reminders. Think of it as your digital brainstorming partner. You don’t have to use the first draft it gives you, but it’s a great way to beat writer’s block and get your thoughts rolling.
Use it for:
- Event descriptions for your website
- Outlines for a volunteer huddle
- Schedules or emcee scripts
- Polished emails or RSVP reminders
Pro Tip: ChatGPT is really literal. The more details you give, the better your results will be. Instead of saying “Write a fun description for our VBS,” try “Write a friendly, two-paragraph description for parents about our outer space-themed VBS for ages 4–11, happening July 8–12.” Specificity helps AI act more like a ministry teammate and less like a robot on autopilot.
3. Tithely Events & Forms – for Sign-Ups and RSVPs
Goodbye clipboards and scratched-out lists. Tithely’s built-in event tools make it easy to create digital sign-up sheets for food, setup crews, childcare, or just a general RSVP. The best part? Everything lives within your integrated Church Management Software (ChMS), so you’re not bouncing between platforms.
Use it for:
- Potluck sign-ups
- Baptism registration
- Volunteer shifts
- Childcare needs during events
Learn more about Tithely’s event planning features.
4. Google Sheets + AI Add-Ons – for Budgeting and Tracking
Google Sheets might not be glamorous, but it is powerful. And with the right AI-powered add-ons—like Sheet AI or GPT Workspace—you can turn your spreadsheet into a surprisingly smart sidekick. These tools help you analyze trends, auto-fill repetitive fields, and even generate setup checklists without spending hours formatting cells or writing formulas.
Use it for:
- Budget planning with category suggestions
- Guest lists and attendance tracking that update in real time
- Printable setup checklists for volunteers and facilities
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate a well-organized sheet. With AI helping behind the scenes, you can move from spreadsheet stress to spreadsheet success in less time than it takes to untangle the string lights.
5. Mailchimp AI Tools – for Email Campaigns and Reminders
Most email communication platforms have some level of automation or AI built in. Mailchimp, for instance, now uses AI to help optimize subject lines, personalize messages, and suggest the best time to send.
Use it for:
- Pre-event countdown emails
- Post-event follow-ups
- Volunteer thank-you notes
- Targeted reminders for those who haven’t RSVP’d
P.S. You can absolutely sign up for a platform like Mailchimp, especially if you have a large email list. But many churches prefer to keep communication streamlined through their Church Management Software. Tools like Tithely already offer built-in email and text messaging so you can manage everything in one place.
AI Tools Make Church Event Planning Easier
AI tools will not plan the next church event for you, but they can absolutely lighten the load. When technology handles the tedious tasks (like formatting sign-up sheets or reminding people to bring lemonade) you and your team are free to focus on the people in front of you!
At the end of the day, the goal is not just a successful church event. It’s connection. It’s hospitality. It’s creating space for someone to encounter the love of Jesus, whether they’re walking through your doors for the first time or showing up early to help set out chairs.
Planning church events will always come with some chaos. But with the right tools in your corner, it becomes a whole lot more doable – and even fun!
If you’re looking for a church management platform that makes events easier from the first RSVP to the final headcount, Tithely can help. Explore tools designed for real churches and real ministry, so you can spend less time stressing over logistics and more time building relationships that last.
VIDEO transcript
Some of us were born to plan events. We’ve got the spreadsheets, color-coded calendars, and a stash of decor bins that rival the party supply store down the street. But most of us? We got into ministry to preach, pray, and care for people (not to coordinate potlucks and print 75 name tags at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night!)
Still, here we are. Because hosting God's people – and creating space for new people to encounter His love – is deeply kingdom work. Whether it’s a youth ministry lock-in, a women’s brunch, or the VBS kickoff, we can agree that church events are one of the most relational and welcoming parts of ministry.
Here’s the good news: we don’t have to do it all on our own.
How AI for Church Can Save You Time and Sanity
Let me give you a quick example from my own time in ministry. Back in my church planting days (and true to church planting form), I wore more hats than I can count. One of them was an event coordinator for our annual “Barbecue and Baptisms.”
Was I grateful to be part of it? Absolutely. Was I naturally gifted at organizing 100 people to bring sides, set them out in an aesthetic presentation, and line up for baptisms in a timely, orderly way? That’s a no.
Thankfully, we had just partnered with a church management software that included a built-in event sign-up tool. That simple feature took care of so many of the logistical details – tracking who signed up, sending reminders, and helping me stay sane. The event was beautiful, and I wasn’t completely fried at the end.
