AI and the Holy Spirit: Navigating Global Church Strategy in a Technological Era

At the recent fourth Lausanne Congress in Incheon, Korea, 5,000 Christian leaders gathered to share insights, pray, and discuss the future of global missions. Among the many topics explored, one emerging theme captured the attention of many attendees: the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the church strategy for global evangelism and discipleship.

As the world moves deeper into the digital age, the use of technology in ministry has become increasingly relevant. However, the question remains—how should the global church balance AI-driven strategies with reliance on the Holy Spirit? This tension was brought into sharp focus during the Congress, particularly when an illustration comparing two robots—one making precise but slow calculations, and the other working faster through automation—was used to highlight the possibilities AI brings to ministry.

One proposed outcome of the Congress was the creation of a technology hub, where an AI model could suggest collaborations and partnerships in ministry work. This development sparked a mix of curiosity and concern, especially for those who see AI’s involvement in strategic planning as unsettling.

For many Pentecostal believers, like the author of this reflection, the suggestion of depending on AI for church strategy raises serious theological concerns. The implicit narrative that human efforts in accomplishing the Great Commission have been inefficient and disorganized undermines a core belief: the Holy Spirit has been actively leading and directing the church for centuries, even if we cannot always see the full tapestry He is weaving.

The concern stems from several assumptions embedded in the narrative:

• That the global church’s efforts are random and ineffective without AI.
• That human leadership under the Holy Spirit is insufficient in its current form.
• That AI could coordinate evangelism efforts better than the Spirit of God.

While the use of AI in summarizing data or organizing information can be helpful, there is a significant difference between using technology as a tool and depending on it for strategic spiritual guidance. AI, designed by humans, is limited by its creators’ understanding and biases. The Holy Spirit, however, transcends human wisdom and orchestrates the work of the Kingdom in ways that often defy human logic.

The message to the global church is clear: Technology is a useful tool, but it must remain just that—a tool. It cannot replace the more profound, time-consuming work of listening to the Holy Spirit and following His guidance. As the church moves forward in the digital age, it’s critical to reaffirm that true wisdom and direction come from God alone.

For more on this discussion, you can read the full article on ChurchLeaders.