As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at an astonishing pace, many Christians in the tech industry are grappling with its implications for faith, community, and work. Recently, over 500 attendees from more than 100 organizations across 30 countries gathered in Plano, Texas, for the sold-out Missional AI 2025 summit at One Community Church. The event, themed "AI Collision — Shaping the Future Together," offered a unique platform for exploring the intersection of technology and spirituality.
The three-day conference featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including Pat Gelsinger, former CEO of Intel, and David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group. Leaders from major tech companies like Google DeepMind and Meta’s NLLB AI division also participated, sharing insights on how AI can enhance the Church’s mission. The summit tackled pressing issues such as ethical AI, the role of technology in ministry, and the potential for AI to amplify the impact of Christian outreach.
One of the standout discussions focused on "agentic AI," which refers to autonomous systems capable of making decisions without human input. This concept raises important questions about the balance between human agency and technological intervention, particularly in the context of faith-based initiatives. Panelists emphasized that while AI can assist in various tasks, the core of any ministry remains the people involved and their relationship with God.
A notable session titled "The Sweet Smell of Data: Fertilizing the Work of Bible Translators with AI" featured developers Daniel Wilson and Jacob Bullock. They discussed how AI can support Bible translation efforts by streamlining processes that often involve tedious work. Wilson emphasized that AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance the work of translation teams, not as a replacement for the human element. "It’s assisting the translation team, but at the heart of this, it’s the team, it’s the people in it, that the technology is there to help," he explained.
Bullock echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the language community and translators in the process. He noted that AI could alleviate some of the more labor-intensive aspects of translation, allowing human translators to focus on the spiritual significance of their work. "A lot of the value created by AI is augmenting drudgery and reducing the time to insight," he said, emphasizing that the human touch remains essential in conveying the message of the Gospel.
The summit also introduced innovative tools for Bible translation, such as XRI’s AI device designed for remote areas. This technology allows missionaries to translate the Bible in regions where traditional methods may be hindered by security concerns or lack of internet access. "Language is a major barrier for doing translation, but there are a lot of places that we want to work, or we need to work," Wilson said, highlighting the device’s potential to overcome these obstacles.
Richard Zhang, a researcher from Google DeepMind, delivered a thought-provoking keynote on the theological implications of AI. He argued that advancements in AI challenge our understanding of life and death, suggesting that as technology evolves, it reveals deeper truths about humanity and our relationship with God. Zhang warned against the hubris that can come with technological mastery, reminding attendees that true wisdom and humility come from recognizing our dependence on the divine.
Dr. John Dyer from Dallas Theological Seminary also contributed to the conversation, asserting that technology, including AI, is inherently good as part of God’s creation. However, he cautioned that while AI can serve valuable purposes, it is not neutral. "Whenever we use tools, they always form us in interesting and sometimes unexpected ways," he stated. Dyer encouraged attendees to embrace technology as a gift from God while remaining vigilant about its impact on our lives and communities.
The Missional AI summit provided a fertile ground for Christians to explore the ethical and spiritual dimensions of AI. By fostering collaboration between tech professionals and church leaders, the event aimed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to harness AI for the Kingdom’s work. As we stand on the brink of a new era in technology, the call for Christians is clear: engage with these advancements thoughtfully, ensuring that our faith remains at the forefront of our endeavors.
For more insights on the intersection of faith and technology, check out resources from Barna Group and Dallas Theological Seminary.