As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, many Christians in the tech industry are pondering its implications for faith, work, and relationships. Recently, over 500 participants from more than 100 organizations across 30 countries gathered in Plano, Texas, for the sold-out Missional AI 2025 summit at One Community Church. This event, themed "AI Collision — Shaping the Future Together," served as a platform for exploring both the technical and spiritual dimensions of AI and its potential to enhance "Kingdom impact."
The conference featured a lineup of influential speakers, including Pat Gelsinger, former CEO of Intel and current chairman of Gloo, and David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group. Leaders from tech giants like Google DeepMind and Meta’s NLLB AI division also contributed to the discussions. The event emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration among AI professionals, church leaders, and mission advocates to address ethical concerns surrounding AI and its role within the Church.
Key topics included "agentic AI," which refers to autonomous systems making decisions without human input. Participants also discussed how future missions might leverage a blockchain-based internet known as Web3 to broaden the Gospel’s reach. One particularly engaging panel titled "The Sweet Smell of Data: Fertilizing the Work of Bible Translators with AI" featured developers Daniel Wilson and Jacob Bullock, who focused on how AI can assist Bible translators by streamlining the translation process.
Wilson emphasized that while AI can support translation efforts, it is crucial to remember that the heart of any translation project lies in the people involved. He stated, "AI is a supportive tool. It’s assisting the translation team, but at the heart of this, it’s the team, it’s the people in it." Bullock echoed this sentiment, explaining that AI can alleviate the more tedious aspects of translation, allowing human translators to focus on the spiritual significance of their work.
Innovative solutions for Bible translation were also unveiled at the summit, including XRI’s offline AI device designed for remote translation. This technology enables missionaries to translate the Bible in areas where internet access is limited or where security concerns exist.
Richard Zhang, a researcher with Google DeepMind, offered a thought-provoking keynote address that framed AI’s advancements through a theological lens. He suggested that as AI continues to develop, it may expose aspects of humanity that were previously dormant. Zhang warned of the potential dangers of human hubris in the face of such technology, cautioning that the ability to manipulate life and death through AI raises profound questions about our identity and purpose in God’s plan.
Dr. John Dyer from Dallas Theological Seminary also contributed valuable insights during the conference. He noted that while AI technology is inherently good, it is not neutral. Dyer pointed out that every tool we use shapes us in unexpected ways, echoing the creation mandate given to humanity in Genesis. He highlighted the societal benefits of technology, such as the significant reduction in poverty and increased literacy over the past two centuries, while also warning about the need for discipline in the face of abundance.
As for the question of whether AI can exhibit empathy, Dyer suggested that the focus should be on what we can learn from technology. He humorously remarked that one of the most valuable skills in the 21st century is the ability to truly listen—something AI excels at. Citing Joshua 8:1, where God reassured Joshua not to fear, Dyer encouraged attendees to "go attack AI" and reclaim technology as a gift from God.
As Christians engage with the rapidly advancing world of AI, the Missional AI 2025 summit served as a vital space for reflection and collaboration. By addressing both the ethical implications of AI and its potential to enhance the mission of the Church, participants left inspired to harness this powerful technology for the greater good. For more insights into the intersection of faith and technology, you can explore resources from organizations like the Barna Group and Gloo.