Is AI a Threat or a Benefit in Missions?

The changes AI is bringing to the world can feel quite overwhelming. Almost like a flood, sweeping us off our feet and taking us to places we don’t want to go. At the same time, we are amazed by all the things it enables us to do and to do much faster than before.

Also, in mission, AI is opening up new possibilities and we thank God for them. Think of translation apps allowing us to communicate while travelling in areas where people speak no majority languages. Think of the way it allows us to build amazing evangelistic tools with stunning graphics. Think of how it helps with translating the Bible and other materials much faster.

But the power of Artificial Intelligence needs another power to keep it in check and to make sure it is used to advance the gospel. A bit like digging canals to direct the flood to places where the water can bring life, rather than destroy. There is a need within the mission community for a new type of smart people. People who may not have been considered to be the traditional missionary ‘types’ (teachers, doctors and business tent makers), but who understand technology and can help harness its power, and avoid its pitfalls.

This is one of the reasons Back to Jerusalem brings together a group of mission minded geeks every year to help us think through challenges and opportunities created by technology. How do we avoid the detection of algorithms and different kinds of digital surveillance when working in closed nations? How can we use technology to get Bibles in places where books can’t go? How can digital currency help us get support for missions to places where banks don’t want to send funds to? How can we make apps and devices that will help us overcome specific challenges in evangelism in closed places?

For artificial intelligence to be a blessing to mission, we need organic intelligence, inspired by the Holy Spirit, coming from hearts that burn for the gospel. Because AI can’t save people. The grace of God is not ministered through algorithms, but through people willing to offer their lives as a sacrifice to God. And he gave some the gift of knowledge and understanding of the inner workings of technology. If you have this gift, this is the time to share it with the body of Christ.