The rain didn’t stop for seven days. In a low-lying village in the Philippines, floodwaters swallowed homes, schools and roads. Power lines collapsed, communication cut out and families sought refuge on rooftops—cut off and unseen.

But this time, help arrived faster than ever.

Within hours, drones carrying life-saving supplies navigated the stormy skies, guided by AI-powered simulations and real-time mapping. Logistic systems driven by artificial intelligence allocated resources precisely, ensuring food, water and medicine reached those in greatest need. It wasn’t just efficient—it was safer, faster and smarter than any purely human-led response could have managed alone.

Yet this isn't just a hopeful vision of the future; it's already unfolding in places today.

On March 20, 2025, I sat down at Biola University with representatives from four pioneering organizations to explore a pressing question: What role should AI play in the future of missions?

Their answers weren't theoretical—they were rooted in practical experience, covering disaster relief, cost savings, scripture translation, child mentorship and global healthcare. Each conversation revealed immense hope paired with significant challenges. Here’s what emerged from our dialogues.

From Surprise to Possibility

Diego J. Ríos from Here for Kids represented a ministry dedicated to supporting underprivileged children through sports and recreation. Initially caught off guard by my question about AI, Ríos’s reaction highlighted a widespread issue: many ministries haven't yet considered how AI could enhance their work. Yet, as we explored ideas, Ríos quickly envisioned AI streamlining administrative burdens—booking flights, arranging accommodations and efficiently gathering crucial information about local cultures. He also imagined AI-generated child profiles, seamlessly shared with partner organizations to improve child advocacy and care.

Bridging Languages, Breaking Barriers

Kyle Lee from Indigitous represents a group leveraging technology to spread the gospel. Lee illuminated powerful use-cases: AI-generated "proof-of-concept" projects created swiftly and affordably, allowing ministries to rapidly test new software or marketing materials cost-efficiently before committing substantial resources. For example, Lee highlighted how tools like Lovable enable users to produce fully functioning software prototypes with just a single prompt. This approach exemplifies groundbreaking efficiency, significantly reducing the time and financial investment traditionally required in early-stage project development.

Another exciting use-case emerging from our conversation was AI's potential to eliminate language barriers efficiently, translating conversations in real-time through wearable devices, significantly accelerating and simplifying communication and thereby the spread of the gospel.

Precision in Crisis

Representatives from Samaritan’s Purse highlighted the dramatic impact AI already has in disaster relief, as illustrated in our opening scenario. Satellite imagery analyzed by AI algorithms can predict and respond to natural disasters far more quickly and accurately than traditional methods. Autonomous drones deliver supplies precisely where they're needed, and AI-driven logistics optimize emergency responses. However, they emphasized caution: despite AI's capabilities, humans must carefully evaluate AI-generated recommendations, especially when decisions must be made quickly. Ultimately, responsibility for these critical decisions rests firmly with humans, even under the pressure of urgent timelines.

Life-saving AI in Remote Regions

Meeting Tents, an organization known for tackling critical health and sanitation issues in Uganda and the Philippines, shared deeply impactful stories. Access to clean water remains a dire issue, with contaminated water causing widespread illness. AI-integrated devices could quickly analyze water samples, providing immediate, understandable feedback by displaying chemical findings through easy-to-understand language directly on the device. It could even indicate specific safe uses for the water or advise against its use entirely. Additionally, AI-powered medical diagnostic apps could identify diseases through symptom analysis (taking pictures of the symptoms) and recommend treatments based on available medical supplies—making healthcare accessible even in remote regions.

They also emphasized the widespread availability of smartphones, even in less developed regions. Smartphones offer profound evangelistic and educational opportunities through AI-enhanced courses and resources. Anyone with a phone can ask AI-driven chatbots for immediate answers, educational guidance, or even data analysis. As AI becomes cheaper and more ubiquitous, it will significantly lower the barriers to accessing critical information and empower leaders in underserved communities.

Challenges Ahead: Awareness, Relationships, Cultural Context and Data

While AI’s potential is extraordinary, significant hurdles remain:

Awareness: 
The most immediate obstacle is education. Many nonprofit and mission leaders still view AI as a distant buzzword rather than a practical tool. Effective integration starts with foundational awareness—understanding basic tools like ChatGPT—and grows through continuous learning, expert guidance and staying intentionally informed. AI itself can help leaders stay updated. For Example, OpenAI recently introduced ChatGPT tasks, automating daily information collection. Additionally, leaders can follow influential AI-focused accounts on X and form networks, such as think tanks that approach AI through a Christian perspective. Institutions like Biola University’s AI Lab exemplify how exploring ethical AI intersects meaningfully with Christian missions.

Preserving Relationships: 
A significant risk with AI adoption is over-reliance, potentially leading ministries to neglect the relational aspects fundamental to evangelism and faith-building. While AI-driven platforms can provide educational resources and answer inquiries 24/7, they cannot replace the human relationships essential to meaningful evangelism. The power of personal connection, empathy, and community must remain central. Thus, AI should always augment, never substitute for human relationships in missions.

Cultural Context: 
AI’s effectiveness hinges significantly on cultural relevance. Without localized understanding, AI models can produce solutions and interpretations inappropriate or even harmful within certain cultures. Ministries must invest in culturally nuanced training data and maintain rigorous human oversight, ensuring all AI-driven initiatives align sensitively and respectfully with local customs, traditions, and societal norms.

Data Collection and Management: 
The availability of quality, diverse, and extensive data remains a critical challenge. Many mission organizations currently lack comprehensive data collection practices, limiting AI’s potential impact. Organizations should actively collect and aggregate data across various contexts—even data that initially seems irrelevant—as AI can identify unexpected, valuable patterns. Establishing robust data-management frameworks will maximize AI's efficiency and effectiveness.

Technical Costs and Resources: 
Currently, developing reliable, robust AI applications is costly, requiring specialized expertise, extensive testing and substantial investment. Few organizations possess the resources and technical talent needed to create AI solutions effectively. Additionally, mission organizations often prioritize immediate humanitarian or evangelistic needs over AI development, limiting available resources further. However, investing thoughtfully in AI could ultimately help alleviate other organizational burdens, streamlining processes, and enabling more efficient resource allocation in the long run.

A Call to Action
AI is not merely a futuristic fantasy but a present-day catalyst for radical transformation in missions. The intersection of technology and ministry is both inevitable and necessary. Missions stand at a crucial crossroads: embracing AI's immense potential while thoughtfully addressing ethical responsibilities and relational priorities.

As we journey forward, mission leaders have a pivotal role—to steward AI wisely, ensuring it remains a servant rather than a substitute, empowering ministries to respond swiftly, compassionately and profoundly to the world's needs.