LOOKING BACK: A 50-YEAR MILESTONE IN MISSIONS

2026 will mark a significant milestone in my personal journey of missions—a full 50 years since I embarked on my very first outreach to the 1976 Summer Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada. Half a century. Fifty years of witnessing God’s unwavering goodness and faithfulness as we had the privilege to serve people across nations and generations.

Back then, the world was a very different place:

• It was at the height of Communism in the USSR, long before the Cold War ended
• The Berlin Wall still stood, dividing East and West. The Soviet Union had yet to collapse
• It was before the rise of Islam, and the Islamic Revolution in Iran was still to come
• China had not yet risen as a global power
• It was the year that Jimmy Carter won the American presidency, defeating incumbent Gerald Ford, signalling a shift in American politics, emphasizing honesty and reform after the Watergate scandal.
• It was the year that gave birth to Personal Computing. The Apple I computer was released by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, marking the beginning of the personal computing revolution.
• Fax machines did not exist yet, and mobile phones were only present in futuristic movies
• Netflix, YouTube, and Facebook didn’t exist—and television had just arrived in South Africa

That world does not exist anymore

But now, in a world shaped by modern tools, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence, looking back toward the future reveals a landscape that is almost unrecognizable. The mission remains, but the context has transformed entirely.

INTRODUCTION

In an age where algorithms shape conversations and digital platforms reach the ends of the earth, the intersection of artificial intelligence and the Great Commission presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Church. As Jesus commanded His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations,” the tools available to fulfill that mission have evolved dramatically. Today, machine intelligence—once confined to science fiction—is now a powerful force capable of translating Scripture, tailoring outreach, and amplifying the gospel in unprecedented ways.

But with great power comes great responsibility. Can AI serve the sacred without replacing the Spirit? How do we ensure that technological advancement remains a servant to divine purpose, and not a master or a substitute for it? This article explores how believers can engage AI with discernment, consecrating its use for kingdom work while remaining anchored in the wisdom and authority of God.

WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT, AI IS HERE TO STAY.

As Christians, we affirm and proclaim the truth of Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This foundational verse invites us to view artificial intelligence through a different, yet distinct lens—one shaped by reverence for God, not reliance on machines. AI must never be embraced as the source of wisdom, the birthplace of inspiration, or the cornerstone of innovation. Rather, it is—and must remain—a tool: a supplement to wisdom, not its origin. As such, it should be used with discernment, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility before God.

We must therefore ensure that AI amplifies the gospel, not dilutes it.  AI can help us reach the ends of the earth—but only if we remain rooted in Christ, the Word, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  AI can deliver information, but it cannot embody the incarnational love of God as proclaimed through the Gospel

WHAT DID THE DISCIPLES HAVE?

Before we delve into how AI can support our mission efforts today, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what the disciples carried with them 2,000 years ago.

The AI of Biblical times was simply All-Sufficient Inspiration.  The disciples had something far more powerful than any technology: the presence of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit, and unwavering faith.

Instead of mobile phones, tablets and computers, here’s what the disciples carried with them:

1. THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST

John 15:5 —“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

• The disciples walked with Jesus, learned from Him directly, and witnessed His miracles.
• After His resurrection, they carried the memory of His teachings and the authority of His commission.
• For the disciples fruitfulness meant being grafted in Christ

2. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

• At Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Spirit—empowered to speak boldly, perform miracles, and spread the gospel across cultures and languages (Acts 2).
• The Spirit was their guide, comforter, and source of divine wisdom.

3. THE WORD OF GOD

• They proclaimed the message of salvation rooted in Scripture and the life of Christ.
• Though they didn’t have printed Bibles or digital tools, they carried the gospel in their hearts and shared it with conviction.

4. COMMUNITY AND TESTIMONY

• They leaned on one another, formed churches, and bore witness through their lives.
• Their unity and love were a living testimony to the truth they preached.

Today, we have AI, social media, and global connectivity—but the mission remains the same. The disciples had no microphones, no algorithms, no platforms. Yet their message turned the world upside down. What they had was Christ and a divine fire—and that’s still available to us.

AI AS A TOOL

The challenge for believers is therefore not to use AI as a substitute for divine inspiration, but as a tool in the hands of those who are led by the Spirit.

So, as technology reshapes every corner of society, it’s time to ask—

• How will AI impact the Great Commission?
• How can it serve the call to “go and make disciples of all nations”?

Below are 10 ways AI is already transforming—and will continue to shape—the future of Christian missions. From translation breakthroughs to ethical challenges, AI is not replacing missionaries; it’s amplifying their reach, deepening their insight, and opening new doors for gospel engagement.

1. EXPANDING GLOBAL AND LINGUISTIC REACH

Language translation tools
The biggest obstacle in sharing the Gospel has always been the barrier of language.  AI-powered translation apps like Google Translate and DeepL are now enabling missionaries to communicate in local dialects and minority languages at the press of a button. This is especially vital in regions with limited access to Bible translations or theological resources. Real-time translation also helps during live preaching, counselling, or community engagement.

AI-driven content generation
Ministries use AI to generate sermons, devotionals, and educational materials tailored to cultural contexts. For example, AI can adapt biblical themes to resonate with local customs, festivals, or historical narratives—making the gospel more relatable and impactful.

