I think often about the Great Commission. In our rapidly globalizing world infused with AI, how can we effectively spread the Gospel across diverse cultures and languages? While technology presents new opportunities, the church must ground its evangelistic approach in biblical and missiological foundations.
Understanding Other Worldviews
Thanks to AI translation tools, we can readily communicate worldwide. Yet simply conveying information does not constitute evangelism. True outreach requires comprehending audience worldviews to meaningfully contextualize our message. As mission scholars emphasize, the Gospel takes root when people encounter Christ in light of their own stories and concepts. AI can help analyze cultural datasets, but only human relationships yield the understanding required for wise contextualization.
Avoiding Cultural Imperialism
Historically, some evangelistic efforts transplanted Western cultural forms, rather than distinguishing between the Gospel’s essence and its variable expression. Today’s evangelists must present Jesus in ways that resonate locally, without unwittingly assuming their own cultural preferences as universals. This demands deep engagement with community, not surface-level demographics. While data helps assess basic trends, only human fieldwork reveals the nuanced intricacies of a culture. AI alone cannot decode the soul of a people.
Emphasizing Orality
Many cultures still center around oral communication. So evangelistic methods relying primarily on literate media like apps and VR may have limited effectiveness. Just because technology can deliver a pre-packaged Gospel presentation doesn’t mean it should. Where oral learners dominate, tools that encourage interactive storytelling tend to bear more fruit. AI chatbots struggle to replicate the fluid reciprocity of human dialogue. Relational, voice-based ministry should be prioritized in oral contexts.
Value of Person-to-Person Ministry
While technology facilitates connections, no app replaces looking someone in the eyes, listening to their story and sharing yours. I’ve found nothing surpasses the power of human witnesses embodying Christ’s love. A neighbor they know overcoming adversity through faith or passionately describing an encounter with Jesus – this remains the most compelling kind of Gospel sharing. AI will enhance evangelism, but nothing can substitute for personal vulnerability and authentically living out the Gospel.
Centrality of the Holy Spirit
In the end, only the Holy Spirit truly pierces hearts and transforms worldviews. Our innovations and strategies are secondary. As Jesus said, “When the Spirit comes he will testify about me” (John 15:26). For this reason, prayer is foundational to all evangelistic work, regardless of technological sophistication. We must weep for the lost, intercede for them and trust the Spirit’s guidance in discerning how to reach each culture and person. He ignites faith; we simply plant and water (1 Cor. 3:6-7).
As we share Christ in this complex new era, may the Global Church steward technology with wisdom, Spirit dependence and a passion to make disciples of every nation, tribe and tongue.