And that was more than five years ago. Tech has only gotten better since then.
So if the idea of AI still feels intimidating, take a deep breath. You’re probably already using more of it than you think. Below are a few well-known tools – some powered by AI, others just really smart software – that can save you time if you invite them to join your planning committee.
AI Tools for Church Event Planning
1. Canva Magic Design – for Slides, Flyers, and Name Tags
Graphic design was never my cup of tea, so I’m pretty passionate about how easy Canva has made it! Let me make it clear: creating promo slides and printed materials does not have to eat up your entire afternoon. Canva’s Magic Design and Magic Write features use AI to help generate layouts, suggest images, and even write basic copy.
Use it for:
- VBS promo slides
- Volunteer name tags
- Women’s brunch invitations
- Branded social media posts
Not sure where to start with Canva? Our team created free, customizable VBS templates in Canva that are easy to edit and make your event graphics look amazing!
2. ChatGPT – for Brainstorming, Outlines, and Announcements
ChatGPT has definitely made a splash in the AI world, and for good reason. It’s a versatile tool that can help you write everything from thank-you notes to registration reminders. Think of it as your digital brainstorming partner. You don’t have to use the first draft it gives you, but it’s a great way to beat writer’s block and get your thoughts rolling.
Use it for:
- Event descriptions for your website
- Outlines for a volunteer huddle
- Schedules or emcee scripts
- Polished emails or RSVP reminders
Pro Tip: ChatGPT is really literal. The more details you give, the better your results will be. Instead of saying “Write a fun description for our VBS,” try “Write a friendly, two-paragraph description for parents about our outer space-themed VBS for ages 4–11, happening July 8–12.” Specificity helps AI act more like a ministry teammate and less like a robot on autopilot.
3. Tithely Events & Forms – for Sign-Ups and RSVPs
Goodbye clipboards and scratched-out lists. Tithely’s built-in event tools make it easy to create digital sign-up sheets for food, setup crews, childcare, or just a general RSVP. The best part? Everything lives within your integrated Church Management Software (ChMS), so you’re not bouncing between platforms.
Use it for:
- Potluck sign-ups
- Baptism registration
- Volunteer shifts
- Childcare needs during events
Learn more about Tithely’s event planning features.
4. Google Sheets + AI Add-Ons – for Budgeting and Tracking
Google Sheets might not be glamorous, but it is powerful. And with the right AI-powered add-ons—like Sheet AI or GPT Workspace—you can turn your spreadsheet into a surprisingly smart sidekick. These tools help you analyze trends, auto-fill repetitive fields, and even generate setup checklists without spending hours formatting cells or writing formulas.
Use it for:
- Budget planning with category suggestions
- Guest lists and attendance tracking that update in real time
- Printable setup checklists for volunteers and facilities
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate a well-organized sheet. With AI helping behind the scenes, you can move from spreadsheet stress to spreadsheet success in less time than it takes to untangle the string lights.
5. Mailchimp AI Tools – for Email Campaigns and Reminders
Most email communication platforms have some level of automation or AI built in. Mailchimp, for instance, now uses AI to help optimize subject lines, personalize messages, and suggest the best time to send.
Use it for:
- Pre-event countdown emails
- Post-event follow-ups
- Volunteer thank-you notes
- Targeted reminders for those who haven’t RSVP’d
P.S. You can absolutely sign up for a platform like Mailchimp, especially if you have a large email list. But many churches prefer to keep communication streamlined through their Church Management Software. Tools like Tithely already offer built-in email and text messaging so you can manage everything in one place.
AI Tools Make Church Event Planning Easier
AI tools will not plan the next church event for you, but they can absolutely lighten the load. When technology handles the tedious tasks (like formatting sign-up sheets or reminding people to bring lemonade) you and your team are free to focus on the people in front of you!
At the end of the day, the goal is not just a successful church event. It’s connection. It’s hospitality. It’s creating space for someone to encounter the love of Jesus, whether they’re walking through your doors for the first time or showing up early to help set out chairs.
Planning church events will always come with some chaos. But with the right tools in your corner, it becomes a whole lot more doable – and even fun!
If you’re looking for a church management platform that makes events easier from the first RSVP to the final headcount, Tithely can help. Explore tools designed for real churches and real ministry, so you can spend less time stressing over logistics and more time building relationships that last.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
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