2. DIGITAL DISCIPLESHIP AND EVANGELISM

AI chatbots for spiritual guidance
Chatbots like “BibleBot” or custom-built discipleship assistants offer 24/7 support, answering questions about faith, theology, and life challenges. These tools are especially useful in regions where access to pastors or mentors is limited due to persecution or remoteness.

Social media targeting
AI algorithms analyse user behaviour to help ministries deliver gospel content to the right audience. For example, evangelistic videos or testimonies can be shown to seekers based on their interests or search history, increasing engagement and conversions.

3. STRATEGIC PLANNING & DATA ANALYSIS

Demographic data analysis
AI helps mission organizations identify unreached people groups by analysing census data, migration patterns, and religious affiliations. This enables more strategic deployment of missionaries and resources.

4. TOOLS FOR MISSIONARIES

Bible study and AR tools
AI enhances Bible apps with voice recognition, personalized study plans, and augmented reality (AR) experiences. Imagine pointing your phone at a map and seeing Paul’s missionary journeys unfold in 3D—making Scripture come alive.

Tech adoption in Africa
In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, AI is shifting church attitudes from scepticism to strategic use. Churches are using AI to manage attendance, track discipleship progress, and even stream services in local languages.

5. GATHERINGS AND FELLOWSHIP

Missional AI conferences
Events like Missional AI 2025 bring together theologians, technologists, and missionaries to explore how AI can serve the Great Commission while remaining faithful to biblical principles. Topics include AI ethics, digital discipleship, and indigenous theology.

6. STRATEGIC SHIFTS IN MISSION PLANNING

Data-driven discernment
AI can analyse religious trends, linguistic shifts, and cultural movements to help mission boards discern where the Spirit may be moving. This supports prayerful, evidence-based decision-making.

Risk assessment tools
AI tools assess political instability, disease outbreaks, and travel risks—helping missionaries avoid danger and plan safe outreach strategies.

7. CONTEMPORARY AND CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

Real-time translation apps
Apps like SayHi or iTranslate allow missionaries to speak and be understood instantly, even in remote villages. This fosters deeper relationships and clearer gospel communication.

Cultural contextual learning
AI helps missionaries understand local idioms, taboos, and metaphors—preventing cultural missteps and building trust. For example, knowing that “light” symbolizes mourning in one culture but hope in another can shape how Scripture is taught.

8. REMOTE THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION

Accessible theological training
AI tutors and chatbots offer seminary-level education to believers in closed or persecuted countries. These tools democratize access to biblical knowledge without requiring physical campuses.

Customized discipleship paths
AI can personalize spiritual growth plans based on a person’s learning style, maturity level, and cultural background. This makes discipleship more effective and engaging.

9. PROPHETIC POSSIBILITIES

Amplifying marginalized voices
AI can preserve oral histories, translate indigenous theology, and generate prayers for trauma survivors. Imagine AI crafting lament psalms for war-torn communities or curating liturgies rooted in local rhythms—giving voice to the voiceless.

10. CRISIS RESPONSE

Predictive modelling for crisis response
AI can forecast political unrest, natural disasters, or health crises, allowing mission teams to prepare or relocate. It also helps humanitarian missions respond faster with food, shelter, and medical aid.

GOSPEL INTEGRITY CHALLENGES

There’s a risk of reducing the gospel to information delivery—missing the relational, transformative nature of discipleship. AI must support, not replace, the human witness. The three major challenges are:

Dehumanization risks

While AI can simulate empathy, it cannot embody the incarnational presence of Christ. Missions must guard against replacing human relationships with digital substitutes.

Ethical concerns in AI use

Christian leaders are raising questions about bias in algorithms, surveillance risks, and whether AI-generated sermons lack spiritual authenticity. These concerns are prompting theological reflection on the nature of truth and embodiment.

Cultural humility imperative

AI must not impose Western theological frameworks on indigenous expressions of faith. The goal is empowerment, not digital colonization. Local voices must lead the contextualization process.

CONCLUSION: CONSECRATING THE CODE

As we stand at the crossroads of divine calling and digital capability, the Church must not shy away from the tools of the age—but neither should we idolize them. Artificial intelligence, for all its brilliance, is not the bearer of truth nor the author of salvation. It is a servant, not a saviour.

The Great Commission remains our sacred charge, and AI—when consecrated to God’s purposes—can become a vessel for reaching hearts across languages, cultures, and screens. But this requires more than technical skill; it demands spiritual discernment, ethical clarity, and unwavering dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Let us then approach AI not with fear or blind enthusiasm, but with reverent creativity—harnessing its potential while anchoring our mission in the unchanging truth of the gospel. For when machine intelligence meets divine consecration, the message of Christ can echo farther than ever before—yet always with the same eternal power.

P.S. Even though the article was written by a spirit-filled believer, both the introduction and conclusion were crafted by AI through the platform of Copilot.  Read it again and take a moment to reflect on how—even through a machine—words can still echo the tone of Spirit-led inspiration. Let this be a reminder that when consecrated for God’s purposes, even technology can serve as a vessel for truth and grace.

PPS.  A wonderful source to consult for AI ethics from a Christian perspective is:  An AI Ethics Framework from a Christian Perspective