In the past two years, the world has been swept into a new technological era driven by generative AI, a form of artificial intelligence capable of interacting with humans in natural language,1 most prominently exemplified by platforms like ChatGPT. These rapidly evolving systems, once the stuff of science fiction, have become everyday tools that can write essays, brainstorm ideas, translate languages, generate artistic images, and even produce audio podcasts that rival human craftsmanship. We have seen new developments, each seemingly more impressive than the last, reshaping how people work, communicate, and, crucially, how they think about what’s possible. In this age of transformation, the Church and its global missions are not left untouched. From Bible translation to virtual Bible studies, technology has opened new frontiers for ministry. Yet, as with any great innovation, caution must accompany excitement, and wisdom should temper ambition. These considerations guide us to examine three pivotal areas regarding AI’s place in missions: its value as a tool, the risks it carries, and the potential futures it may bring, both hopeful and concerning.

Technology has always played a role in fulfilling the Great Commission, dating back to the invention of the printing press and later the rise of radio and television, all of which revolutionized the dissemination of the message. Today, AI is emerging as the printing press of our time, fueled by vast data sets and capable of producing human-like text, videos, and even spoken words in multiple languages. This new “assistant” can provide church workers and missionaries with deep research capabilities at a keystroke. It can also generate spiritual resources and insights in real-time, helping Christian laborers respond to emerging needs and opportunities more quickly. Before embracing this as the next Big Thing for the gospel, however, we should examine both its promises and its perils,2 being mindful that such power can either serve or harm God’s kingdom mandate, depending on how thoughtfully we apply it.

AI as a Beneficial Tool for Missions

One of the most immediate advantages AI offers is its ability to serve as a tireless research assistant. This capability is called Deep Research,3 which is part of the latest AI technology4 and is now available within ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other AI platforms. Think about a missionary preparing to enter a new cultural context in a remote region. AI can search and parse hundreds of academic, medical, and sociological documents, summarizing relevant insights that would have taken the individual weeks or months to collect manually. The same is true of pastors or lay leaders researching biblical commentaries or theological resources. Where a person might once have had to scour multiple libraries or websites for information, AI can deliver a curated summary in minutes.
Beyond research, AI agents can also perform mundane administrative tasks, freeing up human workers to devote more time to ministry-focused activities. Whether it is drafting letters to supporters or preparing PowerPoint presentations, AI does not get tired or bored.

Proverbs 3:13 says, “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding.”

For the first time in human history, we may have invented something that can genuinely “think” and exhibit intelligence. Through extensive training, AI models have amassed knowledge equivalent to 50,000 years of human reading.5 On most subjects, their intelligence surpasses that of the average person. When harnessed for God’s purposes, this well-educated AI assistant can be a remarkable gift from God.

On a larger scale, AI holds out hope for solving problems in fields that directly intersect with many Christian ministries. Medical research aided by AI can yield improved treatments for diseases, agricultural AI can optimize crop yields in challenging climates, and educational AI can provide learning plans and resources for children who do not have access to quality schooling. In mission work, these advancements provide an incredible opportunity to serve communities in tangible ways, aligning with our call to practice the mercy and compassion of Christ.

AI can also play a critical role in Bible translation, a major aspect of Christian missions. Even today, advanced AI systems can translate vast amounts of text into multiple languages with impressive accuracy and speed.6 This capability accelerates Bible translation projects and the development of discipleship materials in the heart languages of local populations. Imagine the significance of producing Scripture-based resources within weeks rather than years. In historically under-resourced regions, AI-powered translation can help believers access devotionals, biblical commentaries, and Bible study tools in their own language. This not only builds up local faith communities but also strengthens the global unity of the Church, enabling meaningful resource sharing across diverse regions and languages.

Possible Risks and Drawbacks

While AI’s benefits for missions and ministry can be profound, embracing this technology without caution can lead to undesirable consequences. One common issue is the phenomenon known as “AI hallucination,”7 where AI systems confidently present information that is entirely false. Because AI can also inherit biases from the data it was trained on, there is a risk of perpetuating prejudiced viewpoints, misconceptions, or cultural stereotypes.8 These shortcomings can spread misinformation and damage missionary efforts, if not identified and corrected.

