Using AI for Evangelism: Algorithms and the Great Commission

1. Introduction: Proclaiming Christ in a Digital Age

The Great Commission—Christ’s mandate to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19)—has driven Christian mission across every age. Today, that mission intersects with a powerful new tool: artificial intelligence (AI). With its ability to analyse behaviour, generate content, and personalise communication at scale, AI is being used by churches, ministries, and Christian technologists to spread the gospel in unprecedented ways. But as with every tool, the use of AI in evangelism raises important theological and ethical questions: Does AI serve the Spirit’s work, or risk substituting algorithmic efficiency for genuine encounter?

2. Biblical and Theological Foundations

2.1 Evangelism as Spirit-Driven Witness

Biblical evangelism is not merely about transmission of information—it is a Spirit-empowered proclamation of Christ that calls for response:

Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”
Romans 10:14 – “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
1 Corinthians 2:4 – Paul’s message did not rest on “persuasive words of wisdom,” but on the Spirit’s power

These texts highlight that evangelism is relational, incarnational, and empowered by divine initiative, not human technique.

3. Contemporary Applications: How AI Is Being Used for Evangelism

3.1 Personalised Gospel Outreach

AI can identify individuals or demographics who may be spiritually open based on online behaviour, life events, or expressed interests. Churches and ministries use:

Targeted ads with Scripture or testimonies
AI-generated devotionals matched to life crises
Chatbots that engage in spiritual conversations

This approach resembles the work of missionaries contextualising the gospel for each culture—only now, it’s algorithmically tailored to individual users.

3.2 Translation and Localisation at Scale

AI supports Bible translation efforts through machine learning models, enabling:

Real-time Scripture access in unreached languages
Auto-generation of evangelistic media for minority groups
Voice cloning for multilingual audio Bibles and sermons

This dramatically accelerates mission outreach, especially in linguistically diverse regions.

3.3 24/7 Global Gospel Access

AI-powered evangelistic platforms operate continuously across time zones. Examples include:

Evangelism chatbots available to seekers on demand
Automated response systems for prayer requests
AI-generated gospel content on social media, video, and podcasts

4. Critical Evaluation: Strengths and Limitations

4.1 Strengths of AI for Evangelism

Scalability – One message can reach millions instantly
Customisation – The gospel can be framed contextually without compromising core truths
Accessibility – Reaches isolated populations or digitally engaged youth
Follow-up – AI can track and prompt spiritual next steps (e.g. connect to a church, join a study group)

4.2 Limitations and Ethical Cautions

Lack of Human Relationship – Evangelism is more than messaging; it involves hospitality, suffering, and ongoing discipleship
Algorithmic Bias – Targeting may reinforce social inequality or prioritise convenience over spiritual readiness
Risk of Manipulation – Emotionally tailored AI content may blur lines between persuasion and coercion
Spiritual Authenticity – AI may simulate concern, but cannot intercede, love, or embody the gospel

The gospel is a Person, not a product.

5. Faithful Christian Response: Algorithm with the Spirit

Christians should embrace AI tools for evangelism without surrendering core principles of relational witness and spiritual dependence. This includes:

Embedding ethical oversight in evangelistic AI design
Ensuring theological accuracy and gospel clarity in content
Following up with real human connection (local churches, mentoring, small groups)
Training digital missionaries—believers skilled in both gospel witness and digital engagement
Praying over data-driven outreach—remembering it is the Spirit who convicts and draws

The goal is not faster conversion, but faithful proclamation.

6. Conclusion: The Great Commission in the Digital World

AI may help us go “into all the digital world” with the gospel, but only the Spirit can convert hearts. The Church must ensure that technology serves mission—not replaces it. Evangelism remains a sacred task: personal, sacrificial, and Spirit-filled. AI can amplify our voice, but the message must still come from lives surrendered to Christ.

Algorithms may open doors, but only Jesus saves.