Self-Reliance
AI’s Role in Advancing Christian Mission Explored
In the heart of Texas, a gathering of over 500 participants from more than 100 organizations across 30 countries convened for the Missional AI 2025 summit. This event, held at One Community Church’s Plano campus, was a beacon of hope for those who see the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance our Christian mission and values. As AI continues to develop at a rapid pace, it is crucial for us as Christians to explore how this technology can be harnessed to amplify our Kingdom impact while remaining true to our faith and values.
The summit, aptly themed “AI Collision — Shaping the Future Together,” was a platform for AI professionals, church leaders, and mission advocates to collaborate on the ethical and spiritual implications of AI. The discussions centered on how AI can serve as a tool to further the Gospel, with a particular focus on its role in Bible translation. As Daniel Wilson, one of the panelists, wisely noted, “God and the Holy Spirit works through the Church, through people to translate the Bible.” AI, in this context, is not a replacement but a supportive tool that assists the translation team, allowing them to focus on the spiritual essence of their work.
Jacob Bullock, a biblical scholar, emphasized the human-centric nature of Bible translation, stating, “The heart of a translation project is always people. It’s always the language community, it’s always the translators.” By reducing the “drudgery” of translation tasks, AI can free up human resources to engage more deeply with the spiritual dimensions of their work. This approach aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship, where we are called to use our resources wisely to further God’s Kingdom.
Innovative solutions like XRI’s offline AI device for remote translation were unveiled at the summit, showcasing how technology can be used to spread the Gospel in areas where it is most needed. This device allows missionaries to translate the Bible in hostile regions without government detection, a testament to the power of technology when used for God’s glory. As Wilson pointed out, “Language is a major barrier for doing translation,” and these innovations help overcome such obstacles.
Richard Zhang offered a profound reflection on the intersection of AI and theology. He suggested that AI’s advancements could lead us to a deeper understanding of God, stating, “As intelligence gets cheaper, I believe it’ll humble us, it’ll make us become truly desperate for God.” This perspective reminds us that, as Christians, our ultimate reliance should be on God, not on human achievements.
Dr. John Dyer echoed this sentiment, reminding attendees that “the technology is just good, full stop,” reflecting the goodness of God’s creation. However, he also cautioned that technology is “not neutral” and requires discipline in its use. This aligns with the biblical mandate given to Adam and Eve to steward the earth responsibly.
The summit concluded with a call to action, inspired by Joshua 8:1, urging attendees to “go attack AI” and “reclaim technology” as a “good, good gift from God.” As we navigate the complexities of AI, let us remember our Christian duty to uphold traditional values, defend our freedoms, and promote a faith-based perspective in all aspects of life. By doing so, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for advancing the Gospel and strengthening our communities, rooted firmly in faith, family, and freedom.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.