Another concern is competition between AI and human abilities,9 which may encourage complacency rather than personal and spiritual growth. If AI can “do the job” of generating a sermon, designing a discipleship course, or even offering counseling to those in need, then why bother spending time in prayer, fellowship, and pastoral care? This shift in mindset could lead us to prioritize efficiency while neglecting the essential relational and spiritual aspects of ministry. The Apostle Paul reminded us to “not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:2). AI, powerful as it may be, cannot renew our minds or transform our hearts. That is the work of the Holy Spirit and our active discipleship in Christ.

Furthermore, the rise of AI-based social media and even AI “companions” poses a subtle spiritual threat.10 At first glance, these platforms promise 24/7 connection as a virtual friend. But ironically, overreliance on digital conversation can lead to isolation. Individuals might discover that they spend more time interacting with chatbots than real people. This can be especially damaging for believers who forsake in-person fellowship, undermining the biblical call to assembling,

And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
—Hebrews 10:24–25

Finally, an insidious risk is the possibility for AI to become an idol. When people begin to place their hope and trust in technology rather than in the Lord, they unwittingly shift their faith from God’s sovereignty to human innovation. In an age where technology can appear miraculous, we risk forgetting the true source of miracles. In essence, the line between a “useful tool” and a “functional god” can blur if believers are not vigilant.

The Future: Navigating with Wisdom and Faith

Looking ahead, many scientists and technologists speak of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence)11 that could match or surpass human reasoning and creativity across all domains. Some envision a utopian future where advanced AI solves social problems, eliminates disease, and guides humanity into an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity. This grand vision may be seductive in part because it mirrors the deep longing every human heart has for heaven. As Christians, we recognize that our ultimate hope resides in God’s redemptive plan and not in human or machine ingenuity. The promise of a technological utopia raises a fundamental question: Will the pursuit of such a future draw humanity closer to God, or distract us from seeking him? No matter how much AI can accomplish for us, we will always be dependent on God. The dependence on God is not only a matter of practicality, but an inner posture of the heart.

There is no doubt that the modern development of AI represents a remarkable achievement of mankind. However, let us be reminded by the sobering lesson of the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11:4–8, men sought to build a tower that reached into heaven, to “make for ourselves a name.” But God intervened, scattering the people and confusing their language, because he would not allow their self-centered aspiration to eclipse their dependence on him. The parallel to our modern ambition is striking! Today, with tools like Google Translate, it seems we have reversed the curse of Babel and bridged the gap of languages once again. As we continue to push the boundaries of what AI can do, we must discern whether our motivation is to bring glory to God or to ourselves. A future built on the notion that technology can solve all our problems or deliver us from mortality ignores the lessons of history and the reality of human sinfulness.

One might also wonder whether these developments in AI herald the final stages before Jesus’ return. The New Testament writers anticipated Christ’s second coming with urgency, reminding believers to remain ever watchful. While Scripture is clear that no one knows the day or hour of his return, the steady drumbeat of technological leaps can spark questions about whether we are on the precipice of major prophetic events. Regardless of the specifics, the biblical mandate remains consistent: We are to remain steadfast and faithful in our walk with Christ, always ready for his appearing. No matter how advanced AI becomes, it will never negate our calling to share the gospel and care for souls in the here and now.

As faithful servants of Christ, we do well to blend readiness with caution. Let us fully harness the good that AI brings, while being vigilant not to overstep into territory where reliance on AI supersedes our reliance on God.

Our fellowship with the Lord and with one another is ultimately what defines the Church, not how efficiently we can automate tasks or parse data.

Conclusion: Standing Firm in Trusting God

In the end, the conversation about AI in missions is not only about technology but about the posture of our hearts. AI, in its myriad forms such as chatbot, agents, text, voice, video, or even humanoid robots, can be a tremendous asset for advancing the kingdom. It can help us reach the unreached, develop contextualized resources more quickly, and provide necessary support that allows human workers to focus on their core people- caring ministries. Yet we must also guard against potential pitfalls: misinformation, isolation, overreliance, and the subtle drift toward making AI an idol. As we peer into a future that might include true AI or other astonishing breakthroughs, we must hold fast to the words of Scripture and the sovereignty of God.12

The Bible consistently points us to trust the Lord above all else, particularly when faced with new challenges and uncertain horizons. Let that attitude guide our use of AI. As the Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthian believers:

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor 15:58)

May we boldly embrace the opportunities AI offers while remaining anchored in obeying Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations and committed to loving God with all our heart. In doing so, we bear witness that our ultimate hope lies not in the power of human or AI, but in the risen and living Christ, who works through us to fulfill his unshakable purpose of building his Church.