In the contemporary era, evangelical churches and ministries are venturing into uncharted territories in the digital sphere.
In the heart of Madrid, an event titled "The Digital Age and Christian Values" brought together Christian leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to discuss the intersection of technology and faith. Organized by the Evangelical Council of Madrid, Indigitous, and the Lausanne Movement, the gathering aimed to explore how digital tools could be harnessed for the expansion of the message of Jesus and the training of disciples.
Pastor Fran Quesada opened the event, emphasizing the importance of reaching young people "where they are," which, in today's digital age, involves the strategic use of technology and social media. Ale Medina, another youth pastor, shared his belief that social media can be a tool for the extension of the kingdom, as long as it is used according to God's purpose.
One of the key topics of discussion was the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in Christian ministries. Willem van de Poll from Alpha discussed how the pandemic had opened new opportunities for projects based on face-to-face meetings, while Michael Oh, the CEO of the Lausanne Movement, emphasized the need to "embrace digital" as a tool for good and mission expansion.
The event showcased several examples of AI-driven platforms being used for global discipleship and evangelism. Magisterium AI, a Catholic-founded AI platform, provides a faith Q&A engine accessible in over 165 countries and 50+ languages, helping spread and deepen Christian teaching efficiently worldwide.
Prominent ministry leaders like Craig Groeschel are also adapting their preaching and communication styles to AI and social media, using AI solutions to generate relevant sermon and educational content. Ministries recognize social media's power as a modern "platform" for storytelling and presence, striving to tell compelling, truthful stories with clarity and compassion online, engaging users beyond reactive presence to offer genuine spiritual guidance.
The event also highlighted the need for responsible use of technology. Daniel Gomez emphasized the importance of using technology wisely and taking care of people when transitioning to its use, while David Trujillo, pastor and head of the Canzion Institute in Spain, stressed the importance of equipping believers to fulfill the Great Commission using technological tools.
In addition to presentations, the event provided time for companionship and friendship, highlighting the need for face-to-face meetings despite the growth of digital tools. Jorge Munoz demonstrated the usefulness of a digital marketing strategy in promoting an event or project, while Andy Wickham from Pontea introduced El Cafetal, a podcast of interviews, as a means to help people ask relevant questions about faith.
Liz León presented a digital animation project from Argentina, Biper and his friends, which has millions of subscribers, and Aitor de la Cámara presented the development of two Apps for prayer and biblical meditation. Mateo, a young content editor, shared his testimony of God's faithfulness and the development of platforms to connect with young people on social media.
The article was published in Evangelical Focus under the section life & tech, and the event had around 50 participants in person and another 10 connected via Zoom. The event concluded with a call to action, inviting readers to join the mission of Evangelical Focus (#OneMoreYearEF campaign). The sustainability challenge ahead for Evangelical Focus serves as a reminder that the work of spreading the word of God is a collective effort.
References:
- Christian reflections on AI
- Magisterium AI
- Social media and the Great Commission
- Craig Groeschel on AI and social media
- Jesus on social media campaign
- Artificial intelligence (AI) was discussed as a potential tool for Christian ministries, with examples like Magisterium AI being highlighted for their global impact in spreading and deepening Christian teaching.
- Prominent ministry leaders, such as Craig Groeschel, are adapting their preaching styles to AI and social media, recognizing the power of these digital platforms as modern storytelling and presence tools, essential for engaging young people and offering spiritual guidance.
