Can AI Preach the Gospel? Redeeming Technology for God’s Glory

By harnessing the power of AI, can we rewrite the digital narrative for eternity?

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping industries and societies, the ethical dilemmas it presents loom large. Is AI inherently moral? Can it align with Christian values? These questions, often debated in both secular and faith-based spaces, have prompted some to see the technology not as a threat but as a divine opportunity.

Andre Echevarria, leader of U.S. digital strategies at Cru, a global Christian ministry, offers a profound perspective: “Can we redeem it for the glory of God?” His approach underscores a belief that even the most advanced technologies can serve the eternal mission of spreading the Gospel.

A Story of Redemption in the Digital Age

Echevarria’s conviction is not rooted in abstract theology but in real-world impact. He shared a touching testimony from a young person whose life was transformed through AI-driven social media algorithms.

“I never grew up with a true role model in my life. I was never raised religious. My story starts after 2020… Christians were coming up on my ‘For You’ page on social media. I decided to research more about it… Eventually, I got listening to the Bible every day and eager to know more about God,” the message read.

For Echevarria, this story embodies the potential of AI to reach the unreachable. By using AI tools embedded in social media and digital advertising, Cru identifies individuals searching for hope and introduces them to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

AI as a Tool, Not a Threat

Critics of AI often raise alarms about its ethical risks, from job displacement to the erosion of privacy. Echevarria acknowledges these concerns but warns against Christians disengaging entirely.

“We just lose an opportunity,” he explained. “We should take every opportunity to share … the eternal hope we have.”

Rather than view AI as a moral arbiter, he encourages believers to see it as an “advanced intern” — a means to ease tasks and amplify efforts without replacing human creativity and discernment. At Cru, AI helps analyze data, translate content into dozens of languages, and tailor Gospel presentations to specific cultural contexts.

For example, AI can now translate resources into 60 or more languages within minutes, breaking barriers that once required years of painstaking work. These advancements allow ministries to reach the global mission field at an unprecedented pace.

Guardrails of Faith and Responsibility

Even as AI accelerates ministry efforts, Echevarria stresses the importance of maintaining control. At Cru, AI never operates autonomously; every piece of content is guided by human hands and hearts steeped in faith.

“AI doesn’t have a story,” he said. “We have a story, and that story God continues to write.”

This recognition of the sacredness of human testimony ensures AI remains a tool, not a substitute, for authentic Gospel outreach.

The Future of Ministry in an AI-Driven World

The potential for AI in ministry continues to expand. From personalized faith resources to real-time cultural contextualization, technology is paving new roads for sharing God’s love. However, the heart of this mission remains unchanged: bringing people closer to Christ through relationships, conversations, and intentionality.

For Echevarria and other Christian leaders, the goal is clear: to redeem AI as an accelerator for the Great Commission. In his words, “Every click, every interaction, and every translated word is an opportunity to show someone the eternal hope we have in Jesus.”

“Redeem the Time, Redeem the Tech”

As AI evolves, so does its role in shaping the spiritual landscape. The question is not whether AI is ethical in and of itself, but whether believers will step into the gap and use it for God’s purposes.

In the end, AI may be a remarkable tool, but it is God’s story—written through His people—that holds the power to transform lives. The challenge now is to take up this digital cross and carry it boldly into the mission field.