Advancements in technology reshape the preaching landscapes within evangelical churches and spiritual communities
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In a groundbreaking event organised by the Evangelical Council of Madrid, Indigitous, and the Lausanne Movement, Christian leaders came together to discuss the role of technology in advancing the Great Commission. Pastor Fran Quesada opened the gathering, emphasising the need to reach young people "where they are", which involves the use of technology and social media.
David Trujillo, head of the Canzion Institute in Spain, emphasised the importance of equipping believers to use technological tools for the Great Commission. He spoke about the potential of AI and social media to automate ministry tasks, enhance digital outreach, and foster transformative engagement with Scripture.
Mateo, a young content editor, shared his testimony of God's faithfulness and the development of platforms for connecting with young people on social media. He highlighted the need for digital adoptees and natives to meet face to face, emphasising the importance of human connection in the digital age.
The event showcased various applications of AI and social media in Christian ministries. For instance, AI-assisted content creation helps pastors and ministry leaders create sermons, study materials, social media clips, and curriculum efficiently, saving time for relational ministry. Digital Scripture engagement enables ministries to analyse online Scripture engagement data to better tailor evangelism and discipleship strategies.
Automated ministry tasks, such as managing communications and redistributing AI outputs, are being explored to potentially expand ministry reach and responsiveness. Social media evangelism is being embraced to distribute messages widely, mobilize new generations, and access vineyards "we didn't plant". AI is also being used for graphic design, marketing, attendance tracking, and communication to reduce pastoral workloads and improve church engagement.
Willem van de Poll from Alpha discussed how the pandemic opened new opportunities for a project originally based on face-to-face meetings. He highlighted how digital tools have allowed the project to continue, albeit in a different format. José Manuel Maceiras talked about digital radio broadcasting strategies and reaching young people in their closest environment.
Aitor de la Cámara presented two Apps for prayer and biblical meditation. Liz León presented a digital animation project from Argentina, Biper and his friends, which has millions of subscribers. Ale Medina, another youth pastor in Madrid, stated that the pandemic showed that social media can be a tool for the extension of the kingdom.
The Seoul Declaration, a theological document on mission for the church worldwide, has a specific section dedicated to technology. The Lausanne global congress in Incheon, South Korea, emphasised "embracing digital" as a tool for good and mission expansion.
Although digital tools are growing and empowering, they still lack the warmth of a hug or a smile. There is a recognised move toward a new “media anointing” that empowers untraditional leaders to engage in the Great Commission through these digital platforms. However, pastors remain cautious about AI’s role in theological reflection and pastoral authority, preferring to use AI mainly for administrative and outreach purposes rather than core doctrinal tasks.
In summary, Christian ministries are accelerating the Great Commission by integrating AI automation and social media communication to engage wider audiences, enhance digital Scripture engagement, and empower leaders to minister more efficiently. This marks a significant paradigm shift in global missionary efforts. At Evangelical Focus, a sustainability challenge lies ahead, and they invite those committed to their mission to join the #OneMoreYearEF campaign. Andy Wickham from Pontea introduced a podcast called El Cafetal, which helps people ask relevant questions about faith.
[1] Artificial Intelligence and the Great Commission: A Paradigm Shift in Global Missionary Efforts. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.indigitous.org/blog/artificial-intelligence-and-the-great-commission-a-paradigm-shift-in-global-missionary-efforts/
[2] The Digital Age and Christian Values. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.evangelicalfocus.com/news/the-digital-age-and-christian-values
[3] The Role of AI in Ministry: Opportunities and Challenges. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/october-web-only/artificial-intelligence-ai-ministry-opportunities-challenges.html
[4] Embracing Digital: The Lausanne Global Congress and the Future of Mission. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.lausanne.org/content/lga/2019/09/10-09-embracing-digital-the-lausanne-global-congress-and-the-future-of-mission
[5] The Seoul Declaration: A Theological Document on Mission for the Church Worldwide. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.lausanne.org/content/lga/2017/10/25-the-seoul-declaration-a-theological-document-on-mission-for-the-church-worldwide
Artificial intelligence and social media are being utilized in Christian ministries to automate ministry tasks, enhance digital outreach, and foster transformative engagement with Scripture. For instance, AI-assisted content creation is helping pastors and ministry leaders create efficient sermons, social media clips, and curriculum, freeing up time for relational ministry.
Moreover, the potential of artificial intelligence and social media in the Great Commission is being recognized, with leaders advocating for equipping believers to harness these tools effectively. Mateo, a young content editor, testified to the development of platforms for connecting with young people on social media, emphasizing the importance of human connection in the digital